Wake Wash Analysis of HSC Catamarans

In this paper the wake wash phenomenon produced by High Speed Craft (HSC) is analysed. Briefly the hydrodynamic phenomenon of wake wash is described indicating the parameters influencing the generation of wake wash from HSC at different speed and depth. The critical conditions for typical dimensions and speed of HSC are identified. In presented case study the wake wash generated by three catamarans actually operating in Croatian coastal waters is assessed. For each of them the actual route is analysed and flow regimes and critical points where wake wash could occur are identified. The wake wash values are assessed using the database of field measured wake wash for similar size catamarans published in literature. These values are propagated to shoreline and the obtained results are used to propose the maximum speed for which the generated wave height is still complying with the International Rules.