Development of an America's Cup 45 tacking simulator

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an AC45 simulator conducted as a student Master’s project at the University of Southampton. The main aim was to be able to asses and improve the tacking skills of the helm and the crew through systematic training. The physical interface of the simulator replicates the seating position of the helmsman and the main trimmer and the graphical representation provides the users with visual cues of the simulated boat, boundaries and marks for a sample race course. The theoretical model uses hydrodynamic manoeuvring coefficients based on empirical formulae and experimental data. The aerodynamic forces are pre-calculated using a full-scale RANS CFD simulation. The accuracy of the model is verified against the AC45 racing tracking data to ensure that the speed loss during a tack, experienced by the users of the simulator, is as close to reality as possible. The ultimate aim of the project was to study the potential of the simulator to assess and train the crews, improving their skill in tacking the boat effectively. This has been done by examining the performance of two groups of users over a series of practice sessions. The simulator could be potentially used for training the helmsmen of the Youth America’s Cup Red-Bull teams, which have limited budgets, training days and sailing experience compared to the professional AC sailor