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The five events of the 2022 calendar of the 52 Super Series will have a new technological ally: the autonomous beacons of the German firm Smartmark. Tested during the Rolex TP52 World Championship held last year in Mallorca, they contribute to the sustainability of regattas, can be controlled remotely and offer an accuracy of 11 centimeters.
The 52 Super Series regatta circuit will reinforce its technological arsenal in its 2022 season with the incorporation of Smartmark’s autonomous beacons, a revolutionary system that will help optimize the precision and efficiency in the positioning of regatta fields. Its implementation will imply a reduction in the number of semi-rigid boats in the water and the consequent fuel saving, and contributes to giving a new twist to the circuit’s sustainability objectives.
It will also eliminate the use of anchors for marker buoys, a device that potentially damages the seabed.
The Smartmarks are built around a fiberglass-reinforced plastic hull – like a small semi-rigid – and are positioned using 3D drone technology. Each device has a whole arsenal of sensors: four gyroscopes, four barometers, four compasses and seven thermal sensors. Some of them are thermally encapsulated and others are outside. With the help of intelligent software, the sensors are responsible for more than 70% of the accuracy of the Smartmark (the remaining 30% is controlled by GPS) and allow to differentiate if the beacon is moving or if there are deviations in the GPS signal. At a dynamic level, they use two electric motors to position themselves. A web interface system makes it relatively easy for the Chief Race Officer to set up the desired course geometry and make any changes quickly and efficiently.
Smartmark’s beacons have proven their worth in recent tests in high winds and strong currents on the Solent off Southampton. Operating with four knots of current and 25 knots of wind (in the Baltic Sea they operated with up to 35 knots of wind) they held their position with an accuracy of 11 centimeters. And although the beacons are controlled from the Committee’s ship, their control can be taken over from other locations or remote stations if necessary.
The exact positions of the buoys can be interfaced with the 52 Super Series regatta tracker and located in each boat’s navigation software.
“We calculate that it will allow us to dispense with two semi-rigid boats operating daily on the water, and that means a saving of more than 100 liters of fuel in each event. We are very much looking forward to working with Smartmark and seeing the savings and improvements we can achieve.”. Agustín Zulueta, general director of the 52 Super Series.
“It is fantastic to be chosen by 52 Super Series and gain the confidence in our technology from one of the most professional racing circuits in the world. Smartmark’s core values are the highest quality standards in racing, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The 52 Super Series practice these values in all their events and in their daily activity.”. Jonas Schumacher, CEO and co-founder of Smartmark.
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