New technology for sailing broadcast

As sailing event broadcasts evolve, viewers for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup will now see how the wind varies across the racecourse in real-time. Furthermore, a yacht simulator will take the wind data and calculate the optimal routes around the course.

A feat of engineering and design, WindSight IQ™ means that commentators and viewers will have more data and insight into the pinnacle event of international sailing than is available to the competing teams on the water.

With 77% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials preferring to watch sport outside of live venues, the viewing experience on screen is more important than ever. As wind patterns are a key factor in competition, the new technology by WindSight IQ™ seeks to bring a whole new dimension to the race experience for fans and broadcasters.

“WindSight IQ™ is an innovation America’s Cup Media have been evaluating for a long time now, our objective has been to take another quantum leap in using technology to increase the understanding of sailing and the intricacies that the sailors at the pinnacle of our sport have to conquer,” explains Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup Event.

“But to achieve our objective we needed to find a partner that was equally driven by pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation which Capgemini clearly were. So, for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup WindSight IQ™ is a significant advancement for the consumption of our sport.

“Before and during the race, commentators will now be able to see the real-time wind patterns and explain to the viewers the options for the competing yachts. Being able to see the unseen wind and compare teams’ actual performances and tactical decisions to the optimum routes, will mean audiences can follow and engage in the racing on a whole new level.”

Due to the technical challenge, no-one has been able to accurately demonstrate visualization of the wind in real-time yacht racing conditions – until now. Combining its expertise in technology, engineering, data and design, Capgemini and America’s Cup Media, the host broadcaster for the event, will use LiDAR (light detection and ranging), sensor fusion and scientific computation to reveal the wind in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) graphics.

The wind field data is also fed in real-time to a yacht simulator and used to create a live ‘ghost boat’ simulation that can be projected onto the racecourse through AR and VR graphics. It will show the optimal path that the crews should take given the measured variations in wind pressure, sheers, orientation, and speed.

To accurately collect raw wind data, three LiDARs have been positioned along the Barcelona waterfront overlooking the racecourse, scanning the full race area. Each LiDAR has an average 6.5km scanning range up to a maximum of 12km, and measures wind speeds, every 1.5 meters from 0 to 12km, up to 38m/s (73 knots) with an accuracy of <0.1m/s.

WindSight IQ™ supplements the LiDARs with wind data directly from the racing yachts and bouys’ wind sensors. All these data streams are fused using innovative algorithms to enable a wind field to be created over the entire racecourse. The wind field is refreshed every second based on the sensor measurements and predictive wind models.

“Through technological innovation, combining laser sensor technology with advanced engineering and new visualization techniques, WindSight IQ™ brings together the digital and physical worlds,” explains Keith Williams, Capgemini’s Chief Engineer for WindSight IQ™.

“The core challenge of this innovation lies in combining both engineering and design; accurately capturing the intricate patterns of the wind and also portraying it in a way that fans and commentators can easily see and understand.”

How to watch:
On all competition days, races start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and run until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule. Depending on the territory, the races may be available on the event website, YouTube, and Facebook. The races will also be broadcast in over 200 territories around the world. To check the available broadcast options, click here.

For live viewing opportunities, click here.
For competition details, click here.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Source: ACE