Engineering References & Tools
The technical downloads, design software, and industry standards we actually use — for composite work, rigging and deck hardware engineering, hull design, and offshore safety compliance. Nothing here is a curated “things that sound useful” list. It’s the working reference library behind Shayne’s engineering practice and Paikea’s refit — the same documents and software we reach for on real jobs, plus the foundational texts that shaped how we think about the problems in the first place.
Suggested Reading
Aerodynamics of a Lifting System in Extreme Ground Effect
Kirill V. Rozhdestvensky
A comprehensive academic text on wing-in-ground-effect aerodynamics — relevant background reading for anyone thinking about foil and hull interaction with the water surface at speed. This is a full published book, available directly from Springer.
Theory of Wing Sections: Including a Summary of Airfoil Data
Ira H. Abbott and Albert E. Von Doenhoff
The definitive reference on airfoil theory and NACA wing section data — essential grounding for anyone working with foils, rudders, or anything that generates lift through water or air. A classic that’s shaped generations of aerodynamic and hydrofoil design.
Technical Articles
Pulpits, Stanchions & Lifelines — Materials & Regulations
World Sailing / ISAF Special Regulations Sub-committee
The official World Sailing report examining material limitations for pulpits, stanchions, and lifelines — including the carbon fibre debate, breaking-load test data, and the reasoning behind current Offshore Special Regulations. Essential reading if you’re designing, repairing, or upgrading these safety-critical fittings.
The Curse of the Nylon Peel Ply
L.J. Hart-Smith, G. Redmond, M.J. Davis — 41st SAMPE International Symposium, 1996
A landmark paper in composite bonding — Hart-Smith’s research exposed how nylon peel plies can leave behind a release-agent contamination layer that quietly wrecks bond strength, reshaping how the industry thinks about surface prep before adhesive bonding. If you’ve ever wondered why peel ply choice matters so much for structural bonds, this is the paper that started the conversation.
Design and Engineering Software
- XFLR5 — airfoil analysis and fluid dynamics for foil sections, rudders, and rig design.
- NanoCAD — 2D drafting for deck layouts, bulkhead patterns, and fabrication templates.
- Solid Edge — 3D CAD for structural components, hatch design, and precision part modelling.
- MaxSurf — naval architecture and hydrostatics for hull performance analysis.
Industry Standards and References
- World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations — the offshore racing safety standard.
- ISO 15085:2024 — small craft: protection from falling overboard and means of reboarding.
- ABYC H-41 — reboarding means, ladders, handholds, rails, and lifelines.
- World Sailing — racing rules, offshore regulations, and technical documents.
- C-Tech Sail Battens — batten specifications and materials.
Related Resources
Working with Composites →
Paikea’s Refit →
Navigation and Weather Tools →