96 Gets A Nose Job

Crew Chief Mike Hanson and the Ellstrom Racing Team are making some changes to the U-96 Spirit of Qatar which team owner Erick Ellstrom feels will make the new boat even faster.

The hull is getting new tips on the sponsons which will have a different shape and improve the aerodynamics. The new noses are also lighter.

At the back of the boat, the deck above the transom is being reshaped, again to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the hull.

There will also be changes in the skid fin area, where struts and supports are being repositioned and remounted. Those changes, along with several new skid fins, front wings, rear wings and bull noses will be tried in a test session in the Tri-Cities in May.