Rodrigo has since focused on building strong customer relations and has successfully expanded the business, extending the range of services globally and across the broader maritime sector, and more recently into the renewable energy sector. Investment in training his team and researching new technologies, dedicated to reduce shipping emissions and improve air pollution is a strong commitment.
ABOUT US
Marine CFD Specialists & Marine Technology solutions
Cape Horn Engineering is an independent CFD consultancy and the go-to marine CFD specialists for sailing yachts, motor yachts, commercial ships and renewable energy structures. We provide state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis that helps clients achieve better performance, lower emissions and safer, more efficient designs.
Our simulations cover free-surface flow, viscous effects, full-scale performance, fluid-structure interaction and dynamic behaviour, all validated in real-world conditions.
Founded in 2007 and now based in Portsmouth, UK, we built our reputation in the ultra-competitive America’s Cup arena. Our work powered three consecutive Volvo Ocean Race wins (ABN Amro 2005/06, Ericsson 2008/09, Groupama 2011/12) and multiple America’s Cup campaigns.
Today the same rigorous CFD expertise is applied to commercial shipping decarbonisation, superyachts, high-speed vessels and offshore renewables supporting the entire maritime industry’s shift toward lower-emission, higher-performance solutions.
What makes us the preferred marine CFD specialists?
- True full-scale simulations with zero model-scale errors
- Hundreds of automated runs daily on high-performance computing clusters
- We exclusively use STAR-CCM+ from Siemens
- Direct validation against towing tanks, wind tunnels and sea trials
What are the main features of our simulations?
- We have access to large High Performance Computing clusters and large amounts of software licenses
- Hydrodynamic simulations are run at full scale including all appendages and details. No need for extrapolation from model scale
- The simulations include the free surface deformation and the dynamic sailing attitude of the vessel
- They can include complex physical phenomena when present, like cavitation, laminar/turbulent regime transition, ventilation, sprays, etc
- We simulate ship motions in incoming waves of any direction, also surfing down a wave is possible
- There is no restriction on the amplitude of the motion, even capsize events are possible
- Fluid Structure Interaction for hydrofoils and other structures
- Aerodynamic simulations in steady state or transient flow, coupled to FEA model for deformation of sails
- Slamming loads, sloshing, water entry, wave piercing, water on deck and any associated dynamic phenomena
- Any detail of the superstructure can be taken into account in aerodynamic simulations
- We can perform simulations of manoeuvres according to ITTC procedures
- Propulsion simulations using different levels of fidelity, from virtual discs to rotating propellers
Dr.-Ing. Rodrigo Azcueta (ARG, GER)
Dr.-Ing. Rodrigo Azcueta founded Cape Horn Engineering in 2007 and is the driving force behind its success as marine CFD specialists. Born in Buenos Aires in 1968, he studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Argentina and Germany before earning his Doctorate in Naval Engineering from the University of Hamburg in 2001. His thesis focused on viscous free-surface flows and ship motions.
Before launching the company he worked as a research engineer at MTG Marinetechnik GmbH on German Ministry of Defence projects. In 2013 he moved the business to Portsmouth, UK, establishing it as a British limited company.
Rodrigo has served as Head of CFD on four America’s Cup campaigns (including AC35 for Land Rover BAR) and was instrumental in three Volvo Ocean Race winning campaigns. His deep racing experience and passion for sustainable maritime technology now drive the company’s growth into commercial shipping decarbonisation and renewable energy optimisation.
He personally leads team training and ensures Cape Horn Engineering remains at the forefront of marine CFD technology.
Key campaigns and achievements:
- 2005–2006 Volvo Ocean Race – ABN Amro (winner)
- 2008–2009 Volvo Ocean Race – Ericsson Racing Team (winner)
- 2011–2012 Volvo Ocean Race – Groupama Sailing Team (winner)
- 2003–2007 America’s Cup – BMW Oracle Racing
- 2008–2009 America’s Cup – Team Origin
- 2010–2013 America’s Cup – Artemis Racing
- 2014–2017 America’s Cup – Land Rover BAR
