Team Australia Challenge has installed the AC40 sailing simulator at its Sydney base to provide high level training for the new America’s Cup craft.
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The simulator boasts a pair of AC40 cockpit replicas built by McConaghy Boats, incorporating seats, dashboards and helm wheels control devices and instrumentation displays, replicating precisely those in the one-design AC40 yachts, offering a unique training platform for teams to perfect their AC40 sailing skills before they get on the water.
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Nathan Outteridge, helmsman for Emirates Team New Zealand says “The simulator is key to getting everyone up to speed and familiar with the AC40 set-up. It’s very realistic with the windward/leeward course default as well as pre-start tactics. Sailors can race against each other virtually and the system is modelled to create the effect of windshifts, gusts and waves.”
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All of the sail trim and appendage controls of the AC40 yacht are provided through the genuine AC40 input devices including composite steering wheels, button panels and joysticks. Instrumentation is supplied through six phone displays, as deployed on the AC40 yachts. Steering load feedback modelled by the Gomboc physics engine is supplied by a direct drive motor connected to both wheels. Just like the AC40, the simulator is configured for a crew of four sailors - two helms and two trimmers.
The AC40 simulator is a vital stepping-stone and pathway through to the America’s Cup for Youth & Puig Women’s contenders and Team Australia are executing a detailed training schedule.
