Module overview
The design of sailing yachts and powercraft combines engineering science, creativity and performance optimisation. Whether intended for racing, recreation or specialist operations, these vessels require innovative solutions that balance speed, safety, efficiency and usability.
In this module, you will apply naval architecture principles through a series of practical design projects focused on both sailing and powered craft. You will gain experience using industry-relevant design tools and methodologies while evaluating hull forms, structures, rig configurations and overall vessel performance. Throughout the design process, you will develop engineering judgement and learn how to make informed decisions when competing design requirements must be balanced.
By the end of the module, you will be able to develop and justify design solutions for a variety of small craft applications. The skills gained are directly relevant to careers in yacht design, small craft development and specialist naval architecture.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- The students will select and use appropriate design tools for the design exercises and understand their limitations.
- Part of the deliverable is a brochure (non-technical) as well as technical reports for the design solutions.
- The design exercises embrace a systems design approach where the design solutions for particular design aspects must work in the larger system of the yacht. Students are expected to observe this in the design reports.
Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- In each of the design exercises the students must analyse the design problem and use their knowledge understanding to generate a design solution at the forefront of yacht and powercraft design.
- This module consists of 4 coursework exercises which expect the students to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of mathematics and engineering principles associated with the design of complex sailing yacht and powercraft vessels.
- The designs are conducted within the regulatory requirements for yacht design in a commercial environment.
- This module is a design module and the 4 exercises are designed to explore different areas, such as initial design, structures, sail-plan design and hull design. This must be completed with consideration of the process of yacht design and the associated regulatory regime and the constraints of customer needs.
- Material and equipment selection are an integral part of the design assessments.
- The design exercises expect the students to refer to technical literature for their design solution.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The synthesis of hull structural design.
- The considerations and methodologies used to design powercraft.
- The methodologies for hull form parameter selection.
- The operational requirements of typical yacht types and the definition of how intended function influences the design process.
- Sailplan and mast design methodologies.
- The powercraft design tendering and award based on concept design exercise.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Employ appropriate design methodologies to the production of preliminary and design drawings for a new vessel.
- Understand the process of yacht design and the associated regulatory regime
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to create hull geometries using a hull fairing package
- Communicate your design through a technical brochure.
- Make informed judgements between conflicting aspects of vessel performance in design.
- Understand the process of design review and assessment
- Carry out typical design calculations for the powering, stability, loading and structural strength of high-speed power craft
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Increased abilities towards making engineering judgements / estimations
Syllabus
• Balance of air and water forces.
• Velocity prediction programs.
• Static stability.
• Rating and handicap rules.
• Hydrodynamics of hull, keel and rudder.
• Aerodynamics of sails.
• Mast and rigging design.
• Materials in construction.
• Structural design of hull elements.
• Powercraft Design.
• Loading - classical methods of assessment, empirical methods.
• Regulatory regimes - role of regulation.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
• Supervised design office sessions supported by key lectures.
Learning activities include
• Individual work on all four assignments.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 37 |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Tutorial | 24 |
| Follow-up work | 37 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Proceedings of FAST conference series.
Proceedings of other conferences relevant to high-speed craft. RINA conferences, High- Performance Marine Vehicle conference series
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral method: All coursework may be modified and re-submitted. It is a requirement to re-submit all four coursework elements and each must achieve a minimum of 50%.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 75% |
| Final Assessment | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal