Precision Two-Boat Tuning Is Easier Than You Think
by Cyclops Marine 21 Feb 2025 09:00 PST
Laser-Precision Two-Boat Tuning is Easier Than You Think © Cyclops Marine
Picture this: Tom and Ben are out sailing their ILCAs. Tom is faster upwind, Ben downwind... but they don't know why.
Any decent coach would get them together for some two-boat tuning to help them both improve. They think Tom's loading up his Kicker more upwind, but even after lining up, swapping boats, and tweaking settings, they still can't figure out what Tom is doing, when it's happening, or how much difference it's really making.
There's only one way to know for sure: putting hard numbers on their settings, in real-time.
Using live load data captured by Cyclops' smartlink Atto, this augmented video shows vang loads in comparison—one of the most critical loads for upwind performance. But it could just as easily be configured to show other loads like Cunningham, Outhaul, or Hiking strap - or all at once.
They could also view the same data via the Cyclops App, or a number of other third-party apps. Now, Tom, Ben, and their coach can pinpoint the exact moment and control that gives Tom the edge upwind, or identify what Ben is doing differently downwind to gain an advantage.
To have a closer look at different performance-critical loads, it's just a simple case of moving Cyclops' Atto load sensor - the smallest, most affordable device of its kind - to a new location on the rig.
Once they've got a good feel for their targets during shore-based debriefs, the pair can really start to dial-in on the water - repeating the numbers live on screen while training, making those key settings second nature.
They can also quickly see how equipment selection (such as sails and rigging choice) impacts their dynamic loading on the water.
Load data is probably the most performance-critical input, but of course, you can gain an even more complete picture by combining data sets. See how Mozzy Sails has taken data capture to the extreme:
By training smarter, not harder, Tom and Ben are levelling up at speed, with their sights set on Los Angeles 2028.
This is why the GBR, GER, NOR, SWE, AUS, AUT, FRA, ITA, USA, ESP, NED, SUI, JAP & CAN Olympic Federations all used Cyclops in their Paris campaigns - helping them adapt to equipment changes, run more effective two-boat testing, and push each other to improve with real comparative data.
But the technology is no longer only accessible for the elite. Since Paris 2024, the launch of Cyclops' most affordable sensor to date - smartlink Atto - has brought wireless load sensing within reach for a whole new set of sailors looking to get an edge on the competition.
The Atto is available now.
Contact a Cyclops expert to learn more.