Acu-Res® Solid-state vs. Mechanical Wind Sensors:
February 27, 2025
Overview and background
In competitive yacht racing, real-time wind data is crucial for performance, strategy, and safety. The rise of hydro-foiling in the IMOCA class has resulted in faster yachts—reaching speeds up to 40 knots in IMOCA races—that are subjected to much higher slamming forces. Teams are finding that traditional mechanical wind sensors are failing under such extreme conditions. This has driven the industry to seek more durable and reliable alternatives.
This case study compares the performance of FT Acu-Res® solid-state wind sensors with mechanical counterparts in real-world racing conditions. As Time-of-Flight (ToF) ultrasonic wind sensors rely on precise timing of ultrasonic pulses, they can face reliability challenges, particularly in extreme conditions.
In contrast, FT wind sensors use an acoustic resonance principle (Acu-Res®), amplifying sound waves within a resonant chamber. This measurement principle eliminates the need for timing calculations, making Acu-Res® technology more accurate, robust, and resistant to environmental interference.
Real World Comparison
The VandB team, led by skipper Maxime Sorel, tested two different wind sensors under varying conditions—including light breezes, strong winds, and stormy weather. An FT Technologies Acu-Res® wind sensor, was mounted horizontally on the masthead and a traditional mechanical wind sensor, mounted vertically on the masthead.
This setup provided a direct, real-world comparison of performance under extreme conditions, capturing over 63 hours of continuous yacht race data which they generously shared with us.
As shown in the comparison data charts, both the FT wind sensor (blue) and the mechanical wind sensor (red) demonstrate consistent and reliable wind speed and direction measurements.
Conclusion
After their rigorous testing, Maxime Sorel’s team chose to rely exclusively on FT wind sensors for the Vendée Globe in 2024/2025. With FT's Acu-Res® Technology, they provide accuracy and responsiveness, durability, and extreme conditions reliability in high-performance sailing.
For professional racing teams, the FT Acu-Res® wind sensors offer a clear advantage over traditional mechanical options, ensuring reliable wind data in the most extreme conditions.
