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 an 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: An improved lateen rigged sailing board is disclosed that basically combines a sailing board with a mast mounted thereon which is swivelly mounted to the upper surface of the sailing board, and which is provided with means to prevent the mast from completely falling forward. The mast is particularly configured with a wishbone or hoop-like section therein, through which the lateen sail is passed. The boom of the sail is secured within the lower portion of the hoop-like section, while the gaff of the sail is hoisted toward the upper portion of the hoop-like section by a halyard that may conveniently pass through the upper end of the hoop-like section and be secured by a simple expedient of a cam cleat. The arrangement is such that the mast will allow the center-of-effort of the sail to be adjusted relative to the sailing board and allow the entire unit to be tacked through the wind and move upward.

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 mail 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 mail 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: A multihull vessel has a center section; a pair of floats displaceable from normal operative positions laterally extended on either side of the center section upwardly to positions above the center section and inwardly toward the center axis of the vessel as well as downwardly toward any hull or sides of the center section and inwardly to positions below any superstructure of the center section; arms consisting of pivotally mounted and jointed members connecting the floats to the center section and capable of positioning and maintaining the floats at positions between fully raised and fully lowered; one or more masts displaceable from a fully vertical position to a fully prone position; elements of standing rigging of effectively adjustable length between mast and center section or floats and apparatus for adjusting singly or in coordination, even while underway, docked or capsized, with inboard, in place and centrally located control devices, any of the floats or masts to any allowable orientation with respe

Abstract: A radar loaded, hollow yacht mast is disclosed which is pivoted at the bottom to the deck by a tri-sectioned elastomeric torsion spring hinge assembly in which the torsion is produced by relative rotation between the inner section and the two outer sections. The torsional resistance of the hinge assembly prevents the mast from falling when the bolts and stays are removed and the restoring force in the spring elastomer when the mast is pivoted flat to the deck assists in raising the mast back into its upright position. A hollow, flanged mounting connecting the hollow mast to the movable section of the hinge assembly prevents sea water from entering the hollows. Provisions are provided for pre-loading the hinge spring with a torsional stress in either direction when the hinge is closed.

Abstract: The sailboard has an opening, which contains a tongue of a mast base, which is articulatedly connected to the mast, so that the mast base is detachably connected to the sailboard. One side face of the opening is provided with a detent cam, which is adapted to be depressed against spring force and has an oblique or curved camming surface, which is adapted to snap behind the step or stop as the tongue is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A wind propelled boat of the sailboard type, in which a generally cone-shaped sail mounting member is secured on an upper part of the boat, on the centerline of the boat. A portion of the cone-shaped member is designed to receive the base of the mast of the boat, such that the mast will be movable only for a limited angular extent in the cone-shaped member. Preferably, a mast step tube is utilized in the cone-shaped member, with the base of the mast received in the mast step tube. The mast or mast step tube is secured in the apex of the cone-shaped member, with the arrangement permitting a swivel type motion, with angular deflections of the mast being effectively limited by the cone-shaped member. Preferably, the mast securing arrangement also permits rotation of the mast such that the sail can be reefed.

Abstract: A sailing craft of the type which includes a floating hull, a mast secured to the hull, a sail mounted on the mast and rudder means, wherein the mast is pivotally mounted with an articulation near but spaced from the base thereof with respect to a substantially horizontal axis, and a pair of mobile fins having variable lift movably mounted, each on a respective one of the port and starboard sides of the hull, and a linkage interconnecting the mast and the mobile fins for actuating the fins such that they act in the water in a manner so as to tend to right the hull under the dynamic action of water on the fins in a direction opposite to the direction in which the mast pivots, and in which the craft would normally heel under the action of the wind to which it is exposed.

Abstract: A system for sailboats for the purpose of maintaining the trim or attitude of the hull in a level position and at the same time adjusting the rigging and keel. The mast is made so that it can tilt to port or starboard and apparatus is provided to produce a force or torque tending to urge the mast back to its upright position and to produce a righting moment on the hull. Alternative apparatus is provided to produce these forces. A rotatable keel is provided which is automatically adjusted when the mast tilts to compensate for the tendency of the craft to make leeway while under way. An auxiliary mast is provided, suspended from the top of the regular mast which is swung to port or starboard to keep the mainsail substantially upright. A horizontally movable jib boom is provided for the foresail and sheets are provided so that the helmsman can adjust the aspect of the foresail to keep it aligned with the mainsail when the mast tilts.

Abstract: A base for the spar, i.e., mast, of a wind-propelled vehicle useful for attaching the spar, i.e., mast, to the universal joint which universal joint is further attached to the wind-propelled vehicle. The base has a cylindrical bore for receiving the spar, i.e., mast, in the upper portion thereof and the lower portion has an axially-located bore for the passage of a bolt which connects the lower end of the spar, i.e., mast, to a portion of the universal joint, and two line passages extending through the lower portion generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base, each having a pair of upper surfaces which slant inwardly downward towards the center of the passage and define a pair of grooves in the lower portion, with one of the grooves on one of the passages having a plurality of teeth on the opposed side walls thereof which grip and hold a line, acting as a jam cleat.

Abstract: A device for connecting a sailmast to a sailboard comprises a mast-connecting universal joint, which is connected at one end to the mast and is permanently fixed thereto or can be only arbitrarily separated therefrom and is connected at its other end to a supporting member, which when the device is in position for use is received at least in part by a recess in the upper surface of the sailboard so as to be positively connected thereto. To provide for an overload coupling, the supporting member is constantly biased by a spring so that the positive connection can be eliminated only when the spring force is overcome.

Abstract: A mast-connecting universal joint is provided, which is connected at one end to the mast and is permanently fixed thereto or can be only arbitrarily separated therefrom, and which is connected at its other end to a supporting member, which is biased by a resilient element and in position for use is positively held in a slide, which is longitudinally slidably guided and adapted to be resilient locked in a groove of the sailboard. The resilient element constitutes a return spring for the supporting member when the mast is in any position of use, and a return spring for moving the longitudinally slidable slide to a position in which the slide is releasably locked.

Abstract: A foldable mast assembly for sailboats wherein a main mast is pivotably connected to a stub mast which is pivotally connected to a base secured to the sailboat deck. A removable pin extends between the stub mast and base whereby the main mast and stub mast may be folded to an inoperative position substantially parallel to the main deck and centered approximately lengthwise of the sailboat. The folding and raising of the main and stub masts are controlled by a cable reeved through sheaves carried on the main and stub masts, one end of the cable being connected to the fore deck near the bow of the sailboat and the other end connected to a power winch on the aft deck of the sailboat. In smaller sailboats, having small masts where cables and sheaves are not required, the folding and raising of the main and stub masts can be accomplished manually.

Abstract: A transportable sail board has one or more inflatable bladders, and an envelope subdivided into plural demountable longitudinal sections. Rigidifying elements cooperate with bladder and envelope to form a demountable, lengthwise rigid assembly.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting two elements with one another, particularly a mast and a boat body of a wind surfboard comprises a male member connected with one of the elements, and a female member engageable with the male member with snap action and connected to another of the elements. At least one of the members connected with a respective one of the elements is rotatable within the horizontal plane. Preferably, this one member is rotatable within the range of 360.degree.. The male member and the female member together form a spherical joint. The male member may include a bolt section and a sperical section connected therewith whereas the female member may include a bolt portion and a cup portion connection therewith and adapted to receive the spherical section of the male member therein.

Abstract: A triple-hulled sailing vessel has a mast on its center hull. The lower end of the mast is pivotally connected to the center hull and a rigid transverse brace is connected to the central hull so that it pivots as the mast pivots; the outer ends of the brace are pivoted to the respective flanking hulls. Links are pivoted to the flanking hulls; these links extend upwardly towards the mast and are pivoted to a connecting member which is secured to it; the pivot axes being located adjacent to, but at opposite sides of the mast. Springs are interposed in these links and also in the brace; in the latter they are provided at locations intermediate the center hull and the flanking hulls. This construction increases the self-righting ability of the vessel under the heeling influence of wind, making the structure stable throughout its heelable range.

Abstract: A multihull vessel has a center section; a pair of floats displaceable from normal positions laterally extended on either side of the center section upwardly to positions above the center section and inwardly toward the center axis of the vessel as well as downwardly toward any hull or sides of the center section and inwardly to positions below any superstructure of the center section; arms consisting of pivotally mounted and jointed members connecting the floats to the center section and capable of positioning and maintaining the floats at positions between fully raised and fully lowered; one or more masts displaceable from a fully vertical position to a fully prone position; elements of standing rigging of effectively adjustable length between mast and center section or floats and apparatus for adjusting singly or in coordination, even while underway, moored or capsized, with inboard, in-place and centrally located control device, any of the floats or masts to any allowable orientation with respect to the c

Abstract: The mast of a sailboat is provided with a base casting rigidly secured to the bottom of the mast. A hinge member in the form of a socket is pivotally mounted to the rear of the mast base casting. The socket is adapted to fit over a rounded bearing pad of low friction material mounted to the top of a mast step which is secured to the hull or to a cross bar in the case of a catamaran. The hinge member and mast step are provided with transverse bores. When the mast is in a lowered position, the hinge member is swung forwardly from the mast base and over the bearing pad until the transverse bores are aligned. A pin is placed in the aligned bores to temporarily couple the hinge member to the mast step so that the mast can be raised and secured while the hinge member and mast step are coupled together. After the mast is secured, the pin is removed from the bores to permit the mast to rotate and to rake freely under operating conditions.

Abstract: A sailing vessel having a mast upstanding from the hull and connected to be free to tilt on the hull about a longitudinal axis, and a keel depending from the hull and also connected to be free to tilt on the hull about a longitudinal axis, the mast and keel being interconnected to cause rotation about the axes in the same sense, the keel having sufficient weight to hold the mast upright but allowing it to deflect leeward about the hull under wind pressure, the keel balancing the leeward deflection by tilt to windward without necessarily deflecting the hull.

Abstract: A sailboat hull is provided including an upright mast having upper and lower end portions. First structure pivotally supports the lower end of the lower end portion of the mast from the hull for swinging between an upright position and a lowered position with the upper end of the lower end portion swung toward one end of the hull. Second structure pivotally supports the lower end of the upper end portion from the upper end of the lower end portion for swinging between an upright position and a lowered position with the upper end of the upper end portion swung toward the other end of the hull.

Abstract: A multiple hull craft such as a catamaran is provided having outrigger hulls which can be swung to either of two positions 180.degree. apart and locked in either position. The mast is swingable about a center structure through an angle of 180.degree. and is secured at either extreme. These features allow one to sail a boat after it has capsized as is hereinafter described in detail.

Abstract: An improved heel compensation system for use with a sailboat wherein the lateral mast stays or shrouds extending from a pivotally supported mast are directed by a plurality of pulleys to articulate a pivoted heel ballast.

Abstract: A sail and rigging arranged to be easily installed on and removed from a hull in which the sail is a wing-like element having a high aspect ratio, and the rigging includes a supporting structure for holding the sail in the position that will provide the maximum propulsive force from an incident wind for the desired point of sailing. The rigging also provides controls for adjusting the angle of attack of the sail with respect to the relative wind; controls for adjusting the angle of the sail with respect to the horizon; and controls for varying the camber of the wing-like sail over local areas of the sail. The controls are operable in combination to produce high forward thrust, a lifting force, and minimum drag from the incident winds which may vary from very light through very heavy, and for all points of sailing.

Abstract: A system for trimming the mast of a sailing yacht wherein the fore and aft stays of the mast are fixed to the top of the mast and extend downwardly to the hull to which they are connected by means of hydraulic cylinders, including pistons respectively connected to the stays. Trimming of the mast is achieved by simultaneously moving the stays to adjust or trim the position of the top of the mast through means of a control cylinder having a control piston which, when moved, admits hydraulic fluid into one of the stay cylinders to in effect shorten the associated stay while, at the same time, removing hydraulic fluid from the other stay cylinder to in effect lengthen the associated stay. Once the desired trim is achieved, the control piston is locked in the adjusted position. A pump and an associated hydraulic fluid supply is provided for the system together with a selector valve for connecting the fluid supply to either end of the control cylinder.

Abstract: The foot of a mast is connected to a sailing board on which the user stands while also holding the mast during sailing. The location of the connection is variable longitudinally of the board during sailing, whereby the most favorable point of application of the wind force to the board can be selected by the user.

Abstract: A mast displacement mechanism for a vessel having a hull and an upstanding mast comprising a cradle supported by the hull and defining track structure of a radius of curvature of a first predetermined length, a carriage movable with respect to said track structure and limit structure to limit movement of the carriage, structure on the carriage to connect to the mast at about the hull level for movement of the lower end of the mast together with the carriage relative to the track and lock structure to lock the carriage in a selected position with respect to said track structure for tilting the mast.

Abstract: Mast is pivoted to sailboat hull and carries a counter-balance weight below the pivot. Wind pressure causes mast heeling with the counter-balance supplying the mast-righting force. Additionally, movable weights in the hull bottom are cable-connected to the mast so that, upon mast heeling with respect to the hull, the weights are moved upward and outward. The underwater structure of the sailboat is also controlled by mast listing or heeling. When centerboard-equipped, the centerboard is lowered with mast heeling. When keel-equipped, the pivoted keel is swung for maximum stability.

Abstract: Wind-propelled apparatus in which a mast is universally mounted on a craft and supports a boom and sail. Specifically a pair of curved booms are arcuately connected athwart the mast and secure the sail therebetween, the position of the mast and sail being controllable by the user but being substantially free from pivotal restraint in the absence of such control.