Abstract: Flex wing apparatus is disclosed comprising a mast and a sail, the sail having a luff sleeve which receives the mast. Battens in the sail are supported with respect to the mast by means of couplings which prevent the movement of the leading end of the battens against or around the mast, but permit the batten ends to move laterally to either side of the mast as the apparatus switches from one tack to the other. This is accomplished by the use of couplings each having a collar and a leg, and in which the leg is permitted to rotate relative to the collar simultaneously with the collar rotating relative to the mast. Such counter-rotation enables the leading extremity of each batten to move from one side of the mast to the other in a controlled fashion and to engage and support the luff sleeve on the leeward side of the sail on either tack.

Abstract: A flex wing apparatus comprising a support, a mast coupled to the support and a sail. Battens are carried by the sail, and couplings join the leading edge of the battens to the mast so that the sail and battens can pivot about the mast. The battens can be resiliently deformed varying magnitudes to induce the desired chamber into the battens and the sail.