Numerical predictions of the flow and resistance components of sailing yachts

In the present paper, the usefulness of numerical methods for calculating the flow around yachts is demonstrated. Such methods have now reached a stage, where they are accurate enough for optimization purposes, and may therefore be used as a complement to model testing. The paper first introduces some basic concepts related to the flow around the hull and to the force components. Thereafter, a brief description is given of a newly developed chain of computer programs, and, finally, test calculations are reported for the 5.5m yacht Antiope and a 12m yacht. Where measured data are available, comparisons are made with the calculated results, and the agreement is shown to be satisfactory.