Design Optimization of Subcavitating Hydrofoils for America's Cup Class Yachts

I am pleased to present this talk today. I would like to express my gratitude to our sponsor, the American Magic Team, from the recent America's Cup cycle. I also want to acknowledge my co-authors and collaborators: Eirikur Jonsson, Andrew Lamkin, Yingjian Liao, Galen Ng, Anil Yildirim, and Hal Youngren. All of them are students in my lab who contributed significantly to this work. Additionally, Hal Youngren played a crucial role on the American Magic side, ensuring our approach remained practical and grounded.

Reflecting on my childhood, I spent a considerable amount of time sailing. I began with an Optimist class boat, which is considerably slower than America's Cup vessels. The square bow design is particularly noticeable when it encounters waves, resulting in a distinct feeling of resistance. This experience exposed me to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces, which I believe influenced my understanding of sailing dynamics.