What is SailMeter?
An integrated platform for real-time sail performance.
SailMeter captures, stores, analyzes, and displays the aerodynamic performance of sails in real time.
Hardware
The batten
The SailMeter sail batten is much like a regular sail batten except that its primary function is to support the pressure sensors and not the sail, though it could do both.
The advantages of using a batten are:
- The aerodynamic sensing capability can easily be added or removed from a sail.
- The sensors are protected, making them more durable and reliable.
- The functionality is modularized.
- No damage is done to the sail if temporary assessment is required; just sew on a batten pocket.
- Your investment in SailMeter hardware is not linked to the life of the individual sail.
- The design of the batten facilitates certain measurement requirements of the system.
Hardware
The sensors
Each sensor is encapsulated within a tough shell that protects it from physical damage while standardizing the aerodynamic flow past the sensor, creating a uniform measurement regime.
Sensors are connected in a chain along the length of the batten. Any number of sensors can be added to a batten, and each sensor is designed to be added to or removed from a batten easily. If the demands of the situation require a change in hardware setup, that change can be a relatively low-cost exercise.
Software
The application
The SailMeter application is where the value of the hardware platform becomes evident. The application is able to:
- Record and present data in real time.
- Handle multiple battens on multiple sails simultaneously.
- Integrate SailMeter data with other onboard systems, such as boat speed and apparent wind angle.
- Compare incoming data with learned performance.
- Present defined metrics of current versus historic or analytic performance.
- Publish metrics to onboard systems, including mast displays.
Software
The Analysis Engine
The Analysis Engine is a pluggable component containing algorithms used to reduce the incoming data stream to intelligent, actionable information for sailors.
The Analysis Engine is built by experts in the theory and practice of sailing and reflects a significant investment in understanding the nature of sail performance. It can be tailored to the specific sail and boat, making it directly applicable to individual programs. The Analysis Engine module will be available from partner organizations.
If you are interested in building your own Analysis Engine through the Partner Program, please contact us.