But it’s not just the design of these boats that’s advanced. The real innovation lies in the data. America’s Cup teams have access to performance data that is driving them to new levels of excellence. One of the most important types of data they rely on is load data—essential for optimising the performance of these complex foiling yachts.
Revolutionary Load Monitoring with Fibre Optics
While load cells have been used in grand prix sailing for years, the AC75s are a different beast altogether. These cutting-edge boats require advanced rigging that can handle extreme forces while providing real-time data to help teams maximise performance and avoid damage. València based Future Fibres, the one-design rigging supplier for the America’s Cup, is leading the way with their fibre optic load monitoring technology.
Future Fibres’ rigging integrates fibre optics directly into the cables, allowing them to transmit data at an impressive rate of 300Hz through light pulses. This means teams can receive real-time information about the loads their rigging is experiencing during a race, which is crucial when it comes to fine-tuning the boat for optimal performance.
Data-Driven Performance on the Water
The data from these fibre optic systems isn’t just used during training or testing—it’s available live during races and plays a key role in post-race analysis. By understanding how their boats respond to different conditions, America’s Cup teams can make informed decisions that will enhance performance and minimise the risk of equipment failure.
This technology doesn’t just benefit the elite teams competing in the America’s Cup. Future Fibres, along with other companies in its group, are working to bring load monitoring to the wider sailing market. Through platforms like Sailmon, which integrates Synapse load cells, everyday sailors can now access similar performance insights. With a seamless pre-calibrated system and an intuitive dashboard, Sailmon’s technology is offering greater safety and performance insights for sailors of all levels.
Innovation That’s Changing Sailing
Seth Cooley, Chief Engineer at Future Fibres, is excited about what this technology means for the future of sailing. “Our integrated fibre optic monitoring systems are a game-changer,” says Cooley. “Not only do they give sailors the tools they need to push performance to new heights, but they also ensure safety by providing accurate data on the loads experienced during races.”
The benefits of this technology go beyond the racecourse. As Future Fibres continues to refine its systems, we’re likely to see load monitoring become a standard feature for both competitive sailors and recreational boaters. The ability to monitor the forces acting on a boat’s rigging in real time means that sailors can make adjustments on the fly, improving both safety and performance.
The Future of Sailing, Today
As the America’s Cup continues to set new standards for speed, precision, and performance, it’s clear that technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of sailing. Whether it’s fibre optic load monitoring or other advanced systems, the innovations we’re seeing today will undoubtedly influence how boats are built and sailed in the future.
For those passionate about the sea, these developments open up exciting possibilities. As technology trickles down from elite competitions like the America’s Cup to everyday sailing, the potential to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the water is more accessible than ever.
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