A REAL TIME DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF SAILBOAT RIGGING

• Main Authors: Inmaculada Ortigosa, Julio García-Espinosa, Marcel la Castells
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture 2016-01-01
• Series: Brodogradnja
• Subjects: racing yacht; trim parameters; decision support system; rigging monitoring
• Online Access: http://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&id_clanak_jezik=220444

The operational complexity and performance requirements of modern racing yachts demand the use of advanced applications, such as a decision support system (DSS) able to assist crew members during navigation. In this article, the authors describe a near-time computational solver as the main piece of a DSS which analyses and monitors the behaviour of sails and rigging. The solver is made up of two different interconnected tools: an iterative Fluid-Structure Interaction algorithm and an advanced Wireless Sensor Network to monitor rigging. The real-time DSS quantifies crew manoeuvres in physical terms, which are reproduced by a simulation program. It can be used in the design phase of sailing yachts and as an aid for real-time boat performance optimisation and accident prevention. This novel DSS is a useful tool for navigation, especially in races.