Abstract

Because of the long history of the Finn Dinghy sailing class, the difference between a gold medal and a mediocre result often comes down to personal mistakes of the sailor, or to who has the most optimised equipment. Regarding the latter, the Finn class rules permit certain design variations of the hull, mast, sail and rudder. In the current contribution, we describe a method for developing a customised rudder system aimed at optimal performance during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Based on hydrodynamic analysis of existing rudder designs, an improved rudder geometry was developed. Based on the concept geometry, the rudder and tiller were structurally designed and manufactured to achieve high stiffness and sufficient strength, while respecting the minimum mass requirements as specified by the rules.

Highlights

  • The hydrodynamic performance of the rudder is crucial for the overall performance of a Finn dinghy

  • To keep the rudder at minimum weight imposed by the class rules—a minimum of 4 kg in total for the rudder, tiller, tiller extension and fittings—carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) were used as the base material type in the design

  • Two load cases were considered in the structural design of the rudder system: Normal sailing condition and Sailor supporting condition, where the latter is an idealisation of the case when the sailor leans or falls on the tiller or tiller extension

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Summary

Introduction

The hydrodynamic performance of the rudder is crucial for the overall performance of a Finn dinghy. Liu and Hekkenberg [1] made a comprehensive review of existing rudder design and performance for ships, very few publications can be found for sailing boats. In the same study, several aspects of the rudder design that have a large influence on the performance were identified. In this study, we investigate the potential performance benefits achievable by designing a completely new, customised rudder system (rudder, tiller, tiller extension and attachments). The new rudder system has been developed based on an optimised hydrodynamical profile that stays within the Finn Dinghy class rules [3], whilst exploiting some of the findings in Reference [2]

Improving the Hydrodynamic Design of Finn Rudders within Class Rule Limits
Material Selection and Structural Design
Design Load Cases and Requirements
Rudder Concept
Tiller Concept
Assembly and Mountings
Manufacturing
Conclusions

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