Relative Performance of Conventional Versus Movable-Ballast Racing Yachts

Over the past few years several advanced concepts have gained wider acceptance from owners of large racing yachts and organizers of major international events. Two of these concepts, water ballast and canting keels, were evaluated during the design of the maxZ86 yachts Pyewacket and Morning Glory. This paper presents the key design features of these large movable ballast racing yachts and compares their performance to conventional racing yachts of similar size. Comparisons include results of physical model tests, CFD analysis using a panel code, velocity prediction program modeling, and sailing data from the existing boats. These results are accompanied by physical explanations of the differences, and the special testing and analysis requirements for the movable-ballast configurations are detailed. Finally, some of the design issues unique to the movable-ballast concepts and design trade-offs are discussed.