In 1992, the class rule for the America's Cup was changed to the IACC. The Nippon Challenge decided that in order to build a successful challenger to a new class rule, the design would have to rely heavily on the results of a systematic series of tank and wind tunnel testing. The results of these simulations would then be used to build full scale boats which would be tested. The results of the full scale trials would be used to adjust the simulation techniques to fine tune the final design.
The data from the model tests were used to develop the input parameters for a Velocity Prediction Program (VPP). The VPP was used to determine the specifications for the design of the first two boats. After full scale testing, the VPP was compared to the results for about 6 months. After this verification and refinement of the VPP, a final boat was built. Finally the results of the race were evaluated and confirm that the basic design development process was correct.
