Element14 Community members are encouraged to share, before May 14, detailed, viable, and cost-effective ideas on how Riva's autopilot could be improved to ensure its success in any of its future solo transatlantic races on an offshore racing yacht.

The marine autopilot controls two crucial elements: data acquisition and rudder control. Several sensors are connected to the system to perform vector calculations of the wind and obtain information about the vessel's heading: an IMU compass, a wind sensor, a vessel speed sensor, and a rudder sensor. The calculated variables are used to maintain the vessel at a specific true wind angle or on a particular heading. All the elements of the marine autopilot work together to collect data that informs the control system.

According to Riva, the nautical autopilot is the sailor's best friend, as it allows the person steering the boat to adjust the sails, sleep, eat, concentrate on the weather conditions, and be able to move the rudder in the best possible way to optimize speed and efficiency on the desired course throughout demanding multi-day races.

“Given that Riva is not only a multi-competition winning skipper, but also a skilled engineer who has worked as a data analyst and onboard electronics expert on racing yachts, he is a perfect fit to team up with our element14 Community,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Director of Community and Social Media at element14. “We know that our global community of designers and engineers will be able to contribute ingenious ideas to further enhance their marine autopilot.”.

The winners of the "Ready for Tomorrow" challenge will be announced on May 30th and each will receive one prize item, which includes a Multicomp Pro MC-120 3D printer, a Multicomp Pro handheld oscilloscope, a Multicomp Pro USB PC oscilloscope, a Multicomp Pro soldering station or a Multicomp Pro handheld multimeter.

Community members can share here on how to improve navigation