Volvo OR: Spanish yachts pass the test
'Telefonica Black undergoing the Volvo Ocean Race structure and safety tests'
Volvo Ocean Race ©
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The two Telefonica boats have passed their structure and safety tests laid down by the new Volvo Open 70 rule.
The tests involve a fully comprehensive check by the class measurers which is designed to determine whether the new generation of Volvo Open 70s meet the parameters set out by the designers. Boat structure and the performance of the keel hydraulics are also scrutinised.
The test involves evaluating each one of the keel rams separately. On the one hand only one of the hydraulic rams is activated and the keel pivots to an angle of 40 degrees, with the boat listing so that the keel stays parallel to sea level. 
This is done to see what pressure is applied to the hydraulic ram and if the boat could sail, if necessary, with just one ram in operation, instead of two.
Once the first ram is tested and the boat's reaction is measured, the process is repeated with the second ram pivoted to the other side. The same test also monitors the stability of the boat.
The Chief Measurer, James Dadd, who has spent the past few days in Alicante, to carry out and oversee the tests, confirmed that both Spanish boats - Telefonica Blue and Telefonica Black - had passed satisfactorily. 
by Volvo Ocean Race Media 
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Aldgate, SA
