Selective Intelligence

Selective Intelligence

by Paola Bertelli- ph. courtesy of Simrad

Command is the new integration and control system

by Simrad. A latest generation data capture and processing unit that can optimise the potential of the entire on-board instrumentation suite

“T

he challenge is to create an individual helm station experience in the wheelhouse for every superyacht, providing skippers with only the information that’s useful at any given moment,

when they need it”. The concept goes beyond simple integration. Ba-

cked by 20 years of experience at Naviop (acquired in 2017 by Navico), Gabriele Gatta, global integration leader for Navico, has a very clear idea of what a superyacht control console should be.

First of all, the flood of information that is communicated to the bridge on a modern yacht must be displyed in a straightforward, intuitive way

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Simrad Yachting designs and manufactures navigation systems, autopilots, radar, communications and fish finders. Command is an integration and control system that helps captains take full advantage of increasingly hitech craft, from megayachts to much smaller models. Opposite page, Gabriele Gatta, global

Martina Orsini

Martina Orsini

integration leader for Navico

and managed logically. “You see some displays dotted with countless

supports captains and owners without detracting from the pleasure

icons, making it hard for skipper and owner to take it all in”, says Ga-

of sailing. In both sectors there is an increasing need for on-board

briele Gatta. “We want to be selective. If you’re moored up, for exam-

assistance, solutions that help skippers to take full advantage of incre-

ple, there’s no need for the engine graphics to be displayed but battery

asingly hi-tech craft, from megayachts to much smaller models.

condition is important, but if you’re dropping anchor you won’t be

“We’re always researching new, unique solutions for the different yards

interested in the radar but depth and engine management are crucial”.

we work with in co-design. About forty engineers work in our Super

In other words, the trend is towards increasingly smart integration,

Yacht Division. It’s a heavyweight division backed up by a dedicated

and Simrad’s Command is a modular system designed to optimise

24hr service. It can be accessed remotely from all our yachts, ena-

instrument integration. This system makes use of the information it

bling owners and skippers solve problems and help understand the

also receives from installations on board – engine, air conditioning,

situation”.

batteries, electrical equipment, domotics, entertainment – and proces-

Increasing integration has led to new designs for the helm station,

ses them. The system can carry out safety checks or ensure the yacht

which is looking increasingly futuristic, and optimisation of wheelhou-

reacts independently in some situations. It is a genuine management

se spaces, “The old-style control consoles were anything from 01.5 to

system. For example, if you are sailing at a certain speed and you want

2 metres long, and were packed with video screens and yacht mana-

reach a particular point, the system can “talk” with the skipper and

gement gear. Simrad has moved on to a box that’s a little smaller than

suggest slowing down if too much fuel is being consumed.

a computer but offers extra performance”. And it’s the performance

This is possible because Simrad Command monitors and controls all

that’s so amazing, especially the processing and data display speed of

the on-board functions that calculate the correct regime – engine,

the new systems.

charts and fuel tank. The system is inspired by the automotive world

“The new S series is incredibly fast, it’s an amazing step forward,

- the grand dream of constructing a totally autonomous vehicle is

its processors and software provide super-professional performance”,

translated by the yacht-building industry into a control platform that

Gatta concludes.

www.simrad-yachting.com

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