Imitation in Sprint: Exploring the Methods of One Monkey Imitating Another During a Race
The 1983 America's Cup was a thrilling best-of-seven series between the American yacht Liberty and the Australian yacht Australia II. The race started with Liberty leading after Australia II was penalised for crossing the starting line early.
However, the race was far from a one-sided affair. Liberty, confident in its lead, stayed on the right side of the course, believing it to be the safer and better option. On the other hand, Australia II chose to sail on the left side of the course, despite the winds being better on the right, in an attempt to catch up and close the gap.
The "follow the leader" strategy, a simplified model in game theory, was at play here. In a sailing race, the leading boat is expected to stay on the same course as the second boat, even if a different route might be more favourable. But the "follow the leader" strategy is only effective under certain conditions, such as in a match with more than two players or if the first-place winner wins by a significant margin.
In this case, Australia II's daring move paid off. The wind suddenly shifted to the left, and Australia II won the race. This victory marked a turning point in the series, as Australia II went on to win two more races, breaking America's 131-year winning streak and securing the cup.
Liberty, needing one more win to secure victory, was under immense pressure. The lead ship would have needed to optimise its sail trim and course strategy, maintain maximum speed throughout the race, and effectively respond to changing wind and sea conditions to ensure winning the race.
Meanwhile, in a different realm, the creators of the Evolution Canal, a larger, comprehensive, and time-consuming scientific platform project, were also navigating their own course. Unlike articles and videos found on social media, the Evolution Canal is the main job and source of income for the creators, not a hobby. If sufficient income is not secured from the Evolution Canal, the creators may be forced to leave and return to their own professions.
The "Monkey see, monkey do" strategy, suggesting that a winning strategy should be copied by others to maintain their lead, was another factor at play in the 1983 America's Cup. However, in real-life situations, the complexity of reality should be considered when applying game theory. Ego, overconfidence, and the desire to win by a large margin can deter people from using the "follow the leader" strategy or the "Monkey see, monkey do" strategy.
In the end, it was Australia II's courage, strategic thinking, and adaptability that led to their historic victory. The race served as a reminder that in the world of sailing, as in life, sometimes the road less travelled leads to success.
