Performance Prediction

VPP / PPP / Simulator

We combine high-fidelity modelling and dynamic simulation to forecast power demand, efficiency, and on-water behavior for both sailing and commercial vessels. The result is decision-ready insights that help teams tune design and operations with confidence. Improving stability, control, and efficiency.

PPP for WASP validation

At CH we’ve developed a state-of-the-art Power Performance Prediction (PPP) methodology that integrates full-scale 3D RANS CFD simulations with advanced sampling and response surface modeling techniques to enable fast and accurate performance evaluations. The workflow is complemented by a suite of in-house tools for polar generation and route optimization, allowing accurate ship performance evaluation under real operating conditions.

Learn more about how to accurately predict the performance of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, and CH high fidelity methodology:

High Fidelity – Full scale CFD Modelling

We use design of experiments sampling and surrogate models to map the design space efficiently, with full-scale RANS CFD as the aero-hydrodynamic reference.

Case-specific polars and interaction effects

CFD results feed our PPP tool to generate vessel-specific polars and power demand, accounting for trim optimisation and key interaction effects across onboard systems and deck layout.

Weather route optimization

We embed these polars into a weather-routing solver using ERA5 data and graph-based optimisation to identify routes that minimise fuel consumption under wind and wave conditions.

Real-time Simulator

We integrate dynamic simulator capabilities in our workflows to replicates real-world vessel behaviour to evaluate stability, control, and response in complex operating conditions. Building on our expertise in foiling dynamics and advanced control systems, we simulate manoeuvres, sea states, and system interactions, helping teams validate control strategies and tune actuators. With hardware-in-the-loop capability, the simulator becomes a development and verification tool for mechatronics and autonomy, bridging digital design and on-water performance.

Real-world dynamics and manoeuvre simulation

We simulate vessel response across sea states and manoeuvres to assess handling, stability margins, and operational behaviour before on-water testing.

Control development and tuning (HIL-ready)

We accelerate control-loop development from sensors to actuators, using hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate real components safely and reduce integration risk.

Safety, reliability and repeatable validation

We run repeatable scenarios to verify robustness, uncover edge cases, and iterate faster, supporting safer behaviour before deployment.

VPP for Sailing

At CH we use our own high-fidelity Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) to quantify sailing performance across the full operating envelope. By combining high fidelity aerodynamic and hydrodynamic modelling, we generate reliable polars, assess design trade-offs, and support fast iteration during concept and design development. The workflow can be extended with optimisation loops to refine appendages, sail plans, and stability targets. Delivering performance insight that translates directly into design decisions.

High-fidelity polars and performance envelope

We generate configuration-specific polars that capture the real performance of the yacht across wind range, sail plans, and operating modes.

Balance, stability and trim optimisation

We assess equilibrium, stability, and trim to ensure realistic predictions and inform decisions on righting moment, appendages, and sail-carrying power.

Design trade-offs and scenario comparison

We compare hull/appendage packages, sail plans, and weight distributions using consistent metrics to reveal which changes deliver measurable gains.