“FEA Analysis for Designing Anchors for Real-World Loads”

This service was published in preview in issue 1-2026 of the Yacht Upstream supplement available at this link

The general manager Davide Baldereschi and Alessandro Dario, Sales Manager for the Superyacht Division of Vetus Maxwell Italia, explain to SUPER YACHT 24 how FEA and functional analysis have become central elements in the development of anchoring systems for large yachts. Design based on real dynamic loads allows for the definition of dedicated rollers, optimized geometries, and custom configurations designed for modern bows and increasingly higher displacements. This is complemented by the group's recent innovations, which include improved control systems, optimized chain management, and customizable solutions tailored to shipyard needs.

What range of products do you operate in and what are the main innovations introduced to improve the performance, integration, and safety of anchoring systems?

Davide Baldereschi: Maxwell operates steadily in the 24–120 meter segment, with a growing presence in custom and explorer projects. Our strategy in recent years has focused on three elements: mechanical reliability, onboard systems integration, and advanced engineering support during the design phase. The most significant innovations include improved control systems, optimized chain management, and the introduction of customizable solutions based on the increasingly complex geometries of modern bows.

The increasing size and displacement of superyachts requires increasingly high-performance anchoring systems. How is Maxwell responding to these challenges?
Alessandro Dario: From a technical standpoint, this trend requires more robust components, but above all, systems designed based on real dynamic loads, not just estimates. This is why we systematically use FEA and functional analysis right from the preliminary stage.
In the most complex cases, the answer is customization: dedicated rollers, optimized geometries, and winches configured to ensure control and safety even with significant displacements.

How has brand perception evolved in the European superyacht segment in recent years?

DB: We're experiencing very strong growth. Maxwell has always been a global technical benchmark, but in Europe, in recent years, the brand has positioned itself as an engineering partner, not just a simple windlass supplier. The perception has changed because we now support shipyards right from the design phase, providing solutions, simulations, and verifications that reduce risks and costs on site. This added value is significantly strengthening our reputation in the Mediterranean market.

What technical solutions do you consider most distinctive compared to your competitors?

TO: Maxwell's strength lies in the mechanical robustness of its gearboxes, the reliability of its chainwheels, and the quality of its materials. But what truly sets us apart is our ability to create custom solutions: custom-designed bow rollers, integrated bow and stern systems, underwater anchoring systems, and configurations that address chain wrap issues or geometric limitations. When a boat presents a challenge, they typically call us because we know how to turn that challenge into a concrete solution.

Is there a recent case that well represents the strength and capability of a Maxwell design?
TO: "Yes, we recently worked on a project on a nearly 60-meter yacht with significant chain management issues: vibrations, loss of contact with the chainwheel, and abnormal wear on the roller drives. We redesigned the roller geometry and optimized the functional clearances, verifying everything through structural analysis. The result was a smooth, quiet system with no mechanical stress. A concrete example of how applied engineering can transform a problematic system into a reliable one."

What are Maxwell Italia's priorities for the near future in terms of the market, sales network, and shipyard services? Are you working on new products or development lines specifically for the Mediterranean market?

DB: Our priorities are threefold: strengthening direct technical support to shipyards with even faster response times; expanding our presence in the 30–60 meter segment, where we see the most dynamic growth; and improving brand communication by providing our products with a more comprehensive package of technical and sales documentation. We are also working on evolutionary solutions designed for the specific needs of the Mediterranean: compact installations, greater integration with onboard systems, and rollers optimized for the very taut geometry of modern bows.

How do regulations and classifications impact the design of your winches?
TO: “Decisively. Each component is designed taking into account the requirements of the major classification societies and applicable regulations—from ABS to RINA, from Lloyd's to DNV.
This means verifying loads, safety factors, materials, and manufacturing processes to high standards. Furthermore, in custom projects, we often work closely with surveyors to ensure that every part of the system can be certified without surprises.

Does sustainability also impact a product as technical as a winch? Where can real progress be made?

DB: Absolutely. Sustainability in anchoring systems isn't just about energy consumption, but above all about product durability. A winch that lasts 20 years without major replacements is, in fact, a sustainable product. We have always worked and continue to work on longer-lasting materials, optimized production processes, and more efficient motors. But perhaps the most important aspect is design optimization: a system that works properly generates less wear, requires less maintenance, and drastically reduces waste over its life cycle.

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