GENOA SPECIAL – B&G wind supersensors (and lots of useful tips)

We are at the Genoa Boat Show, hunting for new products and accessories. Along with Marco Bevilacqua of B&G, let’s learn about the brand’s latest wind sensor innovations (HERE all info on the products we tell you about, the horizontally mounted WS300s): but mostly we tell you how to tell if the sensor has any problems, how to calibrate it, and how often to check it.

VIDEO – HOW TO TELL IF THE WIND SENSOR “SWERVES”

… AND IF YOU WANT A VERTICALLY MOUNTED MODEL?

The other big news, in terms of wind sensors, are the new vertically mounted WS700s, designed for racing boats and larger cruising yachts. The instrument is mounted on a rod that elevates it above the disturbances of the sail plan.

Accuracy
Highly accurate wind speed and angle data are strategically important for both racers and offshore boaters, who depend on entering accurate wind data for the autopilot to function at peak performance. At the core of the WS700 sensor are new electronic instruments that enable precise measurements of wind angle and wind speed. The measurement error is less than ±0.5 for wind direction and ±0.2 for wind speed.

Design
The aerodynamic design of WS700 allows smooth airflow and reduces the effect of turbulence around the body to maintain data accuracy. The design was optimized after more than 500 hours of wind tunnel testing and more than 200,000 hours in water under various conditions.

The shape of the wind marker has changed drastically from previous models to make it more stable. The new wind marker is not attached to the wind sensor with a screw, but is molded into its upper part. This new single-component design of the windward marker allows for improved balance, aerodynamics, and shock loads. A new smooth flush-mounted balancing weight keeps the flow turbulence-free and stable.

WS700 comes mounted on a carbon rod of four different lengths, ranging from 0.8 to 1.8 m, which elevates the sensor above the disturbance of the sail plan. Placing the sensor in an undisturbed airflow dramatically reduces uncertainties from turbulence and adds accuracy to wind angle and velocity measurements.

WS700 comes wired and is compatible with NMEA 2000 networks via an interface (optional), H5000 and WTP systems and has a starting price of €2,040.00 (excluding VAT). https://www.bandg.com/it-it/