Team French Spirit builds two 1/4 scale models of the future AC 90

[Source: Team French Spirit] Team French Spirit begins an intensive optimisation programme of its numerical simulation methods

- Performing numerical simulation methods for the Jury of the Designer’s Contest.
- The H2X yard in La Ciotat is milling two 7 m. long models.

To build an America’s Cup Team able to compete with the best, Team French Spirit is taking into account the various components required for a great team : resources in terms of men, material, finances as well as making the best use of the time available. In view of the 34th America’s Cup, the designer’s contest’s is a major component of this strategy.

Team French Spirit has now realised two 1/4 scale models of the future AC 90 (as per the currently known data). These models will be tank tested from July 7th at the testing facilities of the DGA in Val de Reuil. “The purpose of these tests– explains Yann Roux, aerodynamics & coordinator of the Jury – is to validate a methodology based on numerical simulation. By testing two radically different hull shapes, we will be able to compare the tank-testing results with the numerical results, as these will be one of the selection criteria among the various projects submitted to our Jury.”

Based in Saint-Tropez, Team French Spirit makes the best use of local qualifications. Jacques and Nicolas Fauroux – they drew the lines of the two models – are located in Cannes while Franck de Rivoyre – structural engineer – and Yann Roux, have their offices in Sophia Antipolis, near Nice.

From left to right, Marc Pajot, Président and Team Manager Team French Spirit, Nicolas Fauroux, Naval Architect, Sébastien Grall, CEO H2X Yachts & Ships yard. Nice, 23 June 2008. Photo copyright Thierry Seray / Team French Spirit