RED
ALICANTE
MARBLE
ISSUE
•
N°
44
•
2025
“Goccia” is a response to a shipyard’s request to solve problems of cavitation and loss of speed. To side: top, Alessandro and Daniele Guidi; bottom, the Guidi System, a kit that integrates water intake, non-stick valve, filter and fittings, designed to ensure maximum safety for the on-board hydraulic systems
The Shape of Efficiency Guidi presents the new bronze water intake “Goccia”, inspired by the natural world and developed for enhanced hydrodynamics. A small technical component with a big impact on the sailing experience by Paola Bertelli - ph. courtesy by Guidi
T
he latest patented product from Guidi is the bronze
cavitation and loss of speed caused by the water intakes mounted
water intake “Goccia” (“Drop”). The name refers to
on their high-performance yacht. The new design of the “Goccia”
the component’s unusual shape, inspired by nature
ensures greater efficiency from many points of view, providing greater
and designed to generate improved hydrodynamics.
navigability, comfort and sustainability”, says Alessandro Guidi, the
Geometrically speaking, it recalls a pyriform quartic formula, a type
company’s technical and operational manager.
of algebraic curve that mimics the shape of a drop. This design is not
Guidi handled the design, while DITEN (the University of Genoa
intended as a simple style exercise, it’s a solution that optimises water
Department of Naval Engineering) measured the advantages through
flow inside and out of the cover, enabling a significant reduction in
a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis. The analysis showed
vortices and minimising turbulence.
increased efficiency, reduced water resistance, a greater flow rate and
It has a rather unusual backstory: “The product is the result of a
lower noise, an increasingly important aspect in the marine context.
specific request by an Italian shipyard that was having problems with
Generally, noise and efficiency are rarely compatible – lowering one
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usually leads to an increase in the other. However, in the case of this water intake, no compromises were necessary, as excellent results have been achieved on both fronts. It’s also interesting to note that as the boat’s speed increases so do the positive effects generated by the new water intake. CFD analysis has confirmed the superlative performance offered by the “Goccia”, demonstrating that drawing inspiration from nature and using computer simulation technology can lead to innovative solutions for the marine industry. Like all Guidi products, the “Goccia” is designed for maximum endurance and reliability, supported by quality and performance guarantees. The physical and mechanical properties of the materials used are retained over time. The materials are also totally recyclable and requires minimal maintenance. Presented at the METS 2024 as a prototype, the new water intake is now generally available, including in the USA. An example of how a “small technical component” can also have an impact on a complex system, helping in the creation of yachts that are increasingly sophisticated from every point of view. guidisrl.it
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