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| Alinghi
Falla Fallas are big in Valencia. Their origins go back to the 18th century and San Jose - the patron saint of carpenters- and, every year, on the eve of the saint's day, fantastically shaped creatures and dolls are still hung in the streets.  What's
that got to do with the America's Cup? Well we know Alinghi has a Falla
and we know that, by tradition, every Falla alludes to some event that
is questionable, censurable or shameful. Alinghi revealed its Falla and its keels on the same day - unveiling day. Was the timing coincidence, or were they trying to tell us something? Is that cheeky chappie apologising, in advance, for something "questionable, censurable or shameful" in one of his fellow keels? The principles of how a bendy keel would work and get round the rules seem pretty obvious to me, but I'm just an amateur, so I put it to one who isn't. I asked renowned naval architect Bob Perry, of Perry Yacht Designers Inc, to give an expert opinion. "Will it work I asked?", when he'd looked at my sketch. "Sure, this would work!", was the unequivocal reply. Bob was less certain on the legality, but sure it would bring a significant advantage. Full interview here. William Wallace 04/19/07 |