Abstract vessel performance into configs, generalise performance calculation

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -5,6 +5,46 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [Unreleased] - YYYY-MM-DD
+
+### Added
+- Model Registry System: Plugin-based architecture for resistance and consumption models using `@register_model` decorator.
+- Generic Vessel Classes: Ship, Glider, AUV, and Aircraft classes replacing hard-coded vessel types.
+- Resistance Models: Three pluggable resistance models:
+  - `ice_froude`: Froude number-based ice resistance with configurable k/b/n coefficients
+  - `wind_drag`: Angle-dependent wind drag with interpolation options (linear/cubic/spline)
+  - `wave_kreitner`: Kreitner wave resistance with beam/length/block coefficient parameters
+- Consumption Models: Three pluggable consumption models:
+  - `polynomial_fuel`: Speed and resistance-based fuel consumption with polynomial coefficients
+  - `polynomial_battery`: Speed and depth-based battery consumption for underwater vehicles
+  - `constant_consumption`: Fixed-rate consumption for simple vehicles
+- Configuration Validation: Comprehensive JSON schema for vessel configurations with detailed parameter documentation including units.
+- Documentation: 
+  - Vessel configuration gallery with ready-to-use examples (`docs/config/vessel_gallery.md`)
+  - Resistance models theory documentation (`docs/methods/resistance_models.md`)
+  - Complete model parameters reference (`docs/reference/model_parameters.md`)
+- Example Configurations: Updated vessel configs for SDA, SDA_wind, Slocum, and BoatyMcBoatFace using new format.
+- Unit Tests: 27 comprehensive tests covering model registry, all resistance/consumption models, generic vessel classes, and factory.
+
+### Changed
+- Vessel Configuration Format: `vessel_type` replaced with `vessel_class` + explicit model specifications.
+- Configuration Structure: All vessel-specific parameters (beam, force_limit, etc.) now explicitly defined in model params rather than top-level.
+- VesselFactory: Simplified factory using VESSEL_CLASSES mapping instead of hard-coded requirements dictionary.
+- Physical Constants: Now configurable per-vessel (gravity, air_density, rho_water) with sensible defaults.
+- Model Composition: Vessels compose multiple resistance models; total resistance is sum of all active models.
+
+### Removed
+- Legacy Vessel Classes (BREAKING): Deleted 12 hard-coded vessel files:
+  - `SDA.py`, `SDA_wind.py`, `example_ship.py` (ships)
+  - `slocum.py` (gliders)
+  - `boatymcboatface.py` (AUVs)
+  - `twin_otter.py`, `windracer.py` (aircraft)
+  - `abstract_ship.py`, `abstract_glider.py`, `abstract_alr.py`, `abstract_plane.py`, `abstract_uav.py` (abstract classes)
+- Configuration Fields (BREAKING): 
+  - `vessel_type` (replaced by `vessel_class`)
+  - `hull_type` (slender/blunt distinction now encoded in k/b/n coefficients)
+  - Top-level `beam`, `force_limit` (now in resistance model params)
+
 ## [1.1.11] - 2026-07-02
 
 ### Added

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ This will ensure your code passes all style checks before submission.
 - Use the issue tracker to report bugs or request features.
 - For bug reports, please include:
   - A clear and concise description of the bug and what you expected to happen.
-  - Steps to reproduce the behavior.
+  - Steps to reproduce the behaviour.
   - Screenshots and configuration/data files if relevant.
 - For feature/enhancement requests, please include:
   - A clear description of the problem or feature you want.

README.md

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ pip install --group test
 
 ## Usage
 
-PolarRoute operates by creating an environmental mesh, adding vessel performance characteristics, and optimizing routes between waypoints. Environmental meshes are created using [MeshiPhi](https://github.com/bas-amop/MeshiPhi), which is installed automatically when installing PolarRoute.
+PolarRoute operates by creating an environmental mesh, adding vessel performance characteristics, and optimising routes between waypoints. Environmental meshes are created using [MeshiPhi](https://github.com/bas-amop/MeshiPhi), which is installed automatically when installing PolarRoute.
 
 ### Quick Start (CLI)
 
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ create_mesh examples/environment_config/grf_example.config.json -o mesh.json
 # Add vessel performance model
 add_vehicle examples/vessel_config/SDA.config.json mesh.json -o vessel_mesh.json
 
-# Optimize routes
+# Optimise routes
 optimise_routes examples/route_config/traveltime.config.json vessel_mesh.json examples/waypoints_example.csv -o routes.json
 ```