Case Study: Verney Yachts targets 65‑knot speed record with prototype‑free virtual design using Dassault Systèmes' Abaqus FEA

Verney Yachts - Customer Case Study

Verney Yachts set out to build the v-44 Albatross, a single‑hull sailboat with two 13‑m rigid wing‑sails, aiming to break the world sailing speed record (target ~65 knots) without building physical prototypes. To validate an unconventional, mass‑balanced wing‑sail concept and assess structural and aerodynamic performance, Verney turned to Abaqus FEA from SIMULIA provided by Dassault Systemes.

Using Abaqus FEA the team ran staged finite‑element analyses (spar, secondary structure, full skin assembly) and coupled FSI/CFD studies to tune controls and predict performance. Results validated the concept: the main spar tip deflection was ~1 m (7.7% of 13 m), reserve factors were 1.5 (compression) and 2.9 (tension), and component deflections ranged from ~0.4–1.7%, while identifying mass and stiffness optimizations. Dassault Systemes’ software and support let Verney proceed with a simulation‑only development path and prepare for a planned record attempt.

Verney Yachts

Tim Clarke

Founder and Engineering Lead