Onboard monitoring on 67m Hetairos ketch.

This unique 220 tons ketch with its very special philosophy, including extremely high-technology materials and building techniques as well as a large number of pioneering solutions never seen on sailing yachts before, in combination with its custom classic design, has been one of the most challenging projects in the world.

The onboard system delivered by the Wolfson Unit is based on the CANbus technology and includes eight purpose-built LBSS (Long Base Strain Sensors) designed by former Unit engineer Peter Weynberg  and Dr. Paolo Manganelli of Gurit, and the LyDams software (Large Yacht Data Acquisition, Monitoring and Storage), conceived and developed by Matteo Scarponi of the Wolfson Unit.

LyDams provides real time information on the vessel's state, in the form of sensor readouts, statistical information, warnings and alarms. The program has built-in damage models which take into account the loading history for each sensor.

The LyDams version developed for Hetairos collects a large quantity of onboard data, including:

• hull and deck strain data from the LBSS;
• load data from load pins fitted to the rigging and winches;
• torque data from the foresails' furlers;
• pressure data from hydraulic cylinders fitted to the runners.

Martin Flink of Flink Engineering, responsible for all electrical systems and installations onboard Hetairos, has been working in close connection with Matteo and Peter throughout the project.  Martin notes: "In a project of this magnitude there are a lot of last minute changes. I am very impressed by the flexibility of the Wolfson Unit team. It's a great feeling working with people who share the same heartfelt love for the art of sailing."