New Technology for Sailing Broadcasting

The broadcast of sailing events is transforming. For the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, viewers can now witness real-time variations in wind across the racecourse, reports Scuttlebutt. Additionally, a yacht simulator will analyze this wind data to compute ideal routes around the course.

Dubbed WindSight IQ™, this impressive innovation means commentators and fans will receive more data and insights than the teams competing on the water. This enhancement engages audiences, elevating the experience of the pinnacle event in international sailing.

With 77% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials preferring to watch sports outside of live venues, enhancing the on-screen viewing experience is crucial. Since wind patterns significantly influence competition, WindSight IQ™ aims to add a new dimension to the racing experience for both fans and broadcasters.

"WindSight IQ™ is an innovation America’s Cup Media has been exploring for a considerable time," says Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup Event. "Our goal has been to leverage technology to enhance understanding of sailing and the complexities faced by sailors at the highest level of the sport."

Dalton adds, "To reach our goal, we sought a partner willing to push technological boundaries, and Capgemini clearly fits that bill. For the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, WindSight IQ™ marks a significant step forward in how audiences engage with our sport."

Throughout the race, commentators can view real-time wind patterns and explain competitive strategies to viewers. The ability to visualize unseen wind data allows audiences to compare tactical decisions and actual performances with optimized routes, enabling a deeper engagement with the racing.

Previously, no one has successfully visualized wind in real-time yacht racing conditions. Now, Capgemini and America’s Cup Media combine their expertise in engineering, data, and design. They utilize LiDAR (light detection and ranging), sensor fusion, and scientific computation to illustrate wind through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) graphics during the broadcast.

The wind field data feeds into a yacht simulator, creating live 'ghost boat' simulations visible on the racecourse via AR and VR. This projection reveals the optimal navigational path for crews, factoring in wind pressure variations, shears, orientation, and speed.

To capture accurate wind data, three LiDAR units are strategically positioned along the Barcelona waterfront, scanning the entire racecourse. Each device has an average range of 6.5 kilometers, reaching a maximum of 12 kilometers. It measures wind speeds every 1.5 meters, detecting rates up to 38 m/s (73 knots) with a precision of less than 0.1 m/s.

WindSight IQ™ enhances measurements by integrating wind data from racing yachts and buoy sensors. Innovative algorithms fuse these streams to create a comprehensive wind field over the racecourse. This wind field updates every second based on sensor measurements and predictive models.

"Through technological innovation, WindSight IQ™ merges laser sensor technology with advanced engineering and new visualization techniques," says Keith Williams, Capgemini’s Chief Engineer for WindSight IQ™.

He further notes, "The core challenge lies in combining engineering and design, capturing the intricate wind patterns, and adequately presenting them for fans and commentators to understand clearly."

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