Finite-element model of a rigid wing sail for a maxi trimaran

Since 1994, HDS is a major player in the design of complex composite parts, especially for racing sailing yachts [1]. In this paper, we suggest to present our approach in the design and finite-element modelling of the rigid wing-sail of the trimaran that won the 33rd America's Cup, held in February 2010. From the decision to design the wing-sail to the assembly on the maxi trimaran, we will present the different steps of design and computation: principles and assessment of the aerodynamic loads, structural design and modelling with tools adapted to each problem, mass optimization. Then, we will detail some of the numerical problems that we faced in this project.