Pushing the Limits: Analyzing the ETNZ Testing Loophole

THE FOIL////2 min read

Strategic Exploitation of the Technical Regulations

In the high-stakes world of the , the battle begins long before the first starting gun. (ETNZ) is currently navigating a sophisticated "gray area" within the protocol for the 37th Cup. By utilizing the as a development mule, the team appears to be leveraging a loophole in the technical regulations. The rule allows teams to spread their quota of self-made test parts across multiple hulls, provided those hulls remain in One Design (OD) configuration. This creates a strategic opening for intensive two-boat testing that could mathematically double a team's data acquisition rate.

Performance Breakdown: The Banana Foil and Mast Mods

Technical surveillance reveals has been relentlessly iterating on their "banana foil," now reaching revision G. While these incremental changes in thickness and chord are subtle, the real controversy lies in the parts they haven't declared. Observation shows specific modifications to the mast head and hull surfaces—including fiber pads and fairing materials—that have not been registered as components. If these modifications fall outside the strict One Design rules, the team risks a massive

Topic DensityMention share of the most discussed topics · 11 mentions across 8 distinct topics
18%· products
18%· companies
18%· products
9%· products
9%· companies
Other topics
27%
End of Article
Source video
Pushing the Limits: Analyzing the ETNZ Testing Loophole

Is the ETNZ Two Boat Programme Legal?

Watch

THE FOIL // 8:40

The Foil is a new wave of racing media. We are a fresh, all-new, proudly independent digital media brand dedicated to the sport of sail racing. Our focus is centred around the major peaks of the international sport: SailGP, the America’s Cup and the Olympic Games, plus offshore classes and events, and the diverse wider world of sailing competitions that take place around the globe.

Who and what they mention most
SailGP
30.6%19
AC75
17.7%11
Andy Rice
17.7%11
2 min read0%
2 min read