Volvo Penta sets the mark for America´s Cup
Volvo Penta sets the mark for America´s Cup
The new 46 ft Americas Cup support vessels are used as a rounding mark of the race course, capable of precise position keeping even in strong currents and wind conditions, thanks to the Dynamic Positioning System from Volvo Penta.
When activated, the Dynamic Positioning System automatically holds the boat’s position and keeps it within a very limited area using GPS coordinates. Sophisticated and specially developed software transforms data into steering angles, gear shifts and throttle positions to keep the boat still.
The new American Cup´s support vessels are catamarans powered with twin Volvo Penta IPS450 drive systems with forward facing propellers. The vessels are designed by naval architect company One2three from Australia to meet the specifications of the America’s Cup Race Management.
“The design took advantage of the dynamic positioning control system and excellent maneuvering features of the Volvo Penta IPS drives on a hull shape that is specifically designed to be sea kindly under all weather conditions and highly efficient at speed. The main deck is arranged for full walk-around capability with 360-degree viewing”, says Steve Quigley, managing director for One2three.
The America’s Cup World Series is a professional circuit that brings world-class racing teams with cutting-edge wing-sailed catamarans flying at speeds over 30 mph to international venues. The 2012-2013 series stops in San Francisco, Venice and Naples, concluding in September 2013. The series champion will be crowned based on cumulative scores from all of the events.
