CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
27 June 2007
Implementation Investments
32nd America's Cup to Be Decided by Racing Yacht Designed in SolidWorks; Everything from keel fins to deck rigging for Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand designed in SolidWorks 3D CAD software
Emirates Team New Zealand ( ETNZ ) and Alinghi are competing in the 2007 America's Cup this week in racing yachts designed using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software. A wide range of features on both boats including the hulls, winch mounts, and other deck hardware was designed in SolidWorks to be durable, dependable, and as light as possible in the most demanding of racing conditions.
Taking place off the coast of Valencia, Spain, the 32nd America's Cup features a rematch of the two yachts that competed for the championship in 2003. Switzerland-based Alinghi, the first team to return the Auld Mug trophy to Europe in 152 years, is defending its title against ETNZ, which has competed for the America's Cup four times (winning twice) since 1987. Both teams used SolidWorks to push the limits of hull and keel design within strict America's Cup guidelines.
ETNZ used SolidWorks and COSMOSWorks® design analysis software to develop and test new approaches to structural design such as the keel fin, which must support a weight of nearly 20,000 kilograms when the boat is heeled over under a strong wind. "Every stay, eye bolt, and winch must meet exacting standards so the boat performs to its maximum potential," said Grant Dalton, managing director for ETNZ. "SolidWorks and COSMOSWorks let our engineers visualize different concepts and see new ways to make the boat faster."
Shortly after its founding in 2000, Alinghi migrated from 2D drawings to SolidWorks 3D CAD to streamline development of components that require constant innovation to stay ahead of the competition. " SolidWorks had become so widespread in our industry it was important for us to speak the same design language as our suppliers," said Grant Simmer, managing director and design team coordinator for Alinghi. "Our engineers use SolidWorks to design close to the edge so we can get the best performance from every single feature of the boat."
ETNZ won the Louis Vuitton Cup earlier this month to earn the right to challenge Alinghi for the championship. The America's Cup runs from June 23 through July 7. The team that is the first to win five races, wins.
"This is the premier event for yacht racing, and it is a test of tactics, execution, and technology," said Rainer Gawlick, vice president of worldwide marketing for SolidWorks Corporation. "Good luck to both teams as they race toward the Auld Mug this year!"
Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi work with authorized SolidWorks' resellers Intercad Pty. Ltd. and e-Systems, respectively, for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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