Lightweight Sailing Aerodynamics Course
Online 300 h course in lightweight sailing aerodynamics. 6 modules covering the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) and XFLR5. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the aerodynamic forces acting on a lightweight sail.
Adjust the sail's shape controls according to wind strength.
Analyse the effect of dynamic manoeuvres on propulsion.
Apply simulation tools to one-design sails.
Interpret rule 42 and the equipment rules of Olympic classes.
Correlate sailing data with aerodynamic models.
Draw up a validated trim guide for a specific class.
Who it's for
- Lightweight sailing coach wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- Sports performance technician wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- High-level racing sailor wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- One-design sail designer wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- Race judge wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- Technical coordinator of a sailing club wishing to specialise in Aerodynamics in lightweight sailing.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join sailing federations.
What you'll work with
- World Sailing Sailing Regatta Regulations
- World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS)
- ILCA Class Rules
- Class Rules 470
- 49er and 49erFX class rules
- International Optimist Class Rules
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Real and apparent wind, and the velocity triangle1.2Aerodynamic forces on a single sail1.3Lift and drag coefficients of the sail1.4Centre of effort and balance with the centreboard1.5Effect of heel on propulsive force1.6Atmospheric boundary layer over water1.7Characteristics of single-sail boats1.8Two-sail boats and the slot effect1.9Olympic and training classes1.10Practice: velocity triangle on an ILCA
2.1Cunningham and luff tension2.2Kicker, mainsheet and leech control2.3Vang and depth of the lower section2.4Mast and carbon spar bending2.5Telltales and flow reading2.6Adjustments for light, medium and strong wind2.7Depowering in heavy wind2.8Spinnaker and gennaker sails on 49er and 4702.9Interaction between trim and crew movement2.10Workshop: trim guide for medium wind
3.1Gusts and wind roles3.2Pumping and its rule limitations3.3Roll tacking and roll gybing3.4Heel dynamics and hiking3.5Planing and apparent wind shift3.6Sailing in waves and surfing3.7Rig inertia in manoeuvres3.8Differences between close-hauled, beam reach and running3.9Video analysis of manoeuvres3.10Laboratory: video analysis of a tack
4.1Panel methods for sails4.2CFD applied to membrane sails4.3Simplified fluid-structure interaction4.4Scale wind tunnel testing4.5Shape measurement with onboard cameras4.6Load sensors on sheets4.7Correlation between simulation and sailing4.8Aerofoil profile analysis tools4.9Limitations of numerical models4.10Practice: modelling a sail with XFLR5
5.1Rule 42 on propulsion and its interpretations5.2Judge's signals on the water5.3Class rules for ILCA, 470 and 49er5.4World Sailing equipment rules5.5Measurement of sails and spars in one-design classes5.6Restrictions on adjustments during racing5.7Approved equipment and authorised manufacturers5.8Equipment inspection at championships5.9Differences between training and elite classes5.10Case study: interpreting a penalty under rule 42
6.1Class and study conditions6.2Measurement of the baseline configuration6.3Aerodynamic modelling of the sail6.4Simulation of trim adjustments6.5Validation on the water6.6Analysis of speed data6.7Proposed trim guide6.8Compliance with class rules6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is XFLR5, OpenFOAM, Sailcut CAD, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real procedures: drawing up a trim guide by wind strength, video analysis of lightweight sailing manoeuvres, and aerodynamic modelling of a one-design sail. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the aerodynamic forces acting on a lightweight sail.
Adjust the sail's shape controls according to wind strength.
Analyse the effect of dynamic manoeuvres on propulsion.
Apply simulation tools to one-design sails.
Interpret rule 42 and the equipment rules of Olympic classes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with XFLR5, OpenFOAM, Sailcut CAD and MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM Institute on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Consult the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Ship-Wave Interaction in Open Sea
Online 300-hour course in ship-wave interaction in open sea. 6 modules covering IMO MSC.1/Circ.1228 Revised Guidance to the Master for Avoiding Dangerous Situations in Adverse Weather…
Course in Maritime Law Applied to Insurance
Online course of 300 hours in maritime law applied to insurance: 6 modules covering the foundations of maritime law, the marine insurance contract, hull and machinery…
Risers and Umbilicals Engineering Course
Online 300-hour course in risers and umbilicals engineering. 6 modules with DNV-ST-F201 Riser Systems, API Spec 17J Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe and OrcaFlex. Assigned tutor…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships