Course in VPP Analysis for Yachts
Online 300 h course in VPP analysis for yachts. 6 modules covering ORC Rating Systems, ORC International Measurement System (IMS) and ORC VPP. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain how a speed prediction programme works.
Model the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces on a sailing yacht.
Carry out parametric studies with VPP tools.
Analyse the relationship between rating and actual performance.
Calibrate polars using sailing data.
Interpret ORC and IRC certificates.
Produce a VPP analysis report with improvement recommendations.
Who it's for
- VPP analyst who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- Yacht designer who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- ORC rating measurer who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- Performance engineer who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- Race sailor who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- Rating optimisation consultant who wants to specialise in VPP analysis for yachts.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to move into naval design studies.
What you'll work with
- ORC Rating Systems
- ORC International Measurement System (IMS)
- IRC Rule
- ISO 12217 Small craft. Stability and buoyancy assessment and categorisation
- ITTC Recommended Procedures
- World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Origins of the VPP in the H. Irving Pratt project1.2Balance of forces and moments on a sailing yacht1.3Aerodynamic model of the sails1.4Hydrodynamic model of the hull and appendages1.5Iterative solution of the equilibrium1.6Control variables: reef and flat1.7VPP outputs: polars and target speeds1.8Differences between design VPP and rating VPP1.9Limitations of empirical models1.10Practical: reading an ORC certificate
2.1Lift and drag coefficients of sails2.2Close-hauled and reaching sail sets2.3Effect of heel on sail force2.4Aerodynamic drag of hull and rigging2.5Induced drag from the sail plan2.6Depowering models2.7Wind tunnel and CFD data2.8Wind gradient and twist2.9Sail area measured according to the rules2.10Laboratory: sensitivity of the polar to sail area
3.1Frictional resistance and ITTC lines3.2Residuary resistance and Delft series3.3Heeling and leeway resistance3.4Added resistance in waves3.5Appendages and induced resistance3.6Stability and righting moment3.7Effect of crew on stability3.8Models for multihulls and foils3.9Towing tank data versus empirical formulae3.10Workshop: comparison of Delft series and CFD
4.1Parametric studies of length and beam4.2Optimisation of displacement and ballast4.3Selection of appendages4.4Sizing the sail plan4.5Analysis of rating versus actual performance4.6Predictions for different wind conditions4.7Target speeds for the crew4.8Comparison of yachts on the same course4.9Integration with CAD models4.10Case study: optimising a yacht for the ORC class
5.1Instrument data versus VPP polars5.2Calibration of polars with real data5.3Detection of model biases5.4Polars in navigation software5.5ORC rating: corrected times and scenarios5.6IRC rule and its unpublished approach5.7Interpreting rating certificates5.8Managing rating over the life of the yacht5.9Reports for owners and teams5.10Practical: correcting polars with race data
6.1Study yacht and starting data6.2Geometric and sail model6.3Running the base VPP6.4Sensitivity study6.5Proposals for modification6.6Impact on rating6.7Validation with real data6.8Recommendations to the owner6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ORC VPP, WinDesign VPP, FS-Equilibrium, Python, Maxsurf, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assignments are based on real polar prediction procedures for a racing cruiser, a parametric study of ballast and sail area, and calibration of polars with race data. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain how a speed prediction programme works.
Model the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces on a sailing yacht.
Carry out parametric studies with VPP tools.
Analyse the relationship between rating and actual performance.
Calibrate polars using sailing data.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A level of Spanish sufficient to follow technical regulations.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with ORC VPP, WinDesign VPP, FS-Equilibrium, Python, Maxsurf. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is an in-house award, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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