Abstract: Embodiments of the present apparatus and method feature a permanently fixed canted keel. The apparatus and method feature tacking maneuvers which shift the sail element and reverse the direction of the hull form.

Abstract: A jet boat including a hull including a keel extending in a fore and aft direction of the jet boat, at least one jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull, the articulating keel arranged to pivot about a pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. A bottom surface of the articulating keel does not extend below a bottom surface of the keel when the articulating keel is parallel or substantially parallel to the fore and aft direction of the jet boat.

Abstract: A keel (1) mechanism for a sailboat (10), wherein the keel (1) comprises a drive mechanism for moving the keel (1) linearly along the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis extending from larboard to starboard of the sailboat in response to conditions taking place.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for reducing roll motion experienced by a floating vessel. The disclosure reveals several different techniques for damping roll motion, which may be used alone or in conjunction to stabilize a floating vessel. A typical disclosed embodiment of a roll motion damping device would employ a sponson on each side of the vessel. Each sponson would typically encompass one or more baffles. And a wing keel could be located on the outside of each sponson. When all of these features are used in conjunction, they work synergistically to maximize the resistance to roll experienced by the floating vessel.

Abstract: A sailboat includes a canting ballast system configured to rotate with respect to a hull. The sailboat includes the hull having a port side and a starboard side, and an external surface. An arcuate member is coupled to the starboard and port sides extending above the hull. The canting ballast system includes at least one rotatable member coupled to the external surface and to the arcuate member. The system further includes a first strut having a first end and a second end, and a second strut having a first end and a second end wherein the first ends are coupled to the rotatable member. The system also includes at least one ballast. The second ends are coupled to the ballast such that an angle is defined between the first and second struts. The sailboat also includes a drive system coupled to the canting ballast system wherein the at least one drive system is configured to rotate the canting ballast system with respect to the hull.

Abstract: A keel (1) mechanism for a sailboat (10), wherein the keel (1) comprises a drive mechanism for moving the keel (1) linearly along the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis extending from larboard to starboard of the sailboat in response to conditions taking place.

Abstract: A sailboat includes a canting ballast system configured to rotate with respect to a hull. The sailboat includes the hull having a port side and a starboard side, and an external surface. An arcuate member is coupled to the starboard and port sides extending above the hull. The canting ballast system includes at least one rotatable member coupled to the external surface and to the arcuate member. The system further includes a first strut having a first end and a second end, and a second strut having a first end and a second end wherein the first ends are coupled to the rotatable member. The system also includes at least one ballast. The second ends are coupled to the ballast such that an angle is defined between the first and second struts. The sailboat also includes a drive system coupled to the canting ballast system wherein the at least one drive system is configured to rotate the canting ballast system with respect to the hull.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for reducing roll motion experienced by a floating vessel. The disclosure reveals several different techniques for damping roll motion, which may be used alone or in conjunction to stabilize a floating vessel. A typical disclosed embodiment of a roll motion damping device would employ a sponson on each side of the vessel. Each sponson would typically encompass one or more baffles. And a wing keel could be located on the outside of each sponson. When all of these features are used in conjunction, they work synergistically to maximize the resistance to roll experienced by the floating vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for reducing roll motion experienced by a floating vessel. The disclosure reveals several different techniques for damping roll motion, which may be used alone or in conjunction to stabilize a floating vessel. A typical disclosed embodiment of a roll motion damping device would employ a sponson on each side of the vessel. Each sponson would typically encompass one or more baffles. And a wing keel could be located on the outside of each sponson. When all of these features are used in conjunction, they work synergistically to maximize the resistance to roll experienced by the floating vessel.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing layer made from wire, a structural reinforcing composite layer made from wire, and the resulting load bearing structures made from or retrofitted with wire reinforced plastics and cements. Said layers and structures made from monofilament metallic or pre-cured composite materials twisted into multi-strand wire geometry optimized to mechanically shear load into rigid thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic or cementious resin systems. Wire geometry, count, size and strength/stiffness can be varied in combination with resin type, sheet structure, permeability and orientation to create layers intended for use in composite and cement based structures as originally molded reinforcement or retrofitted structural upgrades.

Abstract: A canting ballast twin foil (CBTF) sailing yacht constructed according to the invention includes a sailing hull, a laterally moveable ballast suspended beneath the hull that provides a counter heeling force when the yacht is underway, and fore and aft foils that provide improved leeway control and ballast. Components are included for at least partially retracting into the hull at least one of the ballast-supporting strut, the fore foil, and the aft foil.

Abstract: A canting ballast twin foil (CBTF) sailing yacht constructed according to the invention includes a sailing hull, a ballast, a ballast-supporting structure, and an onboard ballast drive system. The ballast drive system moves the ballast in order to vary the counter-heeling force it produces underway. Twin foils that depend downwardly from the hull in positions fore and aft of the ballast provide leeway and steering control. An onboard main engine drive system provides power, either directly by suitable mechanical coupling or indirectly through charging of the battery/electric system, for one or more of a canting system, a leeway, and/or steering control system. The onboard main engine drive system may also power a yacht-propelling propeller.

Abstract: A windsurfing catamaran with a self-stabilizing wing. The wing is moved to the correct position by counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to a central mast. The keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing when the wing is moved off center by wind. The keel rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to water flow striking the keel. Water pressure on the keel offsets wind pressure on the sails and returns the keel and mast back to an upright position. This increases stability, lift, driving force, and speed. A central catamaran platform provides hinged struts and shock absorbers between the rear end of the central platform and planing hulls to reduce impact damage. The hinged struts and shock absorbers reduce water drag and the braking effect of repeated hull impacts with water resulting in a further increase in speed.

Abstract: A sliding keel sailboat of the type comprises a sailing hull, a mast and a sailing arrangement whereon aero-dynamic forces, apt to be transferred to the hull through the mast, push, the mast being integral with a pivoting structure which can swing around a pivoting axis, parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the sailboat, in a respective seat in the sailing hull, the pivoting structure being arranged so that the crew can stand on it so as to balance the forces acting on the mast.

Abstract: A canting ballast twin foil (CBTF) sailing yacht constructed according to the invention includes a sailing hull, a laterally moveable ballast suspended beneath the hull that provides a counter heeling force when the yacht is underway, and fore and aft foils that provide improved leeway control and ballast. Components are included for at least partially retracting into the hull at least one of the ballast-supporting strut, the fore foil, and the aft foil.

Abstract: A modified mast and keel system for a sailing vessel. The mast is gimbaled to the hull, so that it can move in a pitch roll. A downward extension of the mast pivotally connects to a winged keel. An aft strut also pivotally connects to the hull and pivotally connects to the winged keel. The hull, the mast extension, the winged keel, and the aft strut combine to form a traditional four bar linkage which is used to adjust the angle of attack of the winged keel with respect to the vessel. The winged keel moves with the mast in pitch and roll. It also includes a hydrofoil having an angle of attack which can be changeable in response to the pitching of the mast. This hydrofoil thereby generates downforce which counteracts the lifting forces created by the mast. It also creates lateral forces to counteract the sideslip of the vessel.

Abstract: A sliding keel sailboat of the type comprises a sailing hull, a mast and a sailing arrangement whereon aero-dynamic forces, apt to be transferred to the hull through the mast, push, the mast being integral with a pivoting structure which can swing around a pivoting axis, parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the sailboat, in a respective seat in the sailing hull, the pivoting structure being arranged so that the crew can stand on it so as to balance the forces acting on the mast.

Abstract: This invention provides a keel device for moving and controlling the keels of sailing yachts, in which each of the keels, which preferably are positioned one behind the other, can be swung out to either side by max. 90°. It is the object of the invention to provide the motion and control devices at the lowest point, so that their weight does not have to be balanced by additional ballast. Further, the device will not require installations inside the boat. The foregoing object is achieved in that the keel bomb includes right and left elements of motion arranged in pairs opposite each other, which are driven by a drive unit, the lift of which is transferred directly or via lifting systems to the power transmission devices located inside the keel shaft and are movable in the longitudinal direction. Under the hull of the boat are provided left and right joint systems for converting the longitudinal motion into a swiveling motion of the keel, which is directed either towards the right or left.

Abstract: A ballast system for a sailing boat includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A mounting is provided at the first end of the elongate body for suspending the elongate body from a hull of a sailing boat. A ballast weight is positioned at the second end of the elongate body. A motor and gear assembly are provided for moving the second end of the elongate body relative to the hull of the sailing boat. The described ballast system decreases the amount of ballast weight required without sacrificing the safety of operation of the sail boat. The decrease in ballast weight, decreases the over all displacement of the sail boat, and permits increased speed.

Abstract: The invention provides various improved sailboats and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment, a sailboat comprises a hull and a deck that is operably attached to the hull. The deck has a longitudinal axis extending along its center. A mast is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a luff cable is coupled to the mast and the deck. The luff cable is movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Further, a foresail is coupled to the luff cable such that at least a portion of the foresail is movable relative to the longitudinal axis upon movement of the luff cable.

Abstract: A sailing yacht, in addition to its ballast keel (2), has at least one winged keel ( ) which optionally also carries ballast. Both ballast keel (2) and winged keel (1) are mounted to swivel on the hull of the sail ship around an axis aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction of the sail ship. Thus, by swivelling ballast keel (2) the righting moment is changed, for example, increased. By swivelling winged keel (1) its lateral plane part can be changed and thus can be kept large even when the sailing yacht is heeling.

Abstract: A sailing method and a sailing boat (1) are designed for low or even non-drift sailing, wherein the total power provided by the sail (5) is established, after which the keel (3) is adjusted in terms of its effective surface and/or its curvature and/or the shape of its profile and/or its setting angle in relation to the boat's hull, possibly taking into account the water current and the weight of the boat, in order to produce an optimized counteracting force. To this end the keel (3) is designed as a multi-section, unballasted fin keel (33) which can be completely retracted into the boat's hull (2) and can be pivoted relative to the centerline of the boat (10), and the sections (34, 37, 38) of which are fitted together via hinges (35, 39) in order to produce a variable curvature.

Abstract: A sailboat apparatus includes a hull having a bottom, bow and stern portions along with a central portion and at least one mast for supporting a sail extending above the hull. The mast is mounted to the hull for side-to-side movement relative to the hull. A keel assembly has a keel extending below the hull bottom and through the hull bottom and attached to an elongated transfer shaft rotatably mounted to the hull and having the mast coupled to one portion thereof. The keel is coupled to another portion of the transfer shaft and extends from the transfer shaft through the hull bottom into the water so that movement of the mast from side-to-side rotates the transfer shaft and the keel in the opposite direction from the mast to stabilize the sailboat.

Abstract: A watercraft in which a beam having a seat for the user is supported by two stanchions pivotally connected to a support frame below the beam. A float elongated in the direction of travel of the watercraft is provided on an upper part of the frame below the beam while a ballast is provided on a lower part of the frame below the float. Between the float and the ballast, lateral arms of the support frame extend for engagement by the legs of the operator who can thereby swing the float and ballast assembly in a balancing operation during travel of the watercraft.

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 sailing vessel is disclosed having a segmented winged keel made up of a pair of L-shaped keel members which are independently swingable toward and away from one another. When in their normal, side by side, closed positions, the keel members define an inverted-T. Each keel member is swingable through an arc of approximately 90.degree. to decrease the overall draft of the vessel, or alternately to thwart a tendency for the vessel to heel in a crosswind. Mechanism is connected to the keel members to permit selective independent swinging thereof from the cabin or cockpit of the vessel. The rudder of the vessel may similarly be raised to a level such that it also does not extend below the normal longitudinally extending main keel of the vessel.

Abstract: A keel system for small sailboats. The keel system being comprised of two fins (20P) and (20S) that are allowed to swing on pivots (24) independently, between the hull on which they are mounted and a limiting surface (25). The deployment of fins (20P) and (20S) is controlled by natural hydrodynamic forces acting on activating surface (38) and deactivating surface (36) of tabs (22) built into the tip of fins (20P) and (20S). The invention provides directional stability and improved performance for a boat on all points of sail without the need for crew intervention or interior hull structures.

Abstract: A keel assembly for a water craft. The keel assembly has a body having an aerodynamic cross section with a pair of side faces and a leading edge section. A portion of the leading edge section is movable relative to the body. A pair of vanes are spaced from and connected to the leading edge section to be disposed within a flow of water past the body. A pair of arms join the vanes with the portion. Movements of the vanes pivot the portion toward the direction of flow of the water to offset the effects of a negative pressure region occurring at the leading edge section.

Abstract: A sailing yacht having a hull and a sectional mast holding a sail, is equipped with a canard rudder and two rolling keels. Each rolling keel has a ballast container. A three point wing system is formed by wings carried by the canard rudder and by the two rolling keels for producing buoyancy, for steering, and for stabilizing. Thus, the three point wing system has a fore wing (9) forming an end wing of the canard rudder and two aft wings (11, 11') forming end wings of the rolling keels (10, 10'). The rolling keels (10, 10') are tiltable about rotational axes extending above the water line approximately in parallel to the hull axis, whereby the rolling keels (10, 10') are normally above the water line and only the long end (14, 14') of the wing (11, 11') dips into the water, so that the end disk wing (15) functions as a lift producing surface. The ballast is shiftable between two ballast containers 17, 17'.

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 stabilizing system for vehicles such as sailing craft, ice craft or racing cars that are periodically subject to lateral forces that tend to heel or roll such vehicles, the stabilizing system having a ballasted member laterally movable and positionable by non binding locking mechanism, the method to use the stabilizing system providing the ballasted member to be moved only by forces present in the environment such as wind or wave energy, centrifugal, gravity and inertia forces, the method allowing surface vehicles to execute turns with their weight more evenly distributed among their wheels or runners and allowing sailing vessels to sail with windward heel and reduced resistance and better balance.

Abstract: A laterally extending hydrofoil wing is supported in pendulum fashion in a cutout section of a planar keel of a sailing vessel. The pendulum support, in combination with the distribution of mass in the swing wing attempts to maintain the plane of the wing, which is under the surface of a body of water in a position parallel to the surface of a body of water regardless of any rolling or heeling of the vessel. The wing is canted or tilted downwardly into the water in the fore direction of the vessel to plane deeper into the water. When the vessel attempts to roll about its fore and aft axis from its original upright position, the flow of water acting on the canted wing develops a large downward force on the wing and on the keel from which the wing is suspended. The downward force attempts to rotate the keel of the vessel about its fore and aft axis to restore the vessel to its upright position.

Abstract: A hull (8) of a boat, having a keel (9) and a rudder (10). Both the rudder and the keel can be swung about an axis (14) extending in the longitudinal direction of the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sailboat with a keel board that is inclinable sideways. A single keel board is resiliently inclinable due to the effect of the water which rotates it about an axis disposed substantially in the vertical plane of longitudinal symmetry of the boat and inclined with respect to the horizontal, rising towards the bows of the boat, so as to provide hydrodynamic lift of the inclined keel board compatible with a movement of the boat along its longitudinal axis. In the case of a boat with two inclinable keel boards, the axes of inclination can converge towards the bows of the boat.

Abstract: The invention provides a keel comprising two mutually inclined fins 1, 2 which are movable relative to a hull on which the keel is mounted and means such as releasable ratchet devices 31, 32 for locking the fins in any of a plurality of positions relative to the hull. The keel may thus be selectively positioned asymmetrically with respect to the hull to give improved performance and to provide a stable base on inclined surfaces.

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: 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 sailboat pivotally carries a pair of weighted complementary shaped keels for independent rotation about a common longitudinally directed medial hinge axis for influencing the roll, moment of inertia and draft of the boat. The keels are independently supported at variable angles with respect to the vertical by lines directed upward along opposite sides of the boat. The upper ends of the lines are attached to a winch mechanism within the boat which includes one rotatable drum for varying the angle between the keels while maintaining the orientation of the angle bisector substantially constant and another rotatable drum for varying the orientation of the angle bisector while maintaining the angle between the keels substantially constant. A bolt carried slideably by the keels selectively locks the keels together for rotation as a unit. The bolt is remotely operated from within the boat via a controlling cable.

Abstract: A sailing craft having a one-piece hull design with a unitary mast, keel and ballast assembly that is mounted on the hull of the craft so that the mast, keel and ballast assembly can rotate independently thereof to permit the hull of the craft to float free of the wind's heeling forces without the adverse effects thereof.