{"id":73,"date":"2025-06-09T15:56:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T15:56:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=73"},"modified":"2025-06-09T15:56:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T15:56:56","slug":"can-battery-powered-boats-really-be-called-sailing-boats-mat-sheahan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=73","title":{"rendered":"Can battery powered boats really be called sailing boats? \u2013 Mat Sheahan"},"content":{"rendered":"

If using an engine is \u2018cheating\u2019, what about an electrical \u2018boost\u2019? One of the last tenets of racing under sail is about to be challenged<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Burling and Co head to the finish line in front of fans at the British SailGP regatta in Plymouth. Photo: SailGP <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you ride an e-bike you\u2019ll be used to being called a cheat. You\u2019ll also be familiar with the way opinion has polarised in the cycling world on their benefits versus downfalls, particularly where there has been criticism from walkers who blame e-powered mountain bike riders for ripping up the countryside.<\/p>\n

But what a game-changer they are, allowing you to explore further afield while making it more fun for those who\u2019d otherwise be at the back of the pack.<\/p>\n

Now, think about what might happen if sailing went down a similar route? If we thought that the foiling<\/a> debate had stirred things up, just wait until the issue of powered race boats gets under the sailing public\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n

Because the next hot topic that the racing world looks set to grapple with is arguably even bigger. How much power can you use aboard a boat before it strays beyond the definition of sailing? Should electrical assistance be allowed at all? Some will doubtless argue that we shouldn\u2019t even be talking about how much, as any assistance from power while racing is wrong.<\/p>\n

Years ago, I remember being told by a fellow crew member about a rather unethical racing owner who was trying to convince the skipper and crew that running the engine in gear during a drifter of a race \u2018just for a little bit\u2019 was completely okay. He argued that it was fine as it would only be for a short distance and he promised he would switch it off as soon as they reached the little bit of wind that was currently out of their reach.<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018The America\u2019s Cup has always been pushing boundaries\u2019 \u2013 Matt Sheahan<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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For a great pub quiz question, when was the first America\u2019s Cup race? The answer to sailing fans is obvious:\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n