Discover how SailForce 2 is revolutionizing electric winches for large yachts with unmatched precision, safety, and energy efficiency. Elevate your sailing experience with smarter control and enhanced rigging protection designed for the demands of modern ocean cruising.
Achieving precision and control in electric winch operation for large sailing yachts presents significant engineering challenges. Modern electric winch systems are evolving to meet the demands of larger yachts with increased load requirements, emphasizing improvements in maneuver control, equipment safety, and energy management.
Traditional electric winches typically operate with a basic on/off control mechanism, which, while effective for heavy loads, lacks the fine control necessary for delicate sail adjustments. This limitation can lead to sudden stress spikes on rigging during critical maneuvers, potentially compromising structural integrity.
Advancements in motor technology have introduced the use of brushless outrunner motors capable of delivering high torque 60Nm** with efficiencies around 75%. These motors are well-suited for yachts with large sail areas or those designed for heavy ocean cruising, providing both power and efficiency.
A pivotal technological innovation is the implementation of a variable speed control system. This system modulates winch rotation speed in response to command pressure, enabling two distinct operational modes: a rapid furling mode for handling light loads quickly, and an ultra-precise slow adjustment mode for fine-tuning sails or tensioning halyards. The slow mode can maintain speeds as low as a few centimeters per second, which significantly reduces wear on rigging components and enhances overall sailing performance.
Safety mechanisms are integrated through a configurable tension limiter that halts motor operation once a preset load threshold is reached. This prevents overload conditions that could damage sails or rigging. Furthermore, the system supports multiple operation profiles, allowing for repeatable and reliable maneuvers tailored to varying sailing conditions.
Energy management is optimized by incorporating a dedicated lithium buffer battery (216 Wh at 36 V) to power the motor during maneuvers. This buffer battery recharges gradually from the yacht9;s main electrical system, effectively reducing peak current draw and preserving the main battery bank. Such a strategy is essential for long voyages and energy-efficient operation.
The design also emphasizes a compact form factor, with a fixed height of 184 mm, facilitating easier installation and retrofit below deck. This compactness addresses the space constraints commonly encountered on modern ocean cruisers and large sailing yachts.
Collectively, these technological advancements enable precise control over winch speed and tension limits, extending the service life of rigging and sails, reducing maintenance costs, and improving operational safety. These innovations represent a significant step forward in electric winch technology, combining power, precision, and protection to meet the rigorous demands of large sailing yachts.
