iQ Technology is the process by which Quantum’s designers, sail makers, and professional sailors work in concert to create the fastest and most efficient sail shapes and structures possible.

iQ Technology has led to a new understanding of loads, sail structure, and optimal shapes. It began with a commitment in 2000 to develop the worlds most sophisticated, exacting computational tools for studying the problem and creating the actual design. Hard science and engineering have been behind every step of the process. At the same time, the engineers had to be able to relate to the sailors. Working with some of the very best sail designers and sailors, they have created the proprietary tools that are used to create every Quantum sail.

iQ has four basic components: computational fluid dynamic calculation and modeling (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA) via Quantum's proprietary software, precision construction of each sail, and human refinements. The results of this process are gathered in a database, and as each unique sail solution is demanded, elements from the database can be combined to formulate a composite solution, or an advanced starting point for further iQ work.

In designing a sail, the obvious starting point is the boat itself and all of its associated performance characteristics. Whether it is a grand-prix racing boat, or a weekend cruiser, computational fluid dynamics is a way to analyze variables such as the theoretical hull speed based on displacement hull shape, righting moment, sail area to displacement ratio, and length to displacement ratio. These variables ultimately lead to the horsepower needed to optimally drive the hull through the water via sails, and CFD can help determine the optimal configuration of the sail plan as well as analyze different sea and wind conditions. CFD can also be applied to all sizes of cruising boats, where weight placement of crew and gear vary greatly and have significant impact. One of the greatest advancements using CFD will be in the Mega-yacht category, where boats are typically very heavy and heal easily, resulting in very high loads that are difficult to calculate.

The process has five steps, providing feedback in a continuous loop:

1. Define geometry and create Mold Shape using QSDG 3D design system based on databases from appropriate boat and sail type
2. Compute aerodynamic forces and pressures using a Vortex Lattice CFD (computational fluid dynamic) code for the VPP and/or the FEA solvers.
3. Calculate structural requirements, create fiber map, attach to rig and optimize
shape and structure via FEA (finite element modeling), taking into account the rigs longitudinal stiffness, transverse stiffness as well as the properties of the running and standing rigging
4. Link aerodynamic performance to hydrodynamic component via VPP (Velocity Prediction Program to assess the impact on boat performance)
5. Test, measure, and refine on the water and update databases.

The results? For the cruiser, this means getting there more comfortably and efficiently, with less heal. For the racer, this means getting there faster.

The resulting designs are extremely refined, and require very precise manufacturing procedures with tolerances to the millimeter. Quantum is proud of the high quality and durability standards achieved in the construction of every product line, from woven cruising sails to the high performance Fusion M sails.

The final step in the iQ technology process is testing and refinement. No other sail company has integrated this self-funded step directly into their design program. Testing in the high-end race market through the Quantum Racing TP52 program is critical because it is the most controlled way to gather data and validate the advancements in design technology. The races in the MedCup Circuit represent 250-300 tests, in a full range of wind and sea conditions, on all points of sail, unlike other testing efforts by other companies that focused on America's Cup racing and primarily windward-leeward courses. The coastal races are an accurate representation of the points of sail and offshore conditions a cruising vessel encounters. The professional sailors ensure consistency in their performance and boat handling, and are the ultimate test. The iQ design process yields an excellent solution, then Quantum uses human interaction to weigh the benefits of additional final adjustments. The goal of Quantum Racing is continuous improvement, and through the iQ technology process, this goal is being achieved. The results apply to racing solutions, cruising solutions, and everything in between.