B&G releases new WS700 vertical wind sensor
by B&G 5 Jun 2019 04:00 PDT
The new WS700 vertical wind sensor © B&G
B&G, global leader in the design and manufacture of sailing electronics, has released a new vertical wind sensor designed for race yachts and larger cruising yachts. The instrument is mounted on a spar that elevates it above sail-plan disturbances and thus provides highly accurate wind data. Almost 35 years after launching the first version of the popular 213 Masthead Unit, B&G has designed the WS700 to be the most accurate and reliable sensor of its kind on the market.
Accuracy
Highly accurate wind speed and angle data is strategically important when racing in a regatta, but equally so for solo offshore sailors who depend on precise wind input for the autopilot to get the best steer-to-wind performance. At the core of the WS700 sensor are new electronics that enable accurate measurements of wind angle and speed. The measurement error is under ±0.5 degrees for wind direction and ±0.2 for wind speed.
Design
The aerodynamic design of the WS700 allows for smooth airflow and reduces the effect of turbulence around the body, to maintain data accuracy. The design was optimized following more than 500 hours of wind tunnel testing and more than 200,000 hours on the water, under various conditions.
The shape of the vane has dramatically changed from previous models to make it more stable. The new vane isn't attached to the wind sensor with a screw, instead, it is moulded into its top. This new one-piece vane design provides improvements in balance, aerodynamics and shock loads. A new smooth balance weight with recessed mounting keeps the flow turbulence-free, and steady.
The WS700 comes mounted on a carbon spar of four different lengths, between 0.8 1.8 m, which elevates the sensor above sail-plan disturbance. Positioning the sensor in undisturbed airflow dramatically reduces uncertainties that come from turbulence and adds precision to the wind angle and speed measurements.
The WS700 comes wired and is compatible with NMEA 2000® networks via an interface (optional), H5000 and WTP systems, and has a starting price of £1,883.33 (excluding VAT).
Matt Eeles, project lead for the WS700 at B&G, comments that, "the WS700 is the result of continual product improvement and strenuous testing to produce the most accurate and reliable wind sensor for our performance customers."
For more details, please visit www.bandg.com/en-gb/bg/type/instrument-sensors-and-transducers/wind-sensors