Image-based approach for measuring and analysing the 3D shape of sails.

In this project, we developed an image-based approach to measuring and analyzing the 3D shape of sails and delivered to team Alinghi a software package provides accurate curvature measurements. It can be used to monitor the behavior of the spinnaker and main sail under real sailing conditions and to improve their design accordingly. We have pursued this work with Bernard Stamm's Rivage Team.

This is important because quantitative measures of the sail shapes allow the design team to compare the behaviors of the same sail under different wind conditions, of sails of similar shape but made of different materials in the same conditions, and of sails of different design. This leads to a finer understanding of what sails do under real sailing conditions and, ultimately, to increased performance. 

In the longer run, it will also serve to validate and improve simulation tools. Such tools predict a particular behavior and comparing it to the actual one will allow our mechanical engineering colleagues to improve them to the point where their predictions match reality as closely as possible.