Abstract: An improved kite control and quick release system useful in kitesurfing and other kite related sports, comprising a hollow control bar capped at each end by symmetrical, elongated end fittings. The end fittings project kiteward, away from the sailor, with kite leads secured to the distal aspect of each end fitting. Each end fitting includes one or more concave winding surfaces to accommodate the winding and stowage of kite leads and lines. The system also includes an improved quick release means which, according to one preferred embodiment, comprises an aperture formed within one of the end fittings, a stop, and a release tether with handle. One of the two kite leads is passed through the aperture before being secured to the release tether. The stop, attached to the lead between the end fitting and the tether, secures the lead to the control bar while the kite is underway.

Abstract: An improved sail (20) is attached along its luff portion to a mast (26). A pair of control battens (34) extend across the sail (20). A forward camber control handle (36) attaches to the mast (26) and an aft camber control handle (44) secures to the sail (20) aft of the sail center of effort such that rotation of the forward handle (36) relative to the aft handle (44) effects bending of the control battens (34). The forward and aft control handles (36, 44) allow the sailor to alter and control sail camber instantaneously for various sailing objectives without removing hands from the handles (36, 44), while also allowing the alignment of sailor body mass with the sail system center of effort during wave jumping.

Abstract: An improved harness line apparatus for windsurf and other wind propelled vehicles having an elongated U-shaped curvilinear harness line made of stiff and resilient material. The ends of the stiff harness line are firmly secured to selected points along a wishbone configured boom to withstand gravitational and inertial forces. The harness line extends from the boom towards the sailor and is curved downward such that the middle of the harness line is in close proximity to but just below the harness hook when the sailing vehicle is upright and the sailor is positioned upright on the vehicle. As the sailor leans back into the wind, the sail and boom are rotated about a mast-hull pivot, but the relative positioning of harness line to harness hook is preserved. An improved length adjustable harness line is disclosed as are two improved versions of detachable harness lines.

Abstract: A radial force sail (22) for propelling land or water craft includes a continuously curved anhedral section (24) having its tip portions interconnected with substantially rigid, dihedrally disposed struts (26) and (28) that converge towards each other and preferably intersect together at approximately the apex or center of curvature of the anhedral section. A manually manipulatable control bar (22) is secured to the struts (26) and (28) at their intersection with each other. Through the control bar, the sail may be rotated in the pitch, yaw and roll directions to control and quickly change the lifting and/or driving forces generated by the sail (22) substantially independently of each other or in unison.

Abstract: A sailing system in the form of a sailboard apparatus (20) having a board (22), a mast (24) extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a sail (28). A plurality of elongate, flexible battens (30) extend through pockets (31) formed in the sail (28) to engage with corresponding batten sockets (32) disposed within the sock portion (80) of the sail. Each batten socket (32) includes a forward arcuate portion (110) adapted to swivel about mast (24) and rearwardly extending, arcuate side flanges (112) defining a narrow gap (114) for receiving batten (30) therein. A fabric hinge (118) restrains the forward end portion of the batten (30) against forward movement toward the mast (24) while being substantially free from restraining the forward end portion of the batten (30) against side to side movement between the socket flanges (112) in response to changes in the curvature of batten (30).