In collaboration with Harken, Jeanneau has just introduced a new automatic sail trim system. Since the appearance of winches capable of electrically tucking and reefing (Rewind), without having to touch the sheet, the idea of automating everything was not far off. Even if Jeanneau prefers to talk about assistance and not true automation, the result is that you can sail without having to touch the ropes (or almost!).
Because automation is now a reality with AST (Assisted Sail Trim). The principle is simple: a computer receives information from the boat (speed, heel, wind strength and direction). All the pieces of the puzzle were there: wind angle or heel sensor, electric winches capable of trimming or easing. All that was left was to get them to talk to each other and give them a little autonomy.
How does it work?
At the helm of your boat, you take a course and set the sails. Then you engage the AST by pressing the control panel. Then the system tacks or shocks according to your changes in direction or wind variations.
Need to tack? No problem, the system shocks the jib sheet to the leeward side and bows on the other side. All you have to do is take care of the helm. Same thing if a gust of wind surprises you and makes the boat heel. Depending on a predefined maximum angle of heel, the system eases the mainsail and tacks it when the gust has passed.
Does this sound like magic to you?
Another advantage of the system is that by centralizing all winch controls on the same console, the navigator can easily intervene without having to move. For the moment, the AST has its own screen, in particular to be able to quickly deactivate it by pressing a single button, but it is likely that tomorrow, these functions will be accessible via the NMEA network on board. Electronics manufacturers such as Navico and Raymarine have been following the development of the project to validate the integration into their devices.
And tomorrow, a fully automatic sailboat?
Other developments are already being considered, such as raising the mainsail or unfurling or rolling the jib automatically. But these maneuvers require different manipulations on the winches and fittings (opening a blocker for example) to be taken into account by the user who will have to be well warned not to make mistakesâ?¦
Today the AST is working. It will be marketed next spring on the future Sun Odyssey 519. However, it is mainly intended for larger sailboats. Indeed, the option at nearly 14,000 euros HT has no place on a small cruiser.
