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Trickle Down Technology from the America’s Cup: The Ultimate Proving Ground
The America’s Cup is not just a sailing competition; it serves as a significant driver of technological innovation that often transcends the racecourses to influence the broader sailing world. The advancements made in this prestigious event are key to the future of the sport and contribute to developments in cruising and recreational sailing.
The evolution of foiling technology, honed through rigorous research and development in the America’s Cup, has had a profound impact on the world of high-performance dinghies and superyachts alike.
Improvements in materials science, such as the use of carbon fiber rigs and Dyneema for running rigging, have dramatically increased performance by reducing weight while ensuring strength and durability. The surge in structured luff sail technology following the 36th America’s Cup illustrates how closely these innovations are tied to competition, significantly enhancing performance since their introduction in 2021.
From Australia II’s iconic winged keel in the 1983 Cup to the evolution of canting keels and wing sails in the 2000s and 2010s, the advancements fostered by this event have transformed the design and functionality of both racing vessels and cruising yachts around the globe.
Moreover, monitoring technologies have evolved significantly to meet the rigorous demands of America’s Cup racing. In a realm where precision is critical and incremental performance gains are vital, the development of accurate, real-time, and logged data collection has become essential.
The AC75, a highly innovative racing yacht, embodies the spirit of this technological progression, showcasing advancements that have redefined standards in sailing. Cyclops Marine, as an innovator in this space, has developed pioneering technology intertwined with the Cup, including our renowned wireless load sensor, smartlink. This technology, crafted in part with the INEOS Team UK for the 36th America’s Cup, offers a compact, lightweight, and durable solution that can be easily integrated into various parts of the rig and control systems.
Traditional load sensing methods often suffer from issues of vulnerability to damage and the need for regular recalibration. In contrast, smartlink is pre-calibrated, extremely durable, and can be left onboard for extended periods, maintaining accuracy to within 1%. This reliability provides enormous advantages for teams throughout their rigorous testing, training, and racing schedules.
Since its launch, smartlink has gained widespread adoption in the sailing community. The necessary modifications enabling this trickle-down benefit largely revolve around advancements in data processing and display technology. America’s Cup teams employ data professionals who leverage complex data sets, and several developments have simplified data access for a broader audience. These include a straightforward Bluetooth connection to the Cyclops app and compatibility with popular marine displays, alongside user-friendly formats for presenting data, such as the B&G safety warning dial, which aids cruising sailors in ensuring rig safety.
To delve deeper into the differences between load sensors used in high-stakes racing compared to those utilized by weekend warriors and cruisers, read our article on the evolution of the load pin here.
The development of smartlink has not only enhanced its functionality; it has shaped Cyclops Marine’s overall technological trajectory as well. The next-generation smartlink² has significantly influenced our broader product range and led to the introduction of additional sensors, including new smarttune models suitable for various thread sizes. Our enhanced Bluetooth chip design offers greater frequency options and extended range for larger yachts, coupled with improved lithium-sealed batteries for maximum durability in challenging marine environments.
Today, this cutting-edge technology caters not only to groundbreaking yachts inspired by the AC75—like the Baltic 111 ‘Raven’ and Mills 60 ‘Flying Nikka,’ both equipped with Cyclops sensors—but also to amateur sailors seeking a competitive advantage.
Another crucial aspect of this trickle-down effect has been the development of sensors specifically designed for dinghies. Cyclops Marine has proudly played a pivotal role, miniaturizing its technology to create Nano-size sensors and smarttune models tailored for thread sizes as small as 1/4″.
These innovative sensors also enable easy connections to devices like Sailmon MAX and Vakaros Atlas 2, providing straightforward data accessibility to a diverse range of sailors.
Innovation serves as a catalyst for further advancements, and structured luff sail technology’s breakthrough has given rise to smartluff—an exclusive offering for North Helix Sails developed by Cyclops Marine. Structured luff sails require optimal load sharing for maximum performance, and smartluff allows sailors to achieve precise load settings, enhancing performance to new heights in line with the recommended sail/cable load-sharing ratios provided with North Helix sails.
By integrating smartluff with smarttune or smarttoggle sensors, sailors attain an unprecedented level of precision regarding load share ratios, which is critical for maximizing boat performance.
As we look to the future, the rate of innovation shows no signs of slowing down, making it challenging to predict the next major breakthrough. However, it’s clear that the relationship between insights gained in the America’s Cup and advancements in the broader sailing community will continue to strengthen.
At Cyclops, we recognize that with every new innovation comes the need for corresponding monitoring solutions. These tools must evolve, empowering sailors to comprehend and manage the advanced technologies and enhanced performance capabilities available to them.
The influence of data analysis on decision-making—both on and off the water—grows stronger year after year. This trend has been evident at the grand prix level for some time, and for weekend sailors, we are merely at the forefront of this revolution. As technology becomes increasingly pervasive and the methods we utilize while sailing undergo transformation, we can anticipate fundamental shifts in both sailing performance and safety.
Discover how Cyclops technologies are enhancing various areas of sailing here.
Or reach out to us to speak with an expert.
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Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.
