Shaping a wingsail is a project best done on the computer, and that’s where Andrew’s expertise comes in.
Andrew works in the structures department of ORACLE TEAM USA’s design team. He’s overall in charge of 3D modeling of the wingsail as well as laminate design, Finite Element Analysis and production drawings.
At ORACLE TEAM USA, Andrew has been able to hone his life-long interest in designing with composite materials.
“Designing with composites requires a much different approach than with metal materials,” says Andrew. “With composites, you build up the part with very thin sheets from a wide range of materials; you optimize load paths and structures. With composites, there’s no shortage of challenges and learning.”
Andrew has an experienced racing background, having competed since an early age. He raced the 420 dinghy in youth, high school and college sailing, and campaigned for a spot on the 2000 US Olympic Sailing Team in the 470 class. Recently he has raced an 18-foot singlehanded A Class catamaran, like many other team members.
Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Rhode Island. “I designed an 18-foot electric boat for a competition in college,” says Andrew. “I also worked on the integration of composite armor systems for military vehicles.”
After six years in the marine industry, where he worked for a leading spar manufacturer, Andrew joined Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge for the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup where he worked on rig design.
Career Highlights
2010
- 33rd America’s Cup, BMW ORACLE Racing, winner
- 33rd America’s Cup, Alinghi, runner-up
2007:
- Louis Vuitton Cup, Luna Rossa Challenge, finalist