The present work highlights some of the dynamic couplings observed in a series of tests performed in a wave basin with a scaled-model of a FOWT with semi-submersible substructure. The model was moored by means of a conventional chain catenary system and an actively controlled fan was used for emulating the thrust loads during the tests. A set of wave tests comprising regular and irregular waves was done for different wave angles and wind velocities. The experimental records illustrate the main coupling effects involved and how they affect the FOWT motions in waves, especially when the floater presents a non-negligible tilt angle.. In addition, an analysis of the frequency-domain dynamic model was made in order to evaluate its ability to capture these effects properly. The influence of different modes of fan response, floater trim angles (changeable with ballast compensation) and variations of the mooring stiffness with the offsets were investigated in the analysis. Results attest that significant changes in the FOWT responses may indeed arise from coupling effects, thus indicating that caution must be taken when simplifying the hydrodynamic frequency-domain models often used as a basis for the simulation of FOWTs in waves and in in optimization procedures for the design of the floater and mooring lines.

The Galleon was considered a masterpiece of shipbuilding in the sixteenth century, but from a modern point of view, the shape of her hull looks archaic and primitive. However, how accurate is this perception? Is the hull form of Galleon primitive? What were the reasons for its unique design features? This article investigates these questions by directly analysing the hull’s features from the point of view of modern ship’s theory, as well as from a historical perspective. A careful evaluation of specific design criteria of a typical Galleon, together with analysing a 3D model of its hull on modern software, with further insight for the seakeeping behaviour of Galleon with a comparison to more modern full-rigged ship (Barque of 19 CE), showed that these features were not random, but instead had a good rationale behind it, and served specific and carefully decided functions, required at the time.