Testing America's Cup Scales
When is a kilogram not a kilogram?
Sounds impossible, right? Because it is always the same block of metal or whatever, isn't it?
Well, yes and no! Because what we measure on a scale is in fact a kgf; i.e. a Kilogram Force, and while the kilogram is constant
the force changes because it is the force of gravity.
And it depends where you are in the world - on the same scale you will weigh lighter on top of Mount Everest
than you do in the bathroom because the effect of gravity is less. And out in space, that same kilogram
will weigh nothing, of course!
And that is why, at present, we are re-setting the calibration of the America's Cup teams' scales: to adjust them to New Zealand conditions.