Stress tests with strain gages on the "UBS-Switzerland" before her participation in the Round The World Race

Before her participation in the Whitbread Round The World Race, the Swiss racing yacht "UBS Switzerland" underwent an extensive series of stress tests during a North-Atlantic crossing.

Before her participation in the Whitbread Round The World Race, the Swiss racing yacht "UBS Switzerland" underwent an extensive series of stress tests during a North-Atlantic crossing. Strain gages were installed on the hull's aluminum inner support structure as well as on the mast and boom to determine the stresses resulting from simulated racing conditions.

This article describes the measurements and gives examples of the results. Based on the results of the stress analysis several welds and struts of the inner support structure were reinforced. Important conclusions were drawn about the operation of the ship which allowed the sail settings to be optimally adapted to the external conditions and so minimize the risk of overloading the ship. Also mentioned is the psychological effect the measurements had on the crew's trust in the reliability of the ship.