A3 has a very long rudder-at 13 feet it was the maximum allowed. We designed a deeper rudder to be efficient at the unusually large rudder angles these particular sailors seemed to need to steer well. Mighty Mary, with its sleek narrow hull and relatively small keel, has terrific maneuvering, but keeping it aimed correctly is a challenge. It's short, shaped like a whale's tail. It has the best faring of winglets to keel, we think.
Whales do their tails very nicely-they've had so long to evolve.
Since two designers formerly with A3 went to Australia this time, it is not surprising that the boats would more closely resemble each other. But we're a lot stronger. Pushing the envelope of design for speed has made many boats more fragile than in the past. Its bulb has an unusual dip in the middle, which is difficult to see from the photo angles that were permitted at the unveiling. It is the slowest boat by all reports, yet continues to surprise with wins and brilliant tactical sailing.