Operating a remotely controlled yacht at very large distances

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Description/Abstract

The goal of this project is to be able to produce a fully unmanned autonomous sailing vessel capable of circumnavigating the island of Corsica, with no direct human involvement. To this end all aspects of such a circumnavigation by a conventionally crewed sailing yacht must be automated. The vessel must safely pilot between waypoints in the navigational plan, avoiding any hazards on route, whilst avoiding, as necessary, any other shipping. It must automatically derive its motive function from the actions of wind over sails and, for the purposes of safety and reliability, monitor the integrity and operational capability of its own systems. This paper addresses aspects associated with all these facets of the design and implementation of this ambitious project goal.