Parametric Hull Design with Rational Bézier Curves and Estimation of Performances

In this paper, a tool able to support the sailing yacht designer during early stage of design process has been developed. Cubic Rational Bézier curves have selected describe main defining hull yacht. The adopted approach is based upon definition set parameters, say length waterline, beam canoe body draft and some dimensionless coefficients according traditional way designer. Some geometrical constraints imposed on (e.g., continuity, endpoint angles, curvature) conceived aimed avoid unreasonable shapes. These can be imported into any commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) software used as frame fit with surface. resistance calculated plotted in order real time estimation performances. algorithm related Graphical User Interface (GUI) written Visual Basic for Excel. To test usability precision tool, two existing sailboats different characteristics successfully replicated new design, taking advantages both hulls, shows good performances terms values wide range Froude numbers respect original hulls.