Hydrodynamic aspects of a fast catamaran operating in shallow water

The results of a series of model experiments for high-speed catamarans in shallow water is described. Part of the EC-funded SPAN (Safe Passage And Navigation) study, attention concentrated on resistance, sinkage and trim, manoeuvring and wash at speeds in the sub-, trans and super-critical regimes. The results have illuminated behaviour well into the super-critical regime and some interesting findings relating to high-speed catamaran wash are presented.