Simulations test how team can win for real
Cloud-based processing power has boosted sailing team by 20 times
NEW computing power for a Portsmouth sailing team could be a ‘game-changer’ at the America’s Cup, Sir Ben Ainslie has said.
Ineos Team UK, based at Portsmouth Point at the Camber Dock in Old Portsmouth, is preparing for the America’s Cup in 2021, hosted by New Zealand.
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben has said the team’s use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) has allowed the team to run more simulations than ever before.
The sailing team said using AWS’s cloud computing services has enabled it to carry out up to 1,200 detailed performance simulations a day for their new AC75 boat – 20 times more simulations than their previous computing set-up, and at a lower cost.
The system is being used to design, test and optimise the AC75 challenger boat, a 75ft new generation of racing yacht set to be used by Sir Ben in his America’ Cup bid.
It could reach up to 46 knots – the equivalent of 53mph.
Sir Ben said: ‘The switch to AWS has been a bit of a gamechanger for us really, just because of the access to highperformance computing, and we're now about 20 times more powerful than we were before, just in terms of being able to get that many more simulations done in a day.
‘Not being on the water means we're more reliant on the simulations.
‘Working with AWS for the first time this year has given us access to more and faster computational resources, which has proven crucial in developing the fastest race boat possible.
‘It has helped the team push ahead as we continue to design and develop our race boat for the America's Cup.’
The team has used simulations to design the hull of the boat, creating the fastest possible version of the craft.