Abstract: A self-righting sailing vessel is described. The self-righting sailing vessel may determine the occurrence of several predetermined events, such as the self-righting sailing vessel capsizing, present or imminent inclement weather, and/or a present or imminent vessel or large marine animal. Upon detection of one of these events, the self-righting sailing vessel causes at least it's hull to become partially or completely submerged beneath the water. The self-righting sailing vessel is configured such that its rig is more buoyant than the rest of the vessel when the vessel is completely submerged beneath the water, causing the vessel to move towards an upright position while underwater. When the vessel is pointing towards an upright position, the vessel may begin ascending until it surfaces and is ready to continue sailing on top of the water.

Abstract: A hydrofoil simulator structure comprising a tank, in which a water current is generated, and a frame, which supports an elastic trampoline positioned above the water surface of the tank; the structure also comprising a series of elastic ropes associated with a trapeze harness worn by a user who stands on a board of a hydrofoil having wings immersed in water.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally toward sailing vessels. One example is a catamaran with one or more pivoting masts per hull member, which may pivot from a generally perpendicular upright position, to a generally flat stowed position toward the bow of the hulls. The masts are capable of sustaining a plurality of sails, which may travel 180 degrees with respect to the hulls.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally toward sailing vessels. One example is a catamaran with one or more pivoting masts per hull member, which may pivot from a generally perpendicular upright position, to a generally flat stowed position toward the bow of the hulls. The masts are capable of sustaining a plurality of sails, which may travel 180 degrees with respect to the hulls.

Abstract: An unmanned ocean-going vessel including a primary hull, a rigid wing rotationally coupled with the primary hull where the rigid wing freely rotates about a rotational axis of the rigid wing, a controller configured to maintain a desired heading, a control surface element configured to aerodynamically control a wing angle of the rigid wing based on a position of the control surface element, where the controller is configured to determine a control surface angle and generate a signal to position the control surface element based on the control surface angle, a rudder, where the controller is further configured to determine a rudder position and generate a signal to position the rudder to the rudder position, and a keel including ballast sufficient to provide a positive righting moment sufficient to cause the primary hull to passively right from any position.

Abstract: A fleet of autonomous sailing vessels that are equipped with monitoring and communication equipment for reporting environmental and other conditions. For optimal stability, the autonomous sailing vessels are multi-hulled vessels (catamarans) with self-righting capabilities. Each sailing vessel sends and receives information via one or more satellite links, using solar power to power the communications equipment as well as the monitoring equipment. Each sailing vessel includes an auto-sailtrim system to maintain a desired attack angle with the wind, and electric propulsion for use as required to maintain a desired heading. A modular design is used to support mission-specific payloads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable boat with catamaran configuration. The boat basically consists of two inflatable floats joined by two connecting bars with plates at their ends for fastening the connecting bars to the floats. A rigid platform can be assembled between the two connecting bars, forming a deck for the occupant. The present invention allows the occupant to remain standing on the rigid platform while using a paddle to propel the boat. The lateral floats provide greater stability, making it easier for the occupant to keep his balance. Removable fins can be mounted on the rear underside of each float to help keep a straight path and improve performance (decreasing zigzags, and allowing a greater number of paddle strokes before having to change sides). The boat exhibits high hydrodynamic efficiency and can be disassembled so as to occupy a small volume, making it easy to transport and store.

Abstract: A portable wind-powered sailing vessel includes a plurality of parallel hulls, a plurality of cross-member spars releasably connecting the parallel hulls, a central longitudinal body centrally located between the parallel hulls and releasably connected to the plurality of cross-member spars, a crew seat releasably connected to the central longitudinal body forward of a mast, a kick-up rudder assembly and a foot pedal steering system both releasably connected to the longitudinal body, a rudder releasably connected to the kick-up rudder assembly, and a main sail on the mast, and a jib.

Abstract: An unmanned ocean-going vessel including a primary hull, a rigid wing rotationally coupled with the primary hull where the rigid wing freely rotates about a rotational axis of the rigid wing, a controller configured to maintain a desired heading, a control surface element configured to aerodynamically control a wing angle of the rigid wing based on a position of the control surface element, where the controller is configured to determine a control surface angle and generate a signal to position the control surface element based on the control surface angle, a rudder, where the controller is further configured to determine a rudder position and generate a signal to position the rudder to the rudder position, and a keel including ballast sufficient to provide a positive righting moment sufficient to cause the primary hull to passively right from any position.

Abstract: A fleet of autonomous sailing vessels that are equipped with monitoring and communication equipment for reporting environmental and other conditions. For optimal stability, the autonomous sailing vessels are multi-hulled vessels (catamarans) with self-righting capabilities. Each sailing vessel sends and receives information via one or more satellite links, using solar power to power the communications equipment as well as the monitoring equipment. Each sailing vessel includes an auto-sailtrim system to maintain a desired attack angle with the wind, and electric propulsion for use as required to maintain a desired heading. A modular design is used to support mission-specific payloads.

Abstract: A catamaran central body portion with floor having front and mid walls also port and starboard side walls and smooth underside having flange lips in alignment with said side walls forming mating surfaces for attaching two roof sheltered hulls whereby said hulls attach to said lips likewise roofs attach to said side walls forming a disassemble catamaran boat. Roofed alcove enclosed by said front, mid, and side walls. First and second embodiments having bridge area with navigation controls rearward of said alcove and further rearward a passenger area. Third embodiment having passenger area roofed cabin rearward of said alcove and further rearward a bridge area with navigation controls. Hull entry openings in both said side walls are in passenger area of first and third embodiments and in bridge area of second embodiment. Rear portion of said side walls having wall bracing structures for strengthening.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes secondary airfoils that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of a main sail, and rearwardly of the trailing edge of the sail. The secondary airfoils are pivotable s to steer the main sail in one direction or the other. The main sail is also provided with a flap at its trailing edge, that pivots simultaneously with the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main sail and are operated by cables that are retracted/paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The control mechanism for the secondary airfoils may operate in response to signals received from onboard sensors. The system is suitable for use on an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV).

Abstract: A sailboat is provided, which could use left and right jibs alternately to operate the sailboat without using mainsail. The advantages of sailboat are the shorter route to the destination, and more efficiently and economically in production. The mast of the sailboat is set on the centerline of the sailboat. A function of helm that turns the sailboat towards the windward can be substituted by hanging the jib on the mast set from midship to stern in the centerline of the sailboat. In addition, when the sailboat sails downwind, one end of each jib on the starboard side and the port side could be untied to make jibs become spinnakers. If sailor wants to use a traditional spinnaker, it also could be rigged by connecting the traditional spinnaker to the mast-end and the starboard side and the port side.

Abstract: Sailing boat designed for one or two crew members who can be accommodated inside a two-seater hull or cockpit (1), with a continuous longitudinal seat (2) equipped with a pair of back rests (3 and 4), the hull (1) having mounted on its front end a nose-piece (7) of considerable length, which at its free front end houses an extractable telescopic mast (17) and a pair of foldable side arms (11) associated with respective floating runners (12), all of which in such a way that the arms (11) can be folded onto the nose-piece (7), in the same way as the mast (17), and this assembly can then be folded onto the upper base of the hull (1), in a position which occupies a minimum amount of space and in which the boat can be easily transported on a wheel or roller situated at the rear, in the center, with the aid of a front manual pulling handle.

Abstract: An inflatable boat including at least one inflatable tube forming first and second pontoons, the first and second pontoons meeting at a front of the boat to form a stem; a floor constructed of a flexible non-inflated fabric material spanning the area between the first and second pontoons and attached to the bottom of the first and second pontoons; and an inflatable keel formed of an inflatable high-pressure drop stitch material and secured to the bottom of the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sailing craft that comprises: two hulls (1) having a transverse cross-section (S1) that is constant on at least ¼ of the length thereof and having planar rear edges oriented along said section; two tubes or profiles (2) transversally secured to the hulls in the catamaran configuration or longitudinally secured to the hulls joined back-to-back in the pirogue configuration; six attachment points (3) on each hull for enabling the assembly of the two configurations and to enable a rapid conversion from a catamaran sailing craft into a pirogue rowing craft.

Abstract: A multi-hull sailboat or motorboat that are made of a number of single-hull vessels in the process of modification or utilization of old yachts, wherein said multi-hull vessel can be configured as a pivoted train-like combined vessel, as a permanently-merged vessel or can be configured as a catamaran or triamaran. Also, said multi-hull sailboat or motorboat can be made of a number of new single-hull vessels equipped by a universal connecting device.

Abstract: A sailboat, which includes at least one hull; a mast; a plurality of sails, wherein at least one of the plurality of sails is a foresail; and a system for sailing windward, which includes a foresail beam attached to the mast of the sailboat at a mast end of the foresail beam and receives a leading edge of the foresail at a bow end of the foresail beam; and a foresail track, which extends from a starboard side to a port side of the sailboat and assists the foresail beam in movement from side to side.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: A multihull hydrofoil watercraft incorporates a stabilization system wherein the buoyancy of the hulls is used as a sensing and control mechanism for the hydrofoils. The use of hull buoyancy to adjust the hydrofoil lift provides for automatic control of altitude, pitch and roll, and allows the craft to accommodate varying weather and sea conditions while providing a smooth ride for passengers. The stabilization technique eliminates the need for extraneous sensing mechanisms placed in or on the water surface which are subject to fouling, damage, or disruption by localized surface disturbances.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: An amah for a high speed seagoing multi hulled vessel, the amah having sides extending upwardly and outwardly from a base line, the sides having longitudinally extending vertically spaced stiffeners, the bow of the amah including a plate field comprising a plurality of sub plates each comprising a vertical plate secured along the centre line of the amah and supporting a horizontal plate secured to each side of the amah, whereby the planes of the horizontal plates of the sub plates step upwardly as the base line rakes upwardly towards the bow and the longitudinal stiffeners terminate and are secured to the horizontal plates.

Abstract: A catamaran-type water craft includes a frame (1) which is fixed on two bodies forming floats (2) and a sail (5) for wind-driven displacement when the floats are on a stretch of water, characterized in that the water craft includes a central piloting station (6–8) whereby the pilot sits on a seat (7) of the piloting station, is provided with a handlebar which is located within arm's reach and which is used to control the orientation of steering rudders respectively provided at the rear thereof with two floats (2), in addition to a tappet for adjusting the useful length of a control element for the orientation of the sail in relation to the frame, passing via a return pulley which is advantageously provided at the end of a swinging boom fixed to the rear of the water craft beyond the floats.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen is provided which includes at least one vessel which floats in water. At least one sail for capturing wind to move the vessel reciprocally along a substantially linear path is mounted on the vessel. A power generation system is provided for converting movement of the vessel relative to the water into electricity. And an onboard hydrogen production system produces hydrogen by electrolysis using the electricity generated by the power generation system.

Abstract: A kick down and kick up catamaran assembles by hand with holes in main spar and stern spar ends receiving threaded rods extending vertically from the side-by-side hulls, secured in place with hand knobs. A bow spar with a line to the mast lifts the mast to vertical and is then secured between the hulls. A mast operationally rests with its proximal end alongside the main spar, held in place by an easily removable cord that wraps the main spar and slips into a mast slot opening at the mast proximal end. A trampoline stretches between the main and stern spars providing a platform on which the operator sits, tightened by a plurality of adjustable straps between the trampoline and the stern spar.

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 kick down and kick up catamaran assembles by hand with holes in main spar and stern spar ends receiving threaded rods extending vertically from the side-by-side hulls, secured in place with hand knobs. A bow spar with a line to the mast lifts the mast to vertical and is then secured between the hulls. A mast that operationally rests with its proximal end alongside the main spar, held in place by an easily removable cord that wraps the main spar and slips into a mast slot opening at the mast proximal end. A trampoline stretches between the main and stern spars provide a platform on which the operator sits, tightened by a plurality of adjustable straps between the trampoline and the stern spar. A rudder is mounted on each hull that traces the underwater relief or objects as they might impact the rudder distal end. The rudder rotates rearward on a horizontal axis against a spring bias about a pivot pin on a mounting plate as the catamaran moves forward as it impacts an underwater object.

Abstract: A wind-propelled vehicle, particularly a multi-hulled sailing vessel, in which instead of mast, the upper spar (14) of the sail (13) is supported from a carrier (13) which moves athwart the vessel in a track in the form of an arch (16).

Abstract: An improved control system for a sailing vessel for controlling the position of the sail and the rudder, and affixed to a slidable seat apparatus. A movement of the seat apparatus does not alter the position of the sail or the rudder. A ballast control, steering control and sail control are located on the slidable seat apparatus. The slidable seat apparatus provides a ballast control means using the helmsperson's weight and the seat itself as movable ballast. Furthermore, the steering control and the sail controls are mounted to the movable seat and are operable independently and simultaneously with the movement of the seat. A base provides a base connection means for the seat, and in the case of a multi-hull embodiment of the sailboat, the base is substantially in the form of a scissoring “X” shape. The scissoring base functions as both a connecting means and a means to adjust the distance between the hulls for operation or storage.

Abstract: A wind powered air/water interface craft disposed in a mechanically simple configuration(s) with means for trimming and/or adjusting the area of the various air and water foil elements either independently or together or both. All of its structural elements are useful as lifting or driving surfaces or buoyant elements thereby minimizing parasitic drag and conflicting forces. In some configurations, free flight is also possible for brief periods of time or for longer periods in conditions where dynamic soaring is possible. The rig is able to develop vertical lift before necessarily having forward motion. Although similar in some configurations to a windsurfer, its operation is not dependent on the strength of the human operator, so that it has the capacity for power and payload greater than the strength and weight of the operator.

Abstract: A sailboat symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, but asymmetrical in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sailboat includes a main hull, a mast, a yardarm pivotally attached to a head of the mast, and a sail attached to the yardarm. Also, there is a sponson, a keel section and an outrigger hull. A system for automatically joining the sail sections, as the sail is lowered from the yardarm and a system for automatically separating the sail sections, as the sail is raised onto the yardarm. A system for rotatably pivotally attaching the mast to the main hull. Rudders mounted in the keel and tillers having resilient control elements.