Sketch of a sailing yacht's rig on a whiteboard.

S.S.A. · Marine automation

Sail System Automation

Sail System Automation (S.S.A.) brings together onboard control software, networks and operator interfaces. GCG works on B&R controls, communication between systems and on-site commissioning.

See the approach

In numbers

127 m
sailing yacht on which Raymond, now co-owner of GCG, handled controls and commissioning (2021-2023)
B&R + Victron
control platform and power components onboard
OPC UA / Modbus
communication between controllers and connected systems

Why onboard is different

Onboard controls, networks and operator interfaces need to be tested as one installation. We check feedback signals, communication between systems and behaviour during interruptions. Redundancy is designed for the specific installation and tested during commissioning.

Sails, rigging and deck of a 127M sailing yacht

What we build and maintain onboard

B&R controls for vessel systems
PLC software for the control and monitoring of onboard systems, from deck lighting to propulsion and auxiliary systems.
Redundant fibre-optic I/O
Network architecture, connections and failure behaviour are defined for each installation. During commissioning, we check communication and the agreed fault scenarios.
IT/OT integration onboard
The same OPC UA/MQTT approach GCG uses on industrial installations, applied to vessel systems: onboard data to dashboards.
Victron power components
Chargers, inverters and DC-DC conversion for the onboard battery system, matched to available power and connected equipment.
Onboard commissioning and trials
Commissioning and testing onboard, including central deck-lighting control and inter-system communication.

Technical collaboration with Rondal

For sailing systems and onboard components, GCG collaborates with Rondal on marine control systems. That collaboration connects our controls expertise with the mechanical systems Rondal supplies onboard yachts.

From the field

Raymond worked on B&R controls, redundant fibre-optic I/O and commissioning on a 127M sailing yacht. Nick developed communication for central deck-lighting control. Onboard work brings control software, networks and installation testing together in one setup that has to hold up on open water.

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