Abstract: A ship-mounted auxiliary sail system featuring a plurality of sail units mountable and movable about the ship on a rail system. The sail units can have automatic reefing safety features and/or automatic mast release safety features.

Abstract: A command and control bar for a kite sail associated with two front cables connected to a user and two rear cables connected to the bar. The cables are connected at one end to the sail. An adjustment element to shorten/extend the rear cables is incorporated into the bar and can be controlled by the user without releasing the bar. A deflection system can be displaced parallel to the axis of the bar and is connected to a return element. The bar includes a locking element to lock/release the position of the deflection system along the bar, depending on the traction forces applied on the cables. The locking element is accessible to the user from outside the bar.

Abstract: An improved rig is provided for sailing craft, in which two sails are provided in the general shape of tapered tubes encircling each of two adjacent masts arrayed in an A-frame configuration. In the course of a tack, the sails may be swung pendulum-like either towards or away from the bow (one in each direction). The two sails therefore effectively alternate between serving the role of a jib (with sail-area mainly forward of a mast), and the role of a mainsail (with sail-area mainly aft of a mast). The same set of sails on the same masts may also advantageously be deployed for use in high winds, running downwind, heaving-to, and running before a storm.

Abstract: A vessel provided with at least one rigid wingsail installation with a mast structure and a rigid wingsail. The mast structure comprises a foot and a mast top which is rotatable about a substantially vertical wingsail rotation axis relative to the vessel. The mast top is provided with a primary tilting assembly. The rigid wingsail comprises a main panel connected to the mast structure via the primary tilting assembly. This assembly allows tilting of the main panel relative to the mast top about a primary tilt axis. The rigid wingsail also comprises a top panel which is connected at its lower end to the upper end of the main panel via a secondary tilting assembly. This assembly allows tilting of the top panel relative to the main panel about a secondary tilting axis.

Abstract: The problems associated with rotating a wing sail around a stayed rig mast; changing the airfoil shape of a wing sail on different tacks; and reefing a wing sail may be solved by using an A-frame mast with port and starboard mast extrusions for supporting two asymmetrical wing sails.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device having aerodynamic lift surfaces that is capable of rotation about a stayed mast.

Abstract: A robust mechanical actuation design for an autonomous sailing buoy (1) is disclosed based on an internal actuation system. The buoy (1) consists of a simple closed body (3) taking the form of a ship hull to which are attached two fixed appendages (2, 4): one rigid wing (4) to catch the wind, and a keel (2). The design is completely rudderless. Steering is performed using only an internal actuation system. This system includes a moving mass system (5, 6, 7), a processing unit (9), and a navigation unit (8). The navigation unit (8) consists of a GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes, and a wind direction and velocity sensor. The processing unit (9), using information given by the navigation unit (8), automatically controls the moving mass (6) to hold the buoy (1) on a desired course.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wind propulsion device is provided, particularly for watercraft, in form of an aerodynamic wing connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, at least one pair of two active steering lines being connected to the aerodynamic wing at two points in distance and being coupled to a drive unit at the steering unit, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected at the steering unit to at least two of the tractive lines and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force, and two passive steering lines are connected to each other to form a continuous passive steering line section passing through the steering unit in order to passively follow a deformation of the aerodynamic wing.

Abstract: A device for arranging a profiled element on the bow side of a water vehicle and a water vehicle having a wind-impacted element. The device has at least one profiled element (40, 40.1, 40.2) and means for arranging the at least one profiled element (40, 40.1, 40.2) on the bow (20) of a water vehicle (10, 100), wherein the profiled element(s) (40, 40.1, 40.2) is/are or can be supported about a pivot axis (S) which is parallel, preferably horizontal, to the midship plane, wherein the profiled element(s) (40, 40.1, 40.2) can be or is/are connected to a wind-impacted element (14) at a leading point (43) of a wind-impacted-element-driven water vehicle (10, 100) by means of a connecting device (42), in particular by means of a whippletree (42).

Abstract: There is disclosed a sailing vessel comprising a buoyancy body at which a rotatable keel is held which can be adjusted by setting a rudder.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for sensor-based sailboat sails, including a device to detect whether a flow on a sail is attached or separated including a flow separation sensor; a device using data from the separation sensor to trim the sail; a wind history device for storing a history of wind conditions on the sail; a UV-exposure sensor for measuring UV-exposure on the sail; an acceleration sensor to measure an attitude of the sail; a stress or strain sensor to measure stretch and loading of the sail; an energy supply to provide energy to the sensors; and a data display to show data from the sensors to a user.

Abstract: A sailing ship includes a sailing unit, which comprises a hard sail assembly comprising a plurality of hard sail sections of wing-shaped hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits on the one immediately below; a mast assembly comprising a plurality of mast sections of hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits in the one immediately below; connecting members for connecting upper ends of the hard sail sections to upper ends of the mast sections located at the same level; first means for moving each mast section, except the lowermost, toward and away from the one immediately below; and second means for rotating the mast assembly around its longitudinal axis. Overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent mast sections are variably controlled so as to variably control overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent hard sail sections. Thus, the hard sail assembly vertically expands and contracts.

Abstract: A kite ship contains a ship and a kite for pulling the ship, wherein the kite includes a kite main body, the upper and the lower ends of which are respectively connected with an upper and a lower end ropes, the other end of the upper end rope is fixed on a traction apparatus, the other end of the lower end rope is fixed on a connector, a traction apparatus pulling rope is fixed on the traction apparatus; the other end of the traction apparatus pulling rope is wound on a stranding cage connected with a motor through a speed reducer; a tension dynamometer is fixed on the connector; the tension dynamometer connects with a connector pulling rope; the other end of the connector pulling rope is wound on another stranding cage connected with the motor through the speed reducer; a buoyant balloon is arranged on the kite main body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device having aerodynamic lift surfaces that is capable of rotation about a stayed mast.

Abstract: A sail propulsion system for boats and the like comprises at least one mast (A) and a jib (F) controlled by sheets and secured to the head of the mast (A), as well as at least two mainsails (RS, RD) rove on two shrouds (S; SR) located one to the right and one to the left of the mast (A) and arranged each on a boom (B) mounted on one of said shrouds (S; SR).

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 sailing craft propelled by a tilting sail system comprising an aerofoil sail capable of omni-directional attitude for wind propulsion. The sail is fixed to the craft in such a manner as to permit omni-directional attitude. Sail control means allows the sail placement in a forward propulsion attitude relative to wind direction. The sail is rigid and has an asymmetric shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force in the direction of the tractive cable when the airflow direction is about perpendicular to the tractive cable. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wing is provided being coupled to a steering unit located close below the wing via a plurality of tractive lines of different elasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit by a tractive cable, having a first end of the tractive cable connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable connected to a base platform, a guiding line having a first end connected to the aerodynamic wing or to the steering unit, a pole being connected to the base platform. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wind propulsion device as mentioned above is provided, characterized in that a second end of the guiding line is connected to the base platform during and between starting and landing maneuvers wherein the guiding line is guided through or along the pole and is capable of transferring a tensile force onto the aerodynamic wing at least during starting or landing.

Abstract: A sailboat includes a sail assembly with opposing upper and lower ends, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The sail assembly is normally offset from the hull and oriented for generation of a propelling force substantially free of heeling moments. A support structure supports the sail assembly for rotation about an axis inclined relative to vertical and substantially parallel to the leading edge. The support structure includes an upper rotary joint mounting the upper end of the sail assembly to the support structure and a lower rotary joint mounting the lower end of the sail assembly to the support structure. The rotary joints are positioned to allow unobstructed rotation of the sail assembly fully through 360 degrees about the inclined axis. At least part of the support structure is mounted for rotation together with the sail assembly and the inclined axis relative to the hull, largely eliminating weather helm.

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: A power generation apparatus and method comprises at least one gyroglider rotary wing flying at an altitude above the nap of the earth. A strong and flexible tether, connected to the gyroglider frame is pulled with a force generated by the rotary wing. The force is transmitted to a ground station that converts the comparatively linear motion of the tether being pulled upward with a lifting force. The linear motion is transferred to a rotary motion at the ground station to rotate an electrical generator. The tether is retrieved and re-coiled about a drum by controlling the gyroglider to fly down at a speed and lift force that permit recovery of the gyroglider at a substantially reduced amount of retrieval force compared to the lifting force during payout of the tether. Thus, the net difference in force results in a net gain of energy.

Abstract: A sailing ship includes a sailing unit, which comprises a hard sail assembly comprising a plurality of hard sail sections of wing-shaped hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits on the one immediately below; a mast assembly comprising a plurality of mast sections of hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits in the one immediately below; connecting members for connecting upper ends of the hard sail sections to upper ends of the mast sections located at the same level; first means for moving each mast section, except the lowermost, toward and away from the one immediately below; and second means for rotating the mast assembly around its longitudinal axis. Overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent mast sections are variably controlled so as to variably control overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent hard sail sections. Thus, the hard sail assembly vertically expands and contracts.

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 kite ship contains a ship and a kite for pulling the ship, wherein the kite includes a kite main body, the upper and the lower ends of which are respectively connected with an upper and a lower end ropes, the other end of the upper end rope is fixed on a traction apparatus, the other end of the lower end rope is fixed on a connector, a traction apparatus pulling rope is fixed on the traction apparatus; the other end of the traction apparatus pulling rope is wound on a stranding cage connected with a motor through a speed reducer; a tension dynamometer is fixed on the connector; the tension dynamometer connects with a connector pulling rope; the other end of the connector pulling rope is wound on another stranding cage connected with the motor through the speed reducer; a buoyant balloon is arranged on the kite main body.

Abstract: A sailing device for efficient uses of wind energy which use at least one mast connected to the ship and two sail areas which are attached to the mast. The at least one mast is fitted with a top holder at the upper end facing away from the ship as well as a bottom holder at the lower end that is connected to the ship in order to maintain and adjust the sail areas, and ends of the sail areas are guided within the holders, adjustable in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

Abstract: A sailing craft propelled by a tilting sail system comprising an aerofoil sail capable of omni-directional attitude for wind propulsion. The sail is fixed to the craft in such a manner as to permit omni-directional attitude. Sail control means allows the sail placement in a forward propulsion attitude relative to wind direction. The sail is rigid and has an asymmetric shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit by a tractive cable, having a first end of the tractive cable connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable connected to a base platform, a guiding line having a first end connected to the aerodynamic wing or to the steering unit, a pole being connected to the base platform. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wind propulsion device as mentioned above is provided, characterized in that a second end of the guiding line is connected to the base platform during and between starting and landing maneuvers wherein the guiding line is guided through or along the pole and is capable of transferring a tensile force onto the aerodynamic wing at least during starting or landing.

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 sail assembly having a single, closed-loop support batten that supports a flexible sail. The sail is a hollow body defining a substantially hemispherical shape when fully expanded by captured wind. The support batten is housed in a perimeter sleeve at the front end of the sail. The support batten is stiff enough to support the sail, yet elastic enough that it can be twisted and coiled as three contiguous coils for compact folding. The sail has a significantly smaller size in the folded and coiled orientation, and is capable of rapid self deployment due to the energy stored in the folded batten. The deployed sail can be fastened to the deck of a small watercraft, hand held, or fastened to the blade end of a paddle or oar for capturing the energy in the wind to propel a small watercraft.

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 sailboat has a preferably solid hull with lateral and longitudinal symmetry, a centrally located ring-shaped seat secured to a central portion of the top of an hull, a selectively rotatable carousel being mounted about an outer circumferential wall of said ring-shaped seat, a frame being secured to said carousel for retaining a pair of spaced apart identical sails that slant inward toward one another, a pair of removable selectively rotatable cylindrical booms being positioned on the frame with an associated halyard system for controllably furling and allowing easy reefing of the pair of sails, a pair of selectively removable rotatable hydrofoils each serving as a rudder and centerboard projecting downward from the bottom of and proximate the ends of the hull, a steering wheel being secured to the hull at the center of the ring-shaped seat and linked to each of the hydrofoils, whereby the carousel can be selectively rotated to position the sails at any desired angular position relative to the direction of t

Abstract: A light-weight soft wing-sail for a wind-propelled vehicle includes a free standing rotating mast to be mounted in a vertical position on the vehicle and, three fully battened sail panels that together define the skin of the wing sail. Spreaders extend transversely of the mast and impart to them a selected airfoil shape having a leading edge fore of the mast and a trailing edge aft of the mast. Two vertical tracks secured to both sides of the mast top and to the outer ends of each spreader. Sliders are secured to the sail panels and are slidable in the tracks, such as to permit hoisting and reefing each of the sail panels independently along the tracks. A boom is pivotally coupled to the mast and a ram is secured on one side to the lower spreader and on the other side to the boom such that the leading edge and the trailing edge define one wing-sail unit and trims the airfoil shape.

Abstract: A light-weight soft wing-sail for a wind-propelled vehicle includes a free standing rotating mast to be mounted in a vertical position on the vehicle and, three fully battened sail panels that together define the skin of the wing sail. Spreaders extend transversely of the mast and impart to them a selected airfoil shape having a leading edge fore of the mast and a trailing edge aft of the mast. Two vertical tracks secured to both sides of the mast top and to the outer ends of each spreader. Sliders are secured to the sail panels and are slidable in the tracks, such as to permit hoisting and reefing each of the sail panels independently along the tracks. A boom is pivotally coupled to the mast and a ram is secured on one side to the lower spreader and on the other side to the boom such that the leading edge and the trailing edge define one wing-sail unit and trims the airfoil shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transportation vehicle (10) which is used in transporting passengers and/or goods, which utilizes wind power and the elevating force of water and which has a passenger cabin (5) that moves above water level. The transportation vehicle realized in order to attain the objects of this invention comprises at least one main body (12) which travels at a certain height above water level; an air unit (11) comprising at least one sail (1) which extends perpendicularly to the water surface and which is connected to this main body (12); and at least one underwater unit (13) which travels underwater and which is again connected to the main body (12).

Abstract: A wingsail assembly comprises a main symmetrical aerofoil which is freely rotatable about an upright axis and a control vane which is settable about an upright axis spaced from the axis of the main aerofoil to cause the main aerofoil to adopt an angle of attack to the direction of the wind. A pivoted aerodynamic slot-forming vane assembly is rotatable in response to wind pressure to open and close respective slots, one on each side of the leading region of the main aerofoil. A linkage inhibits movement of the slot-forming vane assembly away from a neutral position when the control vane is set to a neutral position.

Abstract: A light sail craft lacking rudder and steered by the movement and positioning of at least two sails, a hull being sufficiently stable to prevent capsizing, each sail being mounted on a pivoting mast. Each mast is located along the longitudinal axis of the craft.

Abstract: A lateen rigged sailing vessel having a mast; a luffspar; a boom; a pair of lateral struts; and a lateen sail, has a lower end of the mast mounted forward on the vessel and positioned on the vessel's longitudinal center line in a canted fashion raked aft. The boom is rotationally supported in a lower journal fixedly engaged medially on the vessel at the center line. The luffspar is joined pivotally with a forward end of the boom and, when rigged for sailing is positioned below and in parallel with the mast. The luffspar is rotationally supported in an upper journal wherein the upper journal, upper end of the mast, and upper ends of the pair of lateral struts are all engaged in a common fixture held in place by the mast and the lateral struts. The upper and lower journals are arranged on a common journal center line. The lower ends of the lateral struts are engaged with the vessel at the port and starboard gunnels. The sail is engaged along a luff edge with the luffspar and along a toe edge with the boom.

Abstract: An elevated sailing apparatus that extracts traction power from the wind. It operates without the heeling moment (typical of conventional sailboats), which constrains the design and limits the power that can be used. A wing or sail is attached beneath a streamlined blimp with aerodynamic stabilizers that keep both the blimp and the wing (or sail) directed into the wind. The blimp is directed into the wind for minimum drag. The wing (or sail) is directed into the wind for a desired angle of attack. The apparatus is tilted so that a combination of dynamic lift and lateral propulsive force is generated in addition to the static lift generated by the blimp. A single tether transfers these aerodynamic forces to a boat or other vehicle. Conventional electronically operated automatic and remote control systems can be used to adjust the tilt and to tack the apparatus.

Abstract: An elevated sailing apparatus that includes one or more wings, tethered to a conveyance, and suspended from beneath a streamlined, lighter-than-air blimp. The wings generate both propulsive and lifting forces from the wind. The propulsive force is used to propel a conveyance. The lifting force prevents the apparatus from being pushed into the water by the propulsive force. The wings use stabilizers to orient them to the oncoming wind and control surfaces to adjust the angle of orientation. A ballast weight provides a vertical reference relative to the blimp, so that the propulsive and lifting forces can be controlled independently. A remote control system allows the degree of lifting force and propulsive force to be controlled from the conveyance. Thus the pilot may tack the apparatus and control its altitude. The use of a streamlined blimp and high aspect-ratio wings allows this elevated sailing apparatus to achieve the low drag-angle necessary for high-speed sailing.

Abstract: A control device for a steering kite on a boat. The steering kite can be steered by a steering device and at least two or three, preferably at least four or five, suspension lines. The control device comprises at least one force introduction rail that extends horizontally over the water line and on which a deviation device for the suspension lines is positioned in such a way that it can move back and forth. The rail is fixed to the boat between the steering kite and the steering device in such a way that the traction force of the steering kite produces torque about the longitudinal axis and/or the transverse axis of the boat in the water, by means of which the leeward side of the boat is lifted upwards.

Abstract: An improved rotary gear for sailing boats is provided wherein the connection of the boom to the rest of the rig is such that on the horizontal plane the boom must rotate simultaneously with the rest of the rig, but that it can move up and down in the vertical plane in order to give tension to the sails and wherein the axis widens as it comes through the deck creating a base wide and strong, making it possible to control the rotation of the whole rig from the base, not only because of the necessary rotation control mechanisms, but also because the remaining rig elements are forced to rotate with the base, which permits also the use of rotating shrouds and stays to help in supporting the mast.

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).