Azimut-Benetti's Second Generation Anti-Rolling Systems

Elegance, reliability and performance have always been prime factors for Azimut-Benetti in gaining a buyer for a pleasure craft; having already acquired these characteristics it is evermore important now to aim for comfort and liveability.

It is with this in view that the activities of Azimut-Benetti and their partners have been directed towards craft stabilization, with the ambitious target of introducing new systems for wave rolling reduction effective even at zero speed.

The Research and Development department of Azimut Yachts, located in the Technical Centre of Savona, operates in this field and has, for the last two years, been fully dedicated to research and development applied on K models. These are standard modified flybridge boats where all the most advanced technologies and technical innovations are evaluated and tested before being used for production.

Based on the already consolidated experience in the medium to high speed range, with the application of lateral fins or hydrodynamic appendages mounted on the transom (flap or intruder) the Team's efforts are now focused on two very different solutions intended for the far more difficult field of stabilization at low speed and in mooring conditions:

"Gyroscopic" stabilization

This system is based on a simple law of physics that has been known for centuries: a rotating mass subjected to a movement that disturbs its state develops a torque opposing the said disturbance.

The intrinsic qualities and defects of gyroscopic stabilizers are highlighted in this last affirmation: "first generation" systems give low stabilization effects in calm waters meanwhile in extreme conditions generated loads can overstress the system due to the physical principle by which they operate.

The scrupulous sizing of the components used widens the system's efficiency but contemporarily requires a lot of time to be finely tuned; the tuning also involves the safety devices for system's automatic switch off in case of sea conditions which are too severe.

Based on numerous applications, mainly in military fields Azimut-Benetti R&D department is testing an onboard plant (shown in red on the diagram opposite) that consisting of a flywheel, rotated by an electric motor, that generates a stabilizing torque during the roll of the craft.

This is a "second generation" apparatus with regard to those already present on the market .

The more accented the wave motion is the more efficient the system becomes, remaining within the range of design conditions of the mechanical and electrical members(sized ad hoc for each type of craft)

"Retractable fin" stabilization

This system is based on two fins, which are flush with the keel during navigation, and open like gull-wings when the boat is at a standstill or at low speed.

The stabilizing effect is due to the drag of the fins in the water, that, just like a large vertical stabilizer on a sailing yacht, oppose the roll.

The enclosing system in the keel allows for the use of very large fins, which in turn guarantee elevated smoothness, even in very light seas and at low speeds without penalizing in any way neither the cruising speed nor the top speed of the vessel.

After preliminary evaluations and design (supported by computer and naval pool simulation ) the two systems are now at the testing stage: same boats, same test conditions but with different plants with the aim of defining the safest and most efficient system to be offered to our Customers.

For any further information:
Azimut-Benetti Avigliana (TO) Italy
Public Relation Dept.
Mrs Mary Brayda-Bruno
Tel: +39-011-93161
Fax: +39-011-9316688
E-mail: [email protected]
www.azimutyachts.net