abersailbot.github.io

The Great Aberystwyth Boatoff Competition 2022

Version 1.0

November 16th 2022

Aims

This competition aims to introduce new AberSailbot members to robotic sailing and the systems used in AberSailbot’s other boats. Each team will race a 1m long polystyrene boat in a mini competition on the weekend of December 3rd/4th or 10th/11th 2022. This will take place in Aberystwyth Harbour, if the weather is bad the competiton will be delayed. Each team will be given most of the equipment they need, the software and hardware used will be very similar to what we plan to use on our RC Laser boat.

Equipment

Each team will receive the following:

• Polystyrene Hull
• Mast and boom
• Sail Material
• 3D Printed Rudder
• Keel
• ESP32 microcontroller
• Compass
• GPS
• Rudder Servo
• Wire
• Batteries
• Waterproof electronics box
• Cable glands
• Rigging String

Assembly Required:

• (if required) Coat/paint the hull
• Make a sail
• Install and modify the software
• Install the rudder servo
• Install cable glands into the waterproof box
• Decorate the boat
• Wire up the compass and servos
• 3D print the rudder and sail drum
• Complete the keel assembly

Other work required:

• Learn each other’s names.
• Talk to the existing team memebers and your group mentor about any problems you have.
• TEST EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!
• Fix any problems you have.
• Have fun.

Rules

Every boat will attempt to sail a triangular course in Aberystwyth Harbour. Logs must be recorded in the standard boatd format. An automated scoring system will score the functionality part.

Scoring:

• Functionality 25%
  • Hitting waypoints (5% per waypoint)
  • Completing the course (5%)
  • Speed (ranked order, 5% 1st place, 4% 2nd etc)
• Build Quality - 25% (5% each)
  • Waterproofing
  • Hull smoothness, general hydrodynamics
  • Rigging and sail quality
  • Astethics
  • Quality of wiring and electrics
• Process - 25%
  • Write a short webpage about your boat. Describe any design decisions, problems and fixes. (15%)
  • Use of Github and Discord (10%)
• Impress the judges - 25% Do something that impresses the judges. This might include:
  • Failing with style
  • Giving the judges cake/chocolate/beer
  • Demonstrate extra sailing capabilities
  • Technical innovation
  • Creative problem solving
  • Performance optimisations

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