Wind-related Sensors

These are the Sensors which in my opinion are required for our 'racing yacht'. If there are any problems with my selection feel free to comment or email me thanks.

A Wind Transducer on Masthead

Used to measure the true wind speed and the apparent wind speed (wind speed that is ‘felt’ on the boat). Can either be wired or wireless.

Gyro-Stabilised compass (AKA Heading indicator)

Provides Heading information through the 3 axis rate gyros to correct the motion of the yacht. Also provides Heel and Trim data. This compass ‘learns’ the magnetic effects on the yacht and automatically applies the deviation correction.

Gimballed rate sensor (GRC)

Normally a single-axis gyro is fitted in the plane of the boat. This means that when the boat is heeled the single-axis gyro is susceptible to errors when the boat pitches back and forth. A GRC solves this problem by ‘gimballing’ the rate-sensor, ensuring that it is always measuring the true yaw rate, independent of any heel and trim effects. GRC can also integrate with heel and trim sensors.

Inclinometer #1 – heel angle sensor

The addition of a heel sensor to the system provides display of Heel Angle and increases the accuracy of the following functions:

· Apparent Wind Angle

· Apparent Wind Speed

· True Wind Angle

· True Wind Speed

· True Wind Direction

· Dead Reckoning

· Tidal Set and Drift

Inclinometer #2 – Trim angle sensor

Provides display of Trim Angle and increases the accuracy of the following functions:

· Apparent Wind Angle

· Apparent Wind Speed

· True Wind Angle

· True Wind Speed

· True Wind Direction

Mast rotation sensor

Assuming our racing yacht will have a rotating mast (most existing racing yachts have them) then we will need this because otherwise the wind data (measured from the masthead wind transducer) will become inaccurate as the mast rotates away from the centreline. Using this sensor introduces 2 additional functions, ‘wind angle to the mast’ and ‘mast angle’. These new functions can be used to correct the measured wind angle for mast rotation angle.