Abstract: An improved apparatus for righting an upset catamaran is disclosed. Apparatus are provided to apply and maintain a compressive force in the mast while extending the out-of-water permanent shroud so that a sailor standing on the in-water pontoon and pulling on a righting line fastened to the out-of-water pontoon can easily rotate the out-of-water pontoon over the vertical where gravity will add to the righting moment. The compressive force on the mast permits the shroud extension and resultant mast pivoting without risk of dismasting. Apparatus to limit the mast pivoting to a selected angle are also taught.

Abstract: An improved sailboard in which the sail assembly is mounted to the board in a manner to allow pivoting about an axis inclined rearwardly and also about a horizontal pivot pin. The sail assembly is supported from a shaft secured in the board and having an axis which is inclined toward the rear of the board. A spindle is mounted by suitable bearing on the inclined shaft and the sail assembly is secured to the spindle by a horizontal pivot pin. The sail assembly includes the sail, a wishbone tiller, a mast and a boom. The boom is secured to the horizontal pivot pin and the mast is pivotally mounted to the boom with the sail supported by both. A pawl is provided to secure the mast in its operating position with respect to the boom and when released allows the mast to pivot toward the boom to collapse the sail.

Abstract: A system for powering a water vessel having as its principal components rectangular sails secured to a rectangular frame which in turn is attached to an annular mast rotatably mounted on a plurality of supports rigidly affixed to the vessel. In a second system the supports are rotatably mounted on the vessel in a manner such that the supports and the annular mast may rotate independently of each other.

Abstract: A righting system for a multi-hulled sailing vessel with a floatable mast has mast support cables, including aft mast support cables, extending from the top portion of the mast to vessel anchor points aft of the mast, and extendable and contractible vessel-anchored tackle systems to connect to them. The righting system includes righting lines which are extendable from each aft mast support cable forwardly to anchors on the hull sides of the vessel substantially forwardly of the connection of the aft stay cable to its vessel anchor points, and a load bearing compression pole which is swivelly connectable to the vessel at the mast and to the one of the aft mast support cables which is out of the water when the vessel is in a side-capsized position in which the tip of the mast is floating in the water.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.

Abstract: A pontoon and mast rigging assembly for a sailboard. Four pontoons are arranged laterally about the sailboard hull and attached thereto by means of individual outriggers. Individual elastic straps interconnect each pontoon with a mast top mounted above and around the mast head.

Abstract: High performance sailing yacht designs are disclosed based on a keelless sailing yacht concept having fore and aft cambered foils for leeway control which foils replace the function of the standard keel. A keelless sailing yacht of this type is disclosed with dynamic ballast which is laterally movable to apply a variable counter-heeling force; a tiltable mast which may have a rotatable mast and sail leading edge; cambered foils for cyclic and collective steering; and adjustable camber controls for adjusting lift and leeway. The foregoing features allow disclosed improvements and modifications to hull design in having a duplex hull form, with lower and upper hull shapes, the lower of low drag shape, and of reduced section, while the upper hull extends laterally abeam from the lower hull for added buoyancy when heeled and for accommodation room.

Abstract: A sailboat having a tetrahedral frame formed of six beams, three of which form the triangular deck with three hulls disposed at the vertices of the triangular deck extending outward from the plane of the deck. Two masts are formed by two of the three beams extending upward from the deck. The third beam completes the tetrahedral space frame structure and makes the assemblage rigid, and allows for easy folding of the sailboat space frame structure.

Abstract: Substantial improvements in design, cost, performance, safety and comfort could be had in sailboats if the hull were to navigate in a level attitude even under strong wind conditions. This is achieved by the present invention by virtue of the mast pivoting on the hull along a longitudinal axis of the vessel. In this way the wind pressure on the sail generates a forward component and a lateral component, the former being the useful wind force which the mast transmits through the pivot to the hull of the boat to propel it. The lateral component, which in conventional fixed-mast boats causes the hull to list depending on the wind direction and force, is not transmitted by the pivot to the hull but causes the part of the mast holding the sail to tilt leeward about the pivot.

Abstract: A wind propelled apparatus in which a mast is mounted on a craft and supports an arcuate boom and a sail therebetween. The position of the mast and sail is controllable and maintained directly by the user and the movement of the mast during use, is confined by pivotal mast support mounted directly to the surface of the craft to only two degrees of freedom, rotation of the mast about its axis and pivotally in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation.

Abstract: A pair of outrigger hulls are located on the ends of a wing, to which is movably attached a central hull which can be moved back and forth with respect to the outrigger hulls. A pivotable mast positioned on the central hull allows the central hull to be positioned near the leeward outrigger hull while leaning the mast towards the windward outrigger hull, thereby providing a lift to the craft and a reduction in displacement. Rotary wheels at each end of the wing allow crewmen stationed there to control the position of the central hull along the length of the wing and to control the slack and tautness of a pair of sail lines. A differential apparatus enables crewman to control the rudder from anywhere along the length of the wing independently of the central hull location along the length of the wing.

Abstract: A device for righting a windsurfer sail and mast that has free fallen along one of a plurality of vertical planes upon release is described. A pulley is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to the mast located approximately half way between the base and the top of the mast. This attaching means allows the pulley to rotate around the mast in a 360 degree arc. A rope is threaded through the pulley where one end contains a loop which is attached to a harness which is worn by the person sailing the windsurfer while the other end contains spherical members attached at even intervals to provide a better grip on the rope. When the sail and mast are released and free fall into the water, pulling on the rope, when properly attached to the person sailing the windsurfer, will right the sail and mast with a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An improved uphauler assembly for use in facilitating the uphauling of a sail of a sailboard by a user wearing a harness including a harness hook. The assembly includes an uphauler rope or line formed in a large loop having a small loop at one end. The large loop is held in a pulley affixed near the front of the boom. The smaller loop is placed in the harness hook, and one end of the large loop is pulled, thereby raising the sail from the surface of the water with only half the force necessary with the usual method. An elastic cord retracts the assembly against the front of the mast when the unit is not in use.

Abstract: An aquatic board construction for sail boards, surf boards and the like has shaped upper and lower sections which are joined together with a generally hollow interior. Each section has a sandwich construction with high strength outer and inner skins, and a core formed from a filler material sandwiched between the two skins. The skins are preferably formed from multiple layers of a thermosetting resin impregnated into a fabric material. The outer skins extend beyond the sandwich construction of each section, with the two sections joined together along the extended portions of their outer skins. Receivers for accessories such as a fin, mast and the like are formed integrally with the board structure. The receivers have transverse flanges which are lodged between the inner and outer skins to retain the receivers in place. Structural webs having a similar sandwich construction to the board sections may be provided through the hollow interior of the board. The completed board is high strength yet light weight.

Abstract: An improved hoisting apparatus for a sailboard rig of the type which is attached to a sailboard with a universal connection, the improved hoisting apparatus comprising a hoist pole with a bottom end and a top end, an attachment connecting the bottom end of the hoist pole to the mast to provide pivotable and rotational movement of the hoist pole with respect to the mast, a halyard including first and second tension members extending from the top end of the hoist pole, the first tension member connected to the boomhead, the second tension member having a graspable end portion for exerting a force on the hoist pole to hoist the rig, and elastic cord members connected to return the hoisting apparatus to a stowage position when the graspable end portion is released.

Abstract: A sailing boat with an A-shaped mast pivotally connected to the topside of the cabin and sloping forwardly from the connection points. A backstay holds the mast in its inclined operating position. The jib and the mainsail are furling sails and are attached to forestays connected between the forward portion of the vessel and the mast.

Abstract: A device for allowing the base of the mast of a multihull sailcraft to be positioned leeward of the top of the mast. It comprises a mast, shroud lines, an arced track whose radius centers at the shroud line attachment to the mast, apparatus for regulating the travel of the base of the mast along the arced track, apparatus for reducing travel friction between the base of the mast and the arced track, and apparatus for allowing the arced track to be rotated around its central vertical axis and locked in position.

Abstract: A sailboard is disclosed of the type having a mast pivotally connected to a board, a boom connected at one end to the mast and a sail tensioned by out haul and down haul lines. A down haul tie down mechanism is provided for receiving and securing the down haul line at a location adjacent to the sailboard pivot. A cup with a special release mechanism is provided for releasably connecting the mast to the pivot. Release mechanisms for releasably interconnecting other sailboard components, such as boom sections and boom extensions, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural system with which the mast of a sailboat can be forced against the wind and inclined to windward. This is accomplished with a new sailing element, a so-called "dolphin". The invention makes it possible to sail a sailboat using the same technique employed in windsurfing with a sailboard.

Abstract: A wing type airfoil is used to propel a vessel. The airfoil comprises a mast, a counterbalancing airfoil and a driving airfoil. The mast is elongate and has upper and lower portions, the lower portion is adapted to be connected to the vessel and extends upwardly therefrom. The counterbalancing airfoil has a first angle of attack orientation and is connected to the mast. The driving airfoil has a second angle of attack orientation and is connected to the mast below the counterbalancing airfoil. The counterbalancing airfoil and the driving airfoil have different angles of attack which are independently adjustable with respect to the vessel.

Abstract: A readily detachable and fully rotatable coupling between a mast and sailboard is described, comprising a male portion with a circumferential groove, and a female portion with a recess to receive the male portion, and spring-biased tongues extending into the recess for engagement with the circumferential groove. The tongues are manually retractable for purposes of either engagement or disengagement of the mast from the sailboard.

Abstract: Rigging for nautical or terrestrial craft comprising a sail (1) integral with a mast hinged to the craft. According to the invention, the sail (1) is stretched onto symmetrical uprights (2) which are themselves bent by a cable (7) tensioned by a hoist (10) so as to give the sail a lenticular shape.

Abstract: A novel rigging for a sailboat is disclosed in which the mainsail is mounted between a luff boom and a foot boom, the luff boom being attached to the top of the mast by a fitting that allows rotation at least about a vertical axis parallel to the mast and about a tilt axis normal to the mast such that the luff boom can tilt out of the vertical. The fitting is joined to the luff boom at a pivot point above the center of effort of the sail, and not necessarily at its head. A tack sheet and a clew sheet restrict the tilt of the luff boom and its rotation around the mast. A jib sail, too, may be tiltably mounted by attaching it to a luff boom which is suspended at its head from a high point on the mast. The mast may be retractable or extendable and either luff boom may be given a streamlined cross section.

Abstract: Sailing craft having a mast supporting a large sail; the mast is curved towards the prow of the craft, the large sail being attached to the mast on the same side as the convexity of the curve; the rigging comprises a jib, the hoist of which is connected at its ends to the base and the top of the mast respectively, while the free top of the jib opposite the hoist is equipped with a sheet making it possible to adjust the unfurling of the jib.

Abstract: A device for avoiding capsizing of catamarans, in which a mast of the catamaran is pivotally mounted on a transverse beam of connection between two hulls and kept in position by two shrouds which, starting from the top of the mast and winding around tensioning pulleys and positioning pulleys, are connected to a movable point of a piston device, which is of the oleodynamic-mechanical type and generally comprises a piston head kept in position in a cylinder by resiliency and made of two parts connected to each other by a calibrated helical spring. A pipe with a pump and unidirectional valves and for the oil of the oleodynamic device are provided outwardly of the cylinder. When the load on the mast exceeds the value of calibration of the spring, the piston head opens to uncover apertures for the passage of the oil which in this manner circulates and permits shifting of the piston head in the cylinder. The mast only bends if the wind acting on the sail exceeds the calibration value of the spring.

Abstract: A sailboard is disclosed of the type having a mast pivotally connected to a board, a boom connected at one end to the mast and a sail tensioned by out haul and down haul lines. A down haul tie down mechanism is provided for receiving and securing the down haul line at a location adjacent to the sailboard pivot. A cup with a special release mechanism is provided for releasably connecting the mast to the pivot. Release mechanisms for releasably interconnecting other sailboard components, such as boom sections and boom extensions, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat, especially a catamaran, having a rectangular collapsible frame with a one-man mast stepping structure. The tubular frame is comprised of fore, aft and central sub-frame assemblies which can be collapsed so as to be easily car topable and serve as a rack for containing other components of the catamaran. Inflatable hulls are secured in bracket arches on the undersides of the sub-frame assemblies. A rudder frame or cage is pivotally mounted on an aft sub-frame assembly and is adapted to receive a rudder, which is identical to and interchangeable with daggerboards. A system of adjustable rope stays is provided for adjusting the mast.

Abstract: A water borne craft includes a smooth rounded elongate sailboard type hull of little depth. The hull tapers down in width and in depth from its middle towards its ends and has smooth upper and lower surfaces. A cockpit extends downwardly into the hull from its upper surface to provide a craft usable in canoe mode. The craft also includes at least one removable reversible insert which fits snugly in two modes into the cockpit. The upper surface of the insert in one mode, being a paddle-ski mode, has recesses to accommodate the buttocks and feet of a paddle skier when the craft is used in the paddle ski mode. The opposite surface of the insert is uppermost in the other mode, being the sailboard mode. The opposite surface has structure for mounting a mast so that the craft can be used as a sailboard in this mode.

Abstract: The mast raising mechanism operates on a hinged mast and includes an elongated base section that is removably attached to the lower mast section that is uprightly affixed in the boat. An elongated extender section is telescopically extended from the base section and is locked in place. A pulley is mounted at the top of the extender section. A line, attached to the mid region of the mast, passes over the top of the pulley and the end of the line is acted on by a crank which is on the base section. Due to the height of the base section plus extender section, and due to the angle of the line, a person can easily wind up the line and raise the mast.

Abstract: A board for carrying the user and a glider held and manipulated by the user. The board includes a rubber band with an inner circumference which is unattached to the top surface of the board and an outer circumference which is attached to the top surface of the board. The user can insert his feet under the band through the unattached inner circumference so that his feet are held by the rubber band in such a manner that he can change position on the top surface of the board without the rubber band releasing the hold on his feet. The glider includes a sail portion of a regular shape and a rigid frame surrounding the sail portion. It also includes a rigid handle. Thus, the glider is adapted to catch the wind to propel the user and the glider can be manipulated in all directions by the user.

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 sailboard with a wing-like sail pivoted to the top of a mast for free roll motion but constrained against pitch. The wing may have a leading edge flap. The wing is made from a sail stretched on a space frame which is demountable for compact storage.

Abstract: A sailboard assembly is disclosed which has a body on which the user stands, a mast, boom and sail assembly for propulsion of the board. The mast-boom-sail assembly is mounted to the board by a mast mounting assembly which permits limited angular displacement of the mast about a generally normal orientation to the board for maneuvering of the center of pressure of the sail and yet provides support of the mast above the board upon release of the boom. The sailboard assembly also preferably includes a steering assembly having a rudder and foot-operated turntables that are used to turn the rudder.

Abstract: A collapsible mast assembly for a sailboat includes a mast support which is mounted on the boat deck for supporting the lower end of the mast. The support includes upstanding side walls and a lower rear wall to which the boom is attached. A mast plate is mounted within the mast support at the bottom thereof and is adapted to fit within the open lower end of the tubular mast. The mast is lowered by loosening its stays and then lifting the same until its bottom is above the level of the mast plate. At that point the mast can be tilted backward toward a horizontal position where it rests and pivots on the top of the rear wall as the bottom of the mast pivots upwardly through the open front of the mast support. In the horizontal position, the mast can be moved rearwardly or forwardly as desired. The boom is secured to the rear of the mast support so that movement of the mast is independent of the boom.

Abstract: Sailboat has mast tiltable aftward as well as a thwartship when bottom of mast is shifted from central position on athwartship track. Above the track the mast connects with a pair of rigid supports which diverge toward hinged connections on opposite sides of the boat forward of the mast.

Abstract: A boat has a body, a mast arranged on the body so that under the action of a wind force component acting in a first lateral direction transverse to a longitudinal axis the mast turns relative to at least a portion of the body in a first lateral direction, and an element which resists the turning of the mast in the first lateral direction and urges the mast to turn in a second lateral direction which is opposite to the first lateral direction.

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 mast raising and lowering device for sailboats, and particularly sailboats with outboard rudders, which embodies a telescoping pole topped with a roller assembly, the device being attached to the stern of the sailboat where it is used to movably raise and support the mast in a partially elevated position during mast raising and lowering operations. The telescoping pole is attached to the stern of the sailboat by pintle-like pins, which are vertically adjustable on the pole to fit existing gudgeons provided for rudder support and pivoting. The upper section(s) of the telescoping pole is vertically positionable at various extended locations by a pin member. The roller assembly, on the top of the uppermost telescoping pole section, contains a roller member for ease in moving the mast therealong, and may be provided with a pair of flared ears positioned on either side of the roller to aid in receiving and containing the mast. The roller provides a location for retention of the mast during trailering or moorage.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a steerable wind-powered vehicle, which comprises a base supported on at least two wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils, at least one of the wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils being arranged to be steerable, a mast carrying a sail and being pivotally and rotatably mounted with respect to the base, and a mechanism responsive to pivotal movement of the mast for controlling directional movement of the or each of the steerable wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils.

Abstract: This highly engineered recreational catamaran features a unique pivotable mast with a downward extending section that holds an underwater ballast. A hang glider type sail provides lift as well as thrust. Working in combination with the underwater ballast, the sail functions to deliver a high performance sailboat with high stability and ease of control. The ballast also aids in righting a capsized boat. Advanced three tier hydrolift type pontoons raise the boat partially out of the water under full sail thereby minimizing drag and maximizing speed. A convex deck and optional convex cabin facilitate righting an overturned boat. Other advanced features include retractable daggerboards for turning control, telescoping lower mast for shallow water sailing and beaching, underwater battery powered propulsion for movement in a calm wind and power assisted winches for sail lift and turning control.

Abstract: A wind-propelled craft is disclosed which comprises a hull supporting a pair of unstayed masts arranged to pivot about an axis lying in approximately horizontal plane between a first position, in which one mast extends substantially vertically and the other extends generally at right-angles thereto away from the hull, and a second position, in which the relative configuration of the masts is reversed, each mast, in use, having a sail attached thereto or incorporating an aerofoil, whereby in use one sail or aerofoil can be trimmed to the wind to provide forward propulsion while the other sail or aerofoil simultaneously provides upward lift tending to counteract rolling or heeling force applied to the hull by wind impinging on the first sail or aerofoil. A steering control system is also described in which a steering link passes from a control point through the region of the pivot point of a mast to a rudder.

Abstract: A double-ended two hull sailing vessel has a main hull and an auxiliary hull, where the distance between the auxiliary hull and the main hull can be varied for controlling heel. The mast is supported on a curved track for varying the angle of the mast relative to the water surface to control the upward lifting force of wind on the vessel to assist in maintaining both hulls level with minimum wetted surface area. A rudder/airfoil assembly is provided at each end of the main hull for providing a lifting force to the forward end of the vessel and for steering the vessel. A control system is provided so that only one of the rudders is in the water and for controlling the orientation of the rudder that is in the water.

Abstract: Device for adjusting the step of the mast of a sailboard or similar, characterized in that it comprises a slider receiving the foot of the mast, the slider being associated with a slide which may be secured to the hull of the board, a friction locking means acting on the slider for securing it relative to the slide and a control member provided for varying the friction of the locking member on the slider, thereby allowing shifting of the latter to the slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to light, sailing vehicles equipped with at least one sail fixed on a mast and attached to a boom. The mast is supported toward its middle part at the top of a two-legged support, in the form of an inverted V, and mounted rigidly on the frame of the vehicle, while the foot of the mast is mounted in such a manner as to be capable of sliding along a cross member substantially perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of said frame and shifted toward the front with respect to the transverse plane passing through the top of the two-legged support.

Abstract: A sailing craft having hydrodynamically shaped catamaran hulls and tapered configuration rudder assemblies attached to each hull. Low draft keels are attached to the fore one-half bottom portions of the hull and a pitch-sensitive variable camber mast and main sail assembly is rotatably mounted on a cross-beam framework which interconnects the two hulls. The mast is constructed and rigged to bow with respect to the longitudinal plane of the sailing craft which passes through the roll axis in response to a high velocity wind force. The bow decreases as the wind velocity decreases and the mast rotates to form a camber adjustment through use of battens attached to the main sail sheet(s). The rudder assembly and control bungy cords and lines permit selective raising and lowering and automatic raising upon contact with underwater obstacles. The deck structure provides for quick dismantling and ease of sailing.

Abstract: Sailing vessel having mast and sail tiltable fore and aft and athwartship. The mast is held at an intermediate place along its length, and its lower end is swingable about the intermediate holding means.

Abstract: The invention refers to a mast base structure for a sailboard including a connecting member located below a mast base lower section supporting a universal joint. The connecting member forms the connection between the mast and the sailboard. This connecting member is movable in a pinned down condition parallel to the deck surface of the sailboard by a rail and can be locked at any chosen position along the rail by a coupler. This coupler is provided according to a preferred embodiment with an operating member located in the height of the forked boom. A cable line provided with a gripping member for the control thereof is connected to said coupler and the connection therebetween is located within the mast.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a wing sail on a vessel, comprising a rotatable frame at the base of the mast and hydraulic cylinders connected between the frame and the ship's structure to cause rotation of the frame in either direction through a limited angle, and a brake is provided on the frame for transmitting rotation of the frame to the mast when the frame is rotating in a direction that it is desired for the mast to rotate, and a brake is provided for preventing rotation of the mast when the frame rotates in the opposite direction, whereby the mast may be rotated through a desired angle by oscillatory movement of the rotatable frame.

Abstract: An upright mast is mounted from the lateral center of the hull of a sail boat having opposite sides. The lower end of the mast is pivotally supported from the hull for angular displacement about a horizontal fore and aft extending axis adjacent the lower end of the mast and the upper end portion of the mast includes mast stay guide structure relative to which elongated flexible mast stays are guidingly engaged along their midportion for longitudinal displacement relative to the stay guide structure. One pair of corresponding ends of the stays are anchored relative to the hull opposite sides and the other pair of corresponding ends of the stays depend downwardly along the mast.

Abstract: The present invention is an electively detachably coupled ball joint and pivot cup combination for electively detachably coupling a mast to a surfboard. The electively detachably coupled ball joint and pivot cup combination includes a pivot cup which is pivotally and rotationally coupled to the surfboard and an annular plate which is disposed on and mechanically coupled to the peripheral edge of the opening of the pivot cup. The electively detachably coupled ball joint and pivot cup combination also includes a spherical member which has been cut into a plurality of sections and which, when not held apart, may be either inserted into or removed from the pivot cup through the annular plate with each of the plurality of sections of the spherical member being loosely coupled to the mast and a sleeve into which the mast is inserted and which is slidably coupled to the mast.