Switzerland – After rumors, speculation, the release of partial, cryptic photos and much whining in the media regarding a lockdown on press access, the 90 foot carbon composite Alinghi 5 catamaran has splashed down on Lake Geneva. Intended for the America’s Cup Deed of Gift race with BMW Oracle, this big cat has been the focus of attention for many an armchair sailor. And what does it look like, this marvel of modern sailing design? As you can see for yourself, it’s, um… a big catamaran. Simple, minimalist, and by the looks of it, fast.Â
Obviously, looking fast is not the important part; being fast is what matters. As the boat now goes into its on-the-water testing phase, we get to see whether the draftsman’s pen (well, 3D CAD rendering) will stand up to the real world. There’s nothing too … Details & great pictures