Virtual Sailing

VSail Simulator

Coaching Manual

INTRODUCTION

The Virtual Sailing VSail-Trainer and the VSail-Access simulators are the latest state of the art interactive sailing simulators. The simulators reflect actual sailing so faithfully that they are suitable as a "learn to sail" tool through to an elite sailing training vehicle. Sailing has been traditionally one of the most difficult of sports to teach and indeed to coach sailors. The simulator resolves these issues and revolutionises how people will learn sailing in the future. Traditionally sailing has been taught by limited instruction ashore and then sending the sailor afloat to fend for themselves with limited knowledge, a baffling environment and a foreign language barked at them by an instructor. Virtual Sailing has developed a program that allows the sailor to learn one step at a time. The sailor masters an initial skill such as steering, progresses to tacking and gibing and then sail settings are introduced, followed by hiking and so forth, until the sailor has gained sufficient skills to understand what will occur on the water. Once afloat the beginner sailor is already aware of what to do and has confidence in their ability.

TECHNICAL OUTLINE OF THE SAILING SIMULATOR

The VSail-Trainer sailing simulator consists of a custom designed cockpit powered by a pneumatic ram to give roll movements (Figures 1 and 2). The simulator is controlled by proprietary software belonging to Virtual Sailing. The sailor is physically on the simulator and observes a 3-dimensional graphical display of boat motions from a skipper’s eye point. The sailor can move his/her weight to counteract the pneumatic ram pressure maintaining heel angle; change the angle of the rudder through a tiller; and change the mainsail position by pulling in or letting out a rope (mainsheet). All of these actions are as would normally occur on a sailing dinghy.

Figure 1: Schematic layout of the V-Sail Simulator which comprises a generic fibreglass cockpit suspended in a metal alloy frame. The cockpit is rolled side to side by a pneumatic ram attached to the back end of the cockpit. Cockpit roll, tiller and mainsheet movements are detected by sensors mounted under the cockpit and relayed via a PLC unit mounted in the forward support pillar to the computer control.

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Figure 2 & 3. Forward support pillar (left) housing the electronics & power supply module and Aft support pillar (right) housing the pneumatic control module.

SAFETY

As with all sports training sailing a simulator is not without risk of injury if correct safety procedures are not followed. The instructor must ensure that the area allocated is sufficient for the simulator to be operated safely. Also ensure that the floor area is clear of debris which could cause people moving about to trip. Prior to commencing a lesson the instructor should demonstrate the safety features of the simulator such as the emergency stop buttons, inform onlookers where it is safe to stand (people should not stand within the radius of the tiller extension ), ensure that the safety cushions are in place, and check that the hiking strap is secure.. Following these simple steps will ensure safe operation of the simulator

Figure 4 &5 Emergency Stop Button (left) and Safety Mat in position (right)

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Figure 6 & 7 Hiking Strap (above) and showing adjustment mechanism (left)

SETTINGS & PRELIMINARIES

The Virtual Sailing program has a number of settings and options that are important for instructors to understand fully so they can utilise the simulator to it's full potential . The drop down menu settings in the task bar are as follows.

Figure 8 Menu task bar

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Each of the drop downs has sub categories and these are addressed as follows

Control

Figure 9 Control drop down menu

Start/Stop can be activated with the mouse or use hotkey "s" Reset as above or use hotkey "r" Use Joystick This must be activated once the joystick has been connected to the computer via the USB port. Note Joystick controls are Forward and Back for mainsheet control, and Left and Right for steering Save Last Sail This will save a sail which can then be used to add as a competitor or up loaded to the Virtual Sailing Analysis Program. It is prudent to partition the Saved Sails folder into differing classes, wind strengths and further into identical courses, etc etc Note A sail is from when the Start is activated till Pause or Stop. It does not need to be a race Replay Last Sail Simply replays the last sail without saving. This gives the coach/instructor the opportunity to review the sail with the sailor Create Network Sail Sets up a network sail and advertises it on the local network.

Join Network Sail Looks on the local network for any available sails and allows the user to join the network sail. Exit Use this function when closing down the V-Sail Program

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BOAT

Figure 10 Boat drop down menu

The Virtual Sailing Simulator Program currently has 9 different boats within the program. We believe that this covers the majority of styles of monohulls currently sailed around the globe. Additional classes can be added if required however there would be a cost associated with the development of the graphics and software. The classes are as follows Megabyte Byte Suitable weight 50-60 kgs Optimist Suitable weight 35-50 kgs Laser 4.7 Suitable weight 40-55 kgs Laser Radial Suitable weight 55-70 kgs Laser Standard Suitable weight 70 + kgs Liberty Suitable for Disabled Liberty Motor Sailor * With added boat speed 29er** Ideal for planing hull simulation

It is important that the sailor is matched to a class that they would be best suited on the water. The main reason for this is if the weight of the sailor is not sufficient to sail the boat effectively it can lead to poor posture hiking and the possibility of injury. The instructor should not dampen the enthusiasm of a young sailor to want to try a boat much faster than they are used to sailing. Every young Optimist sailor wants to try their hand at a 29er. This can be used as a reward for a young sailor. The instructor can assist and sit on the weather gunnel with the sailor and instruct as they sail together.

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* Liberty Motor Sailor. This boat has added constant boat speed. In other words, the boat is always moving slowly forwards irrespective of whether the sails are correctly set or not. It is particularly helpful for some disabled sailors in acquiring the skills of sailing.

** 29er. This very popular skiff class is equipped with a spinnaker which is activated and de activated by pressing the black button located on the deck next to the emergency stop button. This program is particularly useful for teaching apparent wind sailing.

Figure 10 Spinnaker button (black) located just aft of Emergency Stop button raises and lowers the spinnaker (right image).

Add a Competitor This function will add a competitor from the Saved Sails folder.The competitor boats will be displayed as green and the sailor is always red. If the object is to compare results then care must be taken to ensure the comparison is true. IE same class, course, wind strength etc. Remove all Competitors This function will remove competitor sailors from the screen and return the screen to single a sailor. Show Competitor This function adds the graphics to the screen. It is possible Sailors to add up to 12 competitors

THE SAILOR

Mass This drop down is to give the program the weight to calculate the immersion of the hull in the water. It comes in either Imperial or Metric measure.

7 Expert This feature makes the simulator more sensitive to heel angle by amplifying the heel angle by a factor of 2.0.This requires sailor to hike harder to level the boat and reduce hull drag. Sailors can record their times in normal mode and then compete against themselves in Expert mode.

LOCATION

Figure 11 Rocks or no rocks

This feature basically offers the location with rocks or without. Rocks can be an aid when teaching young sailors to steer. It gives them something to aim for. Also (in programs that include lighthouses) the lighthouse creates an attraction for sailors to aim for. The lighthouses have been positioned in the close hauled position from the start line.

Figure 12 Shows a rock off the starboard bow in 3D view and rocks a plenty on overhead view.

8 BUOYS

Figure 13 Buoys drop down menu

None Generally only used when the initial steering lesson is used and therefore no distractions to the novice sailor. Crosswind Good for beginners once they have mastered steering. It will automatically generate a tack and a gybe. It is also useful for doing figure of eight exercises. Up/Downwind This configuration is good for hairpin turns at the top and bottom marks. This course is also best for establishing VMG angles and settings for upwind and downwind sailing Triangular This course is good for practicing 90 degree gybes. Trapezoidal Trapezoidal is the common course of a majority of classes sailed globally. Top mark bear away to reaching course is good to practice, including body weight movement as is reach to square run Big Course This is used when a longer course is required. The Macro screen remains the same and the simulator is sailed in the normal manner. The birds eye view on the screen has been slowed and allows for longer legs. This is particularly useful when dealing with tactics, gusts and shifts, giving the sailors more time to deal with these distractions. Laps This function alters the default course which is a single lap. The sailor can choose to add more laps to the course. This allows a sailor to recover from a poor start and sail well around course and still post a good result.

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There are two views of the course which are displayed simultaneously on the screen. One is the bird's eye view which displays the sailors boat as the red boat and the course as viewed from above. The second view is the 3D view which shows what the sailor would see if sailing afloat. Coaches should be aware of sailors rate of grasp of this concept. Young sailors tend to be more graphic savvy , due to contact with computer games, than mature sailors. It is however important that the coach does not move forward until the sailor understands Remember we all learn at different rates and by differing methods..

Figure 14 Displaying Sailor's view as about to bear away at top mark and simultaneous birds eye view displaying sailors boat (red) at top right hand corner of screen. Note course being sailed is trapezoid.

WIND AND WAVES

Speed The wind speed ranges from 8knots to 18 knots, increasing in increments of 2 knots. The wind speed values are expressed as True Wind. The wind speed can be adjusted via the drop down from the task bar, or using Hotkeys 1-6

10 Gusts The gusts are available to be introduced to the program in two forms, Random and Repeatable. The gusts can be seen approaching on the water, depicted by the water turning dark blue for the extent of the gust. The gusts are concentric with the stronger breeze in the centre and less increase to the perimeter. Coaches are able to assist sailors with dealing with gust response and tactics. Sailors can learn much about the importance of gusts in sailing including the differences between sailing up wind and downwind, and the importance of seeking and staying in the gusts. Saved sails which include gusts can be analysed using the Virtual Sailing Analysis program. Gust response, including hiking, mainsheet and steering can be looked at in fine detail.

Figure 15 Gusts on the water are displayed as a lighter colour. Gust depicted above as light blue

Shifts The shift function alters the wind direction default which is set at 0 or North, IE the wind arrows are depicted vertically down the screen. The shift function allows for randomly generated left and right shits of up to 10 degrees. The presence of the shifts is indicated by two methods. The True Wind indicator will move from the default North 0 to 350 degrees for a left shift and to 10 degrees for a right shift. The wind arrows will change colour in accordance with the shift, IE Red for a left or

11 a Port shift, and Green for a right or a Starboard shift. It is preferable to run the shifts program on the Big Course to allow the sailor to have sufficient time to manage a shift on a leg of the course. Once again Saved Sails can be reviewed using the Virtual Sailing Analysis program.

Figure 16 Image above showing a left hand shift of 6 degrees (354). Left hand shifts are indicated by arrows turning from white to red and right hand shifts from white to green. True Wind Direction is indicated on the dial

Arrows move w Boat This function is a preference on graphics, with the ability to have the wind arrows to move with the boat or as default to remain stationary with the boat moving. It is simply a matter of preference for the sailor. Start Surfing This function should be enabled in fresh winds. It simulates the boat rising in the water and surfing rather than displacement sailing. Operates from TWA 100 to 180.

12 VIEW

Figure 17 Complex gusts displayed above on birds eye view. Also start / pause tool bar.

The View drop down menu allows the sailor to select a number of on screen options. Tool Bar This feature allows quick and easy Start /Pause function from the screen Snail Trail Displays the track the boat sails on the course. True and Apparent Wind Indicators Displays true and Apparent wind directions. Boat speed is also included within the Apparent Wind dial. Note Although it is important to teach sailing that is not reliant upon instruments they are of enormous value in demonstrating cause and effect in sailing. For instance the various vector angles are displayed and these give the sailor yet another view of the relevancy of wind and heading. Also boat speed is another prompt that can be used to teach the sailor how best to achieve maximum speed. Small adjustments in heading, mainsheet and heel angle will immediately be reflected reflect in boat speed. Boat speed is great assistance when practicing acceleration such as in starting practice.

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Figure 18&19 True Wind Indicator (Left) shows TWA at 90 degrees and TWD at 354 degrees which is a 6 degree left shift. Apparent Wind (Right) shows apparent wind at 45 degrees and boat speed of 7,2 knots

Map This drop down menu expands out to allow the user to scale the boat display, and show the gusts on the overhead view on the screen.

SOUND This menu enables sound whilst sailing the simulator. The two sounds that can be heard simulate hull and water gurgling and mainsail flapping. Both sounds increase in volume to reflect the intensity of what is occurring on the simulator. For instance the faster the boat is sailed the louder the gurgling, and with the sail the bigger the luffing the more flapping of the sail. The sailor should be taught to understand the value of the sounds, as it reflects what happens afloat.

RAMS This menu enables the heeling ram to be activated. Prior to selecting the heeling ram to be activated, the instructor must ensure that the pneumatic valves are open and the emergency stop valves are not activated. When activating the heeling ram whilst sailing the instructor should inform the sailor what is about to happen, for example" When I activate the heeling ram, the boat will heel to starboard" The sailor is then not startled and will accept this new distraction in their stride.

14 RACE

This menu adds the race component to the program.

Figure 20 Shows race options including Start line, and count down duration.

Drop Downs include Show Start Line Shows start line as green buoys. They also act as the Finish.

Figure 21 Shows Start Line with 38 seconds to go to the start

15 Begin Countdown Clicking at this dropdown or at the green arrow will commence the countdown clock on the screen to commence countdown to zero then it will count up for elapsed time for the race. The clock will cease counting when the sailor crosses the Start/finish line. The sailor is notified if the sailor starts early and no elapsed time will be recorded if the sailor fails to return and start correctly. Countdown Duration There is a number of countdown starts available, ranging from 10 minutes to 30 seconds. Most sailors only require a countdown of 1 minute to effect a good tactical and speed- effective start. Abandon / Clear This feature abandons a race and restarts the countdown

ASSESSMENT

It is important to take the time, usually only a few moments to evaluate the level of knowledge, competence anxiety, of the sailor prior to commencing the lesson. During this discussion it is important allay any fears that the sailor may have. Demonstrate the heeling and show the maximum heel angle. Demonstrate the emergency stop buttons, and have the sailor practice using them. The instructor can invite the sailor to sit in the boat at maximum heel angle. One of the best attributes of the VSail-Trainer is that it enables the coach/instructor to eliminate the fear factor. You will need to make an assessment and agree with your sailor whether to enable the healing rams or begin the lesson with them disabled and thereby with a stable environment.

COMPREHENSION

Experienced sailors understand about the wind. They know where it is coming from and how strong it is. Yet if you asked them when they learnt this knowledge they would be unable to answer with any degree of accuracy. The truth is that they probably acquired the knowledge over a considerable period of time. To sail a boat afloat or a simulator on land you need to understand where the wind is coming from. We demonstrate the wind in the simulator with wind arrows on the screen. It is important to make the link between what a student learns about the wind whilst sailing the simulator and what happens afloat. A helpful exercise is to take the students outside and preferably near water and ask them to list a minimum of four ways to determine the direction of the wind. Also when sailing the simulator constantly question the student about which direction the wind is coming from in relation to the cockpit rather than the screen. This will assist the sailor to making the connection between simulation and real sailing afloat. Also always ensure that the sailor gets into and out of the simulator on the windward side of the boat. This practice will re-enforce the student to always think about wind direction, as well as learning safer practice on the water.

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STEERING

With a sailing novice the first lesson is how to steer the boat. The V-Sail Trainer is steered by a tiller and extension, while V-Sail-Access is steered by a joystick (either mechanical or electronic). Tiller steering is often foreign to novice sailors. For the first lesson it is recommended that instructor holds the mainsheet allowing the sailor to concentrate solely on steering. The instructor explains that the sailor always sits on the windward side of the boat whilst sailing. This should be practiced even when the instructor is holding the mainsheet and the heel rams are turned off. With very young sailors who would be ordinarily sailing on the water two up in an Optimist or similar craft, the simulator can also be sailed two up. The crew can take the mainsheet and follow the instructions. It is a good practice to verbalise what is happening, such as sailing with the wind "Downwind" so mainsheet all the way out and so on for the other angles of sailing. The sailor should be encouraged to always sit on the correct side of the boat. The instructor should teach this from the first time the sailor gets into the simulator. It is important that novices learn the importance of windward and leeward sides from the first lesson. The instructor points to the arrows on the screen which indicate the wind direction on the water.

Figure 22 Shows wind arrows on the water. Note Apparent Wind dial confirms direction of wind.

The first exercise is to ask the sailor to turn the boat and sail in the same direction as the arrows (Downwind). As the sailor accomplishes this a highway of arrows opens up and the novice sailor can then experiment with steering veering left and right within the arrows. By now the novice has a feel for how much tiller movement relates to boat direction change.

17 The next task is to ask the sailor to sail at right angles to the arrows. The instructor can encourage the sailor by whilst sailing at right angles to the arrows for the sailor to see how many arrows the sailor can run over before missing one.

Figure 23 Shows sailing at right angles to the Wind Arrows

Once this has been mastered the instructor should ask the sailor to run over the arrows in the other direction. It matters not which way they turn ,ie tack or gybe, however the instructor should encourage the sailor to alter direction using both a gybe and a tack within the exercise. Once the sailor has grasped the concept of steering the instructor can insert the crosswind course from the drop down menu (Courses).

The instructor should ask the sailor to sail the cross wind course using figure 8's and thereby doing tacks and gybes. This level of competency can generally be achieved within a 3-5 minute time frame. The sailor may not have even learned the sailing terminology, such as tiller, gybe, tack, port and starboard etc. If the instructor has been controlling the mainsheet for the sailor during this initial lesson, which is basically just to learn how to steer the boat, then the instructor should always be narrating what they are doing with the mainsheet at any point of sailing. It is a good idea with beginners to have the mainsheet marked with different colours to assist the beginner sailors to achieve the correct sheeting tensions. It is also important that the sailor changes sides with each tack and gybe

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Figure 24 Shows sailing the Cross Wind Course

Once the sailor has achieved a reasonable standard of steering the heeling ram should be enabled as soon as the sailor is comfortable with it. Allow sufficient time for the sailor to get used to what is happening. The instructor should talk to the sailor and tell the sailor what is about to happen in regard to the heel. It should not be a surprise to the sailor. The instructor should always remember that learning to sail on a Vsail-Simulator is about removing the fear factor. The aim is to introduce one new distraction or task to the sailor at a time, unlike on water sailing introductions in which the sailor is forced to deal with any number of unknowns all at once. Sailing the boat upwind and giving the sailor a feel for the optimum angles and speed is the next component of the Learn to Sail Lesson. The instructor should position the sailor sailing across the wind arrows on the screen (reaching) and should now point out the tell tales. The instructor now tells the sailor to ever so slightly push the helm away, (remember the sailor is always seated on the windward side). The instructor points to the tell tales (red and green ribbons) and draws the sailors attention as to how they are coming together. The instructor will explain that when they are together then this is the optimum angle for sailing towards the wind or upwind. When the green is raised the sailor is too close to the wind and should pull the tiller ever so slightly towards them until such time as the tell tails come back together. Attention can be drawn to the other aids available such as the apparent wind indicator and the boat speed dial. Although these aids are not necessarily available on the water they do assist a novice in getting the feel for the optimum angles as quickly as possible. When a sailor has mastered the art of sailing upwind and can confidently keep the tell tails flowing the instructor can now ask the sailor to push the tiller away and sail through the wind (arrows on the screen) and arrive at the same angle on the other side, with the tell tails together again. The instructor can explain the manoeuvre as a tack. This

19 should be practiced several times until the sailor has the feel for how much helm etc to use. In some cases the instructor may elect to take back the mainsheet until the art of steering through a tack is mastered. As competency rises then the mainsheet can perhaps be given back. As tacking is the next component of learn to sail it is important not to introduce bad habits. The first component is to steer, once that has been accomplished we introduce new skills into tacking such as hand change over and foot work. The sailors use of body weight to influence steering, although normally regarded as being more appropriate for advanced sailors can be demonstrated at this point. The most simple demonstration is for the instructor to have the sailor re visit the sailing downwind (with the arrows / down the highway). The instructor now takes the tiller and locks it amidships. The sailor is then instructed to move their body weight to leeward. The sailor will notice that the boat will steer towards the wind. When the opposite is applied the boat will bear away and steer away from the wind. Other points of sailing ie reaching bearing away at top marks etc should be demonstrated in a similar manner. It is a good idea for the instructor at this time to give a demonstration, perhaps using a white board and explain as to why this occurs. Advanced sailors are able to sail the simulator without the use of the tiller and simply using body weight and mainsheet balance to sail a course. The tiller can either be tied amidships or the instructor can hold it, while sailors hone their skills of steering with body weight.

Figure 25 & 26 Shows correct trim (25) and sailing too close to the wind or under trimmed (26)

TACKING

We have already covered basic tacking under steering. It is now time for the sailor to be able to competently execute a tack including all the associated distractions such as main sheet, hiking straps, heeling, changing sides, hand co-ordination and accurate steering. It is now easy to see why this is such a handful when learning to sail afloat as opposed to learning in increments on the VSail-Simulator. It is important that the instructor clearly explains to the sailor what is now going to occur in a full sailing tack. Remember that the sailor has already experienced the steering and swapping sides components of the manoeuvre. We now only need to add the

20 mainsheet and tiller hand exchange and the foot work for an effective tack. It is perhaps best procedure for the instructor to demonstrate the hand change over behind the back. It simply involves that when the sailor changes sides in a tack the tiller will end up behind the sailors back. The instructor should now demonstrate that it is possible to sail the boat with the tiller extension behind the back. So without rush the mainsheet can now be taken to the hand behind the back and together the extension and the mainsheet can be returned to the front of the sailor, and separated for trimming once again Insert sequence photos?.. This manoeuvre should be practiced several times until the instructor is satisfied it is semi-automatic. Once the sailor has clearly mastered sailing from one tack to the other and exiting on the new tack at the correct angle to the wind (tell tails streaming) and able to effect a slick behind the back hand change over with tiller extension and mainsheet as well as physically changing sides of the boat then it is time to co- ordinate footwork. The simulator allows the sailor to learn the correct way of crossing the cockpit even before they go afloat. Once it is learned correctly in the simulator the instructors work load afloat in minimised. The procedure is as follows, remove rear foot from under the foot strap and place above strap, push the tiller away, wait until the boat is passed head to wind, cross the cockpit and slip the new front foot under the strap as the sailor lands on the new gunnel. The sailor can now confidently hike with one foot under the strap and can do the hand transfer of tiller and mainsheet and place the rear foot under the strap at leisure.

Figures 27-30 Showing the sequence of footwork in tacking

21 Many sailors experience some difficulty with steering and timing when initially practicing full tacks. With regard to steering many sailors begin well by pushing the tiller away from them and then falter as they move across the boat and bring the tiller back to the centre line as they transition the boat. This of course halts the tack manoeuvre temporarily. Once the sailor notices the lack of progress of the tack, they generally correct the steering error. This fault is caused by two components: one is the sailor tends to sit too far aft in the cockpit, and secondly they allow the tiller and tiller extension to be in line as they cross the cockpit. The instructor should make sure that the sailor is sitting sufficiently forward in the cockpit to allow the sailor to cross without fouling the tiller. There is often discussion that the simulator does not have a boom for the sailor to get under during a tack. Advanced sailors need to be shown "The Crab" position as they cross the cockpit. This involves the sailor assuming a crab like posture in the boat with the mainsheet in one hand and the tiller extension in the other. This will ensure that the sailor stays low in the boat and simulates ducking a boom on the water.

Figure 31 Sailor moving into crab position during a tack.

With regard to timing, it has become apparent that most sailors tend to rush their tacks on a simulator. Many sailors will have already crossed the cockpit and be seated on the opposite gunnel well before the boat has reached head to wind. This will of course have the effect of negating the steering in the tack. The instructor may need initially to tell the sailor when to cross the cockpit and allow the sailor to get used to the perceived delay. One way the beginner sailor can help themselves is by watching the wind gauge on the screen and only crossing when the see the icon of the boat pass through the eye of the wind. This also reinforces the importance of the sailor to look forwards and not back at the tiller. Once a sailor has mastered tacking the simulator, the instructor can teach "Roll Tacking". Once again the simulator is faithful to what occurs on the water, ie a small weight movement to leeward, to facilitate the boat to head up into the wind, push the helm, delay departing from the leeward side until the boat is well onto the new tack and then cross with maximum hike down. The simulator is of great benefit to an instructor for demonstrating Rule 42 breaches in tacking. A sailors' tacking ability and progress can to be recorded and monitored. Sailors can sail a Tacking Evaluation course, which consists of a sailor tacking every 30 secs or 1 minute. The sail

22 can be saved and uploaded into the Virtual Sailing Evaluation Program, which produces graphed data of tiller movement, heel angles, hiking effort, mainsheet control, headings, boat speed, acceleration and VMG Each individual tack can be examined in the most minute detail. The Virtual Sailing Evaluation Program will also expose if a sailor is able to tack better from one tack to another, i.e. from Starboard to Port compared with Port to Starboard, or simply steer better on one tack than another. Ask a sailor to use a broom on their non preferred hand and you can quickly convince them that we do not without training sail at the same proficiency on both tacks. Tacking evaluation can be executed in wind strengths of 8knots to 18knots in increments of 2 knots.

Figure 32 Data sheet from Virtual Sailing Analysis Program

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Figure 32 Virtual Sailing Analysis Program

GYBING

The procedure and teaching protocols for gybing follow a similar pattern to those for tacking. When learning how to steer the sailor will accidentally learn what a gybe is when following the wind arrows on the screen in the exercises as described previously. Once the sailor has progressed and can confidently sail about a course, the instructor can narrow the focus to the gybe. Once again the simulator is faithful to an on water sail boat. The instructor asks the sailor to sail down wind in line with the wind arrows on the screen. The sailor can now gybe backwards and forwards along the arrows. Initially the gybes will be through a large arc as the sailor will tend to exit the gybe too high. The instructor should firstly have the sailor sail gently by the lee until the sailor detects where the point of gybe is. Once this is achieved the sailor is shown that by giving a solid jerk of the mainsheet, just prior to the point of gybe will accelerate the gybe and the boat will exit much deeper than was the earlier experience. The "crab" posture , as described in tacking, should be demonstrated to more advanced sailors to simulate gybing with the sailors body being sufficiently low to avoid the boom as it crosses over the simulator. It is important that the sailor has been taught and understands the use of body weight whilst sailing downwind, prior to attempting to learn the advanced intricacies of gybing. The simulator whilst sailing downwind and heeled to windward can be sailed by the lee and will produce the fastest VMG downwind. Advanced "S Gybes" can be perfected using the simulator. Once again

24 the sailors performance in gybing can be uploaded onto the Virtual Sailing Analysis Program. All the important elements such as entry/exit headings, heel angles, speed/ acceleration can be examined in the finest detail.

MAINSHEET

It is important that the instructor establishes the relevance of the mainsheet and the correlation of the mainsheet to the sail on the screen in the early stages of the lesson. One method is to establish three positions and relevant sailing angles. These are close hauled which is simply described as sailing close into the wind and the mainsheet fully on, sailing across the wind (reaching) mainsheet half way, and sailing with the wind (downwind) and the mainsheet fully out. It is a good idea to mark the three settings on the mainsheet with a permanent marker pen using different colours. When the sailor is initially learning how to steer as described previously and the instructor has control of the mainsheet, the instructor should refer to one of the three settings as the steering lesson progresses. An example is "that is good you are sailing across the wind and I have the sail half way, now you are steering down the wind and I am letting the sail all the way out to catch all the wind" The sailor will pick up on this information but it is not a distraction to them while they are learning steering. When the time comes for the sailor to take the next incremental step they will already have some idea of the settings. Note previous comments in Steering regarding young sailors sailing two up. When starting up the simulator and calibrating the mainsheet, pull fully on as directed and then release 100-150 mm and click ok. This will allow sailors to "over sheet" the sails, which will slow the boat speed, as would happen afloat. The simulator creates a perfect opportunity to instil correct mainsheet handling from the very beginning. No longer should we see sailors with the mainsheet held in their teeth during manoeuvres. The instructor should initially demonstrate the "microphone" position which is simply holding the mainsheet as if the sailor was holding a microphone. The technique of taking the mainsheet to the tiller extension hand, taking a grip and then repeating with another microphone grip, hauling in and once again taking to the tiller extension hand will ensure the sailor learns the correct way from the beginning. Also tacking and changing tiller and mainsheet hands behind the sailors back is easily demonstrated and practiced on the simulator before going afloat.

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Figure 33 Sailor using the "Microphone Grip"

Once a sailor has reached a reasonable level of competency the art of "balance sailing" or "response sailing" can be practiced. The sailor chooses a wind strength that is above the sailors hiking weight. I.e the simulator heeled to the stops with the mainsheet pulled on to the correct setting and the sailor hiking. The object is for the sailor to sail the simulator as flat as possible by using a combination of hiking, steering, and mainsheet control. The object is for the sailor to sail the simulator and avoid allowing the simulator from heeling heel to the stops. This will allow the sailor to practice the best VMG combinations in all aspects of sailing. This exercise can be saved and uploaded to the Virtual Sailing Analysis Program, and all the components such as heel angle, boat speed, boom angle (mainsheet), hiking effort and VMG can be analysed in fine detail.

HIKING

The Virtual Sailing simulator V-Sail cockpit has been specifically designed so that the sailor, including raw novices begin by sitting on the gunnel. Many young sailors are reluctant to sit out when beginning to learn to sail afloat. This fear is overcome by learning to hike on the sailing simulator. When sailors are sufficiently proficient at sailing to begin hiking, the instructor should assist the sailor to customise the hiking strap to suit each individual sailor. The V-Sail simulator cockpits are fitted with an adjustable hiking strap. It is preferable to set the strap a little on the tight side until the sailor has become competent at hiking. This will especially assist when the simulator is heeled on top to of the sailor. It can be difficult for the sailor to move their weight inboard whilst the cockpit is heeled against them. As the proficiency and fitness levels improve then the strap can be loosened to suit.

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Figure 34 Hiking strap adjusted to suit sailor's individual requirement

Sailors should sail in a class of boat and a wind strength that enables them to hike within the pneumatic ram range. Instructors should at all times discourage improper hiking from sailors, and promote correct posture and strength range. Video films of sailors hiking should be taken from two positions. The first is from directly astern, at a height of approx 1 metre above floor level. This will give an excellent view of the sailor’s spine curvature. The second is from the windward side of the simulator and at right angles and also at a height of 1 metre above floor level. This will give an excellent view of the sailor's posture and will show up twisting and shoulder drop. Correcting posture in the simulator will assist greatly in reducing back injuries when the sailor takes to the water.. Video footage is useful to assist physiotherapists and sports bio mechanics to work with sailors and ensure that injuries are minimised. Steering the simulator was mentioned previously but is worth mentioning that it can be assessed in conjunction with hiking exercises. Many sailors steering performance is reduced significantly as the ardours of hiking are increased, and many sailors will hike and steering performance will vary from one tack to another.

MARK ROUNDINGS

Many sailors can sail at the same speed in a straight line but lose positions every time they round marks. Races are often won and lost at marks of the course. Traditional methods to teach correct approach and exit tracks at marks are difficult to have difficulty transfering to on water performance. Most sailors will understand the concept as depicted on a white board but will immediately revert to old ways afloat. It is essential for the coach to correct poor roundings on the water if the sailor is to improve race performance. By using the simulator a sailor can round and re round marks continually each time improving performance. The track of the simulator is faithful to on water performance, and each rounding if necessary can be saved and analysed on the Virtual Sailing Analysis program. Good mark roundings can be saved in a separate folder and can be added as a competitor to make comparisons with the sailor's attempts.

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Figure 35 Bearing away at the top mark (note tell tales)

STARTING

Much has been written about starting in a yacht race. It is commonly held that the first 50-80 metres of a yacht race are the most important. The simulator is not so severe as it does not distribute dirty air on to other boats. It is however a wonderful tool for practicing and perfecting the art of starting a yacht race. There are a number of different ways and positions to start. It is best practice to make a list of the types of starts that are to be practiced. In the initial learning of starting it is best without competitors on the start line. This will assist to perfect time on distance and acceleration and deceleration. Once this has been achieved competitor starts can be added from the saved sails folder. Forcing the sailor to strive for their position on the starting line will further sharpen their starting skills.

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29 Program menu bar to Position of the Wind direction On-water set sailing conditions course buoys on gauge (true) course buoy the course overlay

Wind shift Start / Stop angle toolbar

Current boat Race countdown position on & elapsed time course overlay clock

Sail shape Race start line changes as it buoys on fills or luffs course overlay

Sail tell-tales (red = port, Wind direction green = sbd) gauge (apparent)

On-screen heel angle changes as the simulator heel angle changes

Boat speed (knots) On-water arrows show the Tiller & boom angles change in real wind direction and change time by the simulator hardware colour during shifts

TROUBLESHOOTING

Simulator won't start up

NOTE: On the earlier versions of the software (pre Cv2.33), the simulator hardware needs to be connected via the COM1 port to the computer. If your computer does not have a 9-pin serial port, you will need to use a USB-Serial converter and configure it as COM1. On later releases of the software, you can use the Setup menu to tell the software which COM port the simulator is attached to.

1. Connect the simulator to the mains power

2. Check for RED lights in the electronics enclosure. There should be a series of small red LED lights visible on the black PLC unit and a couple of small GREEN lights.

3. NO RED and NO GREEN lights on the PLC = mains power is not getting to the unit. Check that the mains is switched on that the small fuse (1A fast blow) inside the white power distribution box has not blown.

4. GREEN lights, but NO RED lights on PLC = the encoders are not being detected by the PLC unit. • Check the encoders are firmly plugged into the sockets on the back of the front pillar unit. NOTE: only plug the encoders in or out when the POWER IS OFF to avoid blowing the expensive encoders.

• Check the AC adapter is putting out 12VDC. If not replace it (output spec = 12VDC and at least 2 Amp). Quickest way to do this is make sure the emergency stop buttons are in the UP position and have a look inside the PNEUMATICS pillar at the rear end. If you see red lights on the white control units then the AC adapter is working.

5. GREEN lights and RED lights are visible on the PLC = normal situation, power is getting to the PLC unit and the encoders are being detected. 6. Get someone to move the TILLER and/or the MAINSHEET while looking at the PLC unit. The small RED lights should flicker as the tiller or mainsheet is moved. YES = everything is working correctly, NO = we have a problem with the encoders (not working or the linkage arms that drive them have come off)

7. Have a look into the PNEUMATICS pillar at the rear end. Are there RED lights visible on the white control units (usually should see the number 0 on each). If no lights are visible; • Check the emergency stop buttons are in the UP position.

• Check the 2 black cables going into the Pneumatics unit are firmly seated in the sockets on the back of the pneumatics pillar.

• Check the AC adapter is actually putting out 12VDC

8. If lights are visible at the front end and at the back end, run the RAM TESTER program on the Desktop (or in the folder where the simulator program is located). If you get a TIME OUT ERROR • Check that the 9-pin serial cable from the computer to the back of the Electronics Panel is firmly seated at both ends. • Check that the small silver switch on the lower right hand side of the PLC unit is set to RUN. If it isn’t, switch it to the STOP position and then back to the RUN position. • Check that the communications port is setup correctly. On older software versions it must be COM1. On later versions click on the CHECK COMS button in the RAM TESTER program. 9. In the RAM TESTER program, click on the button to READ TRANSDUCER VALUES or READ VALUES. Then move the Tiller and/or Mainsheet and click on the button again. The numbers should have changed after you moved the Tiller and Mainsheet. • YES = all is OK, the simulator should operate correctly. • NO = there is a communications problem (check the simulator is setup on the correct COM port) or the encoder crank arms have come loose. If the heel transducer doesn’t work, but the others do, check the control lines underneath the simulator are attached to the base frame. Simulator works, but won't heel correctly

NOTE: The simulator uses a pneumatic ram to move the cockpit and create the heeling motion. This requires a supply of compressed air to the simulator and command signals from the computer/PLC to tell it what pressures to send to the ram.

1. Check that there are RED lights showing in the pneumatics pillar at the aft end of the simulator.

Yes = power supply is OK,

• Check the “Enable Ram” option is checked in the software (there is a pull-down menu for the Rams).

• Check there is air pressure in the pneumatics pillar (gauge should read 80-120 psi).

• Check the air compressor is switched on and that it has pressure in the tank of at least 100 psi (there should be a gauge for checking pressure) and there are no leaks (you will hear any significant leaks as a hissing sound).

• Check the airline is connected correctly to the compressor and simulator.

• Check that the outlet tap on the compressor is open (letting air into the airline).

• Check the red slide valve on the airline near the simulator connection is open (letting air into the simulator).

• Check the black airlines are still connected to the ram behind the pneumatics panel.

No = power is not getting to the pneumatics panel,

• Check that the red emergency stop buttons are both in the UP position (rotate and allow to pop up).

• Check that the 2 black cables are firmly seated in the sockets at the back of the pneumatics pillar and the back of the electronics pillar. COACHING TIPS

Helpful Hints for Coaches to get started

1. Outline and go over the screen graphics before the sailor boards the simulator (so they know what they are looking at)

2. Explain the wind direction (arrows on the water)

3. Ensure the sailor boards and sails on windward side of the cockpit

4. Always allow the sailor to experiment and get the feel of the simulator

5. Maintain the lesson within the comfort zone of the sailor

6. Refrain from using challenging sailing jargon

7. Give the sailors positive feedback