Portsmouth, R.I. (April 25, 2006) - US SAILING has launched a new Race Optimization Package making it easier for owners and designers of offshore race boats to find the optimal boat configuration for any particular race. The new service, which uses the velocity prediction program of the Offshore Racing Rule, allows an owner to run “virtual” races with a fleet consisting of the owner’s boat, experimental variations of it, as well as competitors’ boats. Racing the fleet through a variety of wind conditions enables the owner to find which boat fares best against the handicaps for any weather pattern. Top offshore programs have long been able to get experimental ratings and employ a team of designers, sail-makers and meteorologists to answer the same question.

“We decided to create the Race Optimization Package to make this type of information and analysis available to everyone, to help level the playing field,” says Jim Teeters, a naval architect who is US SAILING’s Associate Offshore Director. “Everyone wants to know, for example, whether to leave the big genoa behind or what size spinnaker to carry. Of course, it all depends on the wind conditions and this new program takes this into account.”

The package is tailored to specific events, such as the Newport-Bermuda Race or the Chicago-Mac. The biggest variable in the equation is the weather data, so in addition to the standard combinations of wind speed and direction, US SAILING has partnered with Commanders’ Weather to provide race-specific forecasts. Months before the start of any race, predictions will be based on historical data. But as the start grows closer, Commanders’ Weather can start constructing wind models based on current weather patterns.

The base price of the offshore Race Optimization Package is $500, which allows an owner to plug in four boat configurations. Additional competitor boats and the Commander’s forecast can be purchased for an additional fee.

Share or bookmark this story: