Optimization of the rig for an autonomous sailing vessel

Due to the actual accelerating need for ocean sensing, autonomous vessels are able to play a key role in assisting scientists and researchers with collecting oceanographic data and environmental monitoring. That is why Maribot Vane project, an autonomous sailing drone, came up at the Maritime Robotics Laboratory at The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). This vessel will be used as a sensor carrying platform for autonomous data acquisition in open waters. This sort of vehicle has higher potentials to be cheaper and a helpful alternative to ordinary commercial research vessels. This bachelor’s final thesis is performed in collaboration with the research group of the Maribot Vane project of KTH. Its aim is to develop a new concept for the existent flap (small back rigid sail which makes the autonomous vessel sail with nearly no energy needed) in order to improve the performance and the characteristics of the whole rig for this autonomous sailing vessel. The main goals are to create a robust, lightweight, waterproof and self-looking flap. The thesis presents the requirements and the design, study, manufacturing and testing processes of the new concept of the flap. The new concept of the flap shows promising results such as better aerodynamic behavior, better distribution of the weight and a completely watertight area for the electronics