Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for extending the visual presence of a web site on the next visited site. Users view pages from RLS member web sites over the Internet. As the user clicks on a link from one member web site to a host member web site, the user views icons, logos, and other text and indicia from the sponsoring member web site. These logos and other indicia may also function as dynamic links returning the user to the referring web site. In this manner, advertising on host web sites can be targeted to users based on where the user came from. The RLS system further includes a search engine which can link all members of the RLS system and automatically create affiliations for advertising and unused web space. Therefore, the return link system encourages referrals, makes advertising more efficient, and encourages and simplifies business affiliation.

Abstract: A sailboat provided with a free standing boom and in one version with a free standing mast that is separate from and immediately adjacent and forward of the boom mounting. The boom is separately mounted to be self supporting by a stub shaft in a bearing socket and the shaft is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the line passing through the luff of the sail with which the boom is associated. The boom may also be a jib boom and in that case the rotatable mounting is closely adjacent the headstay.

Abstract: An A frame mast is pivoted relative to a sailboat hull and supports a lateen yard. A boom is coupled to the yard and to the sailboat hull at the bow. The A frame mast is supported in all positions by struts that lead from each leg of the A frame mast to slidable connections on the hull which permits the mast to be raised and lowered. In other forms, a foldable mast assembly for a sailboat uses a rotatable stub mast and a boom mounted at the upper end thereof. An A frame mast is pivoted relative to the boom and carries a lateen yard that can be raised and lowered by a halyard at the top of the mast structure. To raise and lower the mast, a pair of struts are pivoted thereto and are slidably connected to the sailboat hull or boom so that by using mechanical advantage coupled to the slidable connection, the mast be raised and lowered.

Abstract: A sailing vessel is disclosed in which a mast is pivotally connected to the hull at the lower end thereof and an athwartship structure is provided in the form of a support rigidly mounted to the hull and transverse thereto to guide the mast athwartship. The mast may be held in an upstanding attitute or an angular attitude by mechanical devices of lines or other adjusting means. Bringing the mast and the sail mounted thereon to a vertical attitude reduces the heeling moment that affects the vessel.

Abstract: A sailing craft has a circular linked rotating structure mounted on a vertical support or mast and within the circular structure are a plurality of parallel thin foils. The entire circular structure may be rotated in two axes to achieve directional control of the sailing craft as well as to adjust the angle of the foils to the wind.

Abstract: A wishbone mast with a wishbone boom is disclosed for use on any form of vehicle, principally on watercraft. The rigidity of the system is assured by a rigid spacer extending across the wishbone boom that is mounted within the wishbone mast. Various balanced sail configurations are usuable with the structure.

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull that is further supported above the surface while underway by a ski and integral hydrofoil, the hydrofoil is semicircular and is affixed to the hull and ski.

Abstract: An improved control for a spinnaker pole is disclosed where the pole is releasably held in a sleeve on a rotatable support that has pole control line for laterally sliding the pole relative to the support, clew lines for drawing the clew out to the ends of the pole as well as pole direction changing lines.

Abstract: A sail is reefed by a single continuous reefing line which passes from the boom through a leech cringle then down parallel to the boom and then upwardly through a block affixed to a luff cringle. The reefing line then leads through a turning block near the gooseneck of the boom so that when a downward pull is placed on the line and the halyard is simultaneously released, the luff will first be moved downwardly to the foot of the sail and then the leech will be moved downwardly creating a reef.

Abstract: A sailing craft having a mast mounted therein is provided with a track on the mast for supporting the vertical edge of a sail. To support the upper portion of the sail, an L-shaped gaff is provided having two legs, one leg being substantially parallel to the mast and contained against the mast by track slides or bolt ropes, while the other leg extends at an angle to the mast and supports the upper edge of the sail. The gaff is supported in an elevated position by a halyard that extends through a block at the upper tip of the mast, and a traveler is provided to change the position of the halyard along the gaff on the leg portion that extends away from the mast.

Abstract: A spinnaker pole arrangement for a sailing vessel is disclosed, (particularly a sailing vessel having a free standing mast) in which a vertical post is mounted ahead of and spaced forward of a mast in the vessel and on top of this post a swivel fitting is included which holds a spinnaker pole. The spinnaker pole may be extended and withdrawn and adjusted through the swivel fitting, and at the end of the pole means are provided to receive spinnaker sheets and/or guys together with fastener means to attach the tack and clew of the spinnaker thereto, the head of the spinnaker being hoisted to the top of the mast by a suitable halyard.

Abstract: A sleeve is rotatably mounted on the hull of a vessel on a generally vertical axis and contains and completely supports the mainsail rollably furled or partly furled about a generally vertical axis. The sleeve is aerodynamically formed with a forward curved nose and opposite aerodynamic sides extending rearwardly from the nose and converging toward each other with a slot at the aft end between the sides through which slot a sail may be movable to furl within the sleeve or may be pulled out at the aft end of the sleeve through the slot various extents for providing the desired area of sail exposed to the wind, thus providing a roller reefing arrangement by rolling the luff of the mainsail to partly furl it within the sleeve.