Abstract: A wind-propelled vessel is described herein. The vessel includes at least one hull and at least one set of paired masts. Each paired mast of the at least one set of paired masts has a first mast located to one side of the vessel and a second mast located on the opposite side of the vessel. Also, each mast of the at least one set of paired masts has a spar located at or near the top of the mast. Moreover, each one of the spar located at or near the top of the mast extends inwards towards a center plane of the vessel, and an inward end of the spar is connected by a connector to another inward end of another one of the each one of the spar located at or near the top of the mast.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sailboat includes a mast, and a spreader extending from the mast. The sailboat also includes a vertically extending stay spaced from the mast, and a diagonally extending stay coupled to the vertically extending stay and to the mast. The spreader engages the diagonally extending stay at a position above where the diagonally extending stay couples to the vertically extending stay. According to another embodiment, a rigging assembly includes a spreader configured to extend from a mast, a vertically extending stay, and a diagonally extending stay coupled to the vertically extending stay and configured to extend to the mast. The spreader engages the diagonally extending stay at a position above where the diagonally extending stay couples to the vertically extending stay.

Abstract: A slider shoe fitting for a gnav assembly (8) for exerting a downward force on a boom (5). The slider shoe fitting comprises a boom slider (10) for sliding along an upper portion of a surface of a boom, and a strut portion for forming at least part of a strut of the gnav assembly (8). The boom slider (10) comprises a body portion (11) and a plurality of upstanding portions (15). The body portion (11) and upstanding portions (15) are of a single piece of material. The strut portion is pivotally mounted to the plurality of upstanding portions (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a rope spreading device for rope networks with tensioning ropes that converge at a top point of a support mast at an acute angle. It is an object of the invention to overcome the lack of play space, while making it also possible to vary the tension of the tensioning ropes. Accordingly, a rope spreading device is provided for rope networks with tensioning ropes that converge at a top point of a support mast at an acute angle, wherein the device is characterized in that at least one rope spreader is arranged between a tensioning rope and a support mast. The rope spreader changes the path of the tensioning rope so that a greater usable volume is created between the tensioning ropes and the central support mast, which can be used for climbing and play. Advantageously, the rope spreader may be used to vary the degree of spreading and the tension of the tensioning ropes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.

Abstract: A bowsprit for a sailing vessel having a deck and a hull. A supporting member of the bowsprit has first and second opposing ends and is pivotably attachable to the deck such that the opposing ends of the supporting member extend outwardly past the hull. First and second movable members of the bowsprit are joined at an apex. First and second movable members are for disposition substantially adjacent to respective outer sides of the sailing vessel such that the apex is forward of the vessel and the first and second movable members are supported by and are slidable over the supporting member.

Abstract: A spar for a sailing vessel comprises an elongated member which projects upwardly at an oblique angle from the centerline of the vessel deck and defines a longitudinal axis of rotation. The elongated member has a longitudinal slot for mounting the jib. The elongated member has a longitudinally extending aerodynamic surface defined by a quasi-elliptical shape with identical starboard tack and port tack leading edges symmetric about a plane through the rotational axis and the slot.

Abstract: A bowsprit for a sailing vessel having a deck and a hull. A supporting member of the bowsprit has first and second opposing ends and is pivotably attachable to the deck such that the opposing ends of the supporting member extend outwardly past the hull. First and second movable members of the bowsprit are joined at an apex. First and second movable members are for disposition substantially adjacent to respective outer sides of the sailing vessel such that the apex is forward of the vessel and the first and second movable members are supported by and are slidable over the supporting member.

Abstract: Important design features and methods of launching a trailerable sailboat are described. The trailerable sailboat is designed to allow transportation on overland highways and to provide a simplified method of raising the mast without the need for a crane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of for providing a spinnaker pole are disclosed herein. A spinnaker pole as disclosed herein comprises a first elongated face, a second elongated face, a third elongated face, a first tapering, and a second tapering. The first elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The first elongated face can have two longitudinal sides. A second elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The second elongated face has two longitudinal sides. One of the two longitudinal sides of the second elongated face is joined to one of the two longitudinal sides of the first face at a first spinnaker pole edge. The third elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The third elongated face has two longitudinal sides. One of the two longitudinal sides of the third elongated face is joined to one of the longitudinal sides of the first elongated face at a second spinnaker pole edge.

Abstract: A bowsprit, or spar, for supporting a spinnaker sail at the front of a sailboat is mounted on the deck of the sailboat. The bowsprit is retractable and extendable in telescoping fashion and includes a rope or tack line extending from the forward end thereof that connects to the corner or tack of the spinnaker sail. The aft or back end of the bowsprit is clipped to the mast and may be unclipped therefrom and secured to the deck so as to position the bowsprit at an angle to the boat to present the spinnaker sail to the wind. The present bowsprit is mounted along the midline of the boat and extends through a swivel bridle that connects the forestay to the deck. Extension of the bowsprit is accomplished by pulling a line connected to the inner pole of the bowsprit and passing around a pulley so that the inner pole slides out to an extended position from the outer sleeve of the bowsprit.

Abstract: A spar for a sailing vessel comprises an elongated member which projects upwardly at an oblique angle from the centerline of the vessel deck and defines a longitudinal axis of rotation. The elongated member has a longitudinal slot for mounting the jib. The elongated member has a longitudinally extending aerodynamic surface defined by a quasi-elliptical shape with identical starboard tack and port tack leading edges symmetric about a plane through the rotational axis and the slot.

Abstract: A speed handle for use in combination with a strap winch on a flat bed trailer. The straps used to secure loads on trailers can be 30 to 40 feet in length. There is no good way to wind these straps onto their winch when they are not in use. Currently the job is done by hand which is very slow and tedious. The speed handle engages the lug of the winch and allows the strap to be wound back onto the winch very quickly. The speed handle allows the winding to occur with only one hand so that another hand is free to guide the strap onto the winch drum.

Abstract: An isolation mounting system is provided for the purpose of supporting a throttle body structure which is completely supported by an elastomeric support, but is held in non-contact association with an air intake manifold in order to effectively isolate the throttle body structure from vibration. This isolation protects potentially delicate components contained within a component housing that is rigidly attached to the throttle body structure.

Abstract: The invention is a rigid supporting member that changes position within a pocket of sheet material to accommodate a deployed position and a stowed position, as may be used, for example, with battens in roller furling sails. The member is placed within the pocket formed within sheets of a pliable material, or attached to the pliable material, and the member is movably secured within the pocket, such as with a pivoting fixture. The member may be rotated into a first position that supports a shape of the pliable material when the pliable material is deployed, and a second position that accommodates stowage of the pliable material through folding, rolling, or the like. A variety of control systems may be used to control rotation or other movement of the member, and to control deployment and stowage of the pliable material.

Abstract: A sailboat spar track cleaner for cleaning a sail track on a mast or other spar comprises a U-shaped housing that fits over the track, with adjustable track cleaners having abrasive contact surfaces extending inwardly from the sides of the housing into contact with the track. An adjustable spacer attached to a back of the U-shaped housing bears against the track and controls the position of the housing so that the track cleaning elements are properly aligned with grooves in the track. The track cleaner is mountable on a track in a sailboat and movable along the length of the track using conventional lines, such as the halyard and a downhaul in the case of a mast.

Abstract: A spinnaker pole control system for a sailboat comprises an improved rigging arrangement, whereby the pole can be raised or lowered parallel to the deck, or dipped to allow jibing, by manipulation of a single control line. Improved pole control hardware simplifies preparation for flying a spinnaker and securing it when finished, and can be employed as a line stopper elsewhere.

Abstract: In an adapter for adapting a marine propeller to a housing part of a drive source, the adapter includes a hub-connecting side and a housing-connecting side and a portion for fastening the adapter to a propeller hub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uphauling the sail of a windsurfer is provided. The method and apparatus for uphauling a sail uses the sailor's body weight to uphaul the sail. The apparatus connects between the windsurfer rig and a harness worn by the sailor. The uphaul line includes a means for shortening the length thereof to allow the sailor to adjust the length thereof during the uphaul process. The method includes attaching the uphaul line to the sailor, the sailor leaning in an opposite direction of the sail to use his or her body weight to uphaul the sail. Before the sailor loses his or her balance, the sailor grabs the conventional uphaul and steadies the rig. Then, the sailor moves his or her body forward and shortens the uphaul line. The sailor can then lean back again to continue uphauling the sail.

Abstract: A rig on a sailboat adapted to be mounted on a deck or cabin top of the boat, the rig having a mast, mast step, vertical stabilizing structure for the mast. The rig is mounted for rotation about a center and may be provided with more than one mast.

Abstract: A dip jibe spinnaker pole constituted by an elongated spinnaker pole tubular body having an inboard end fitting at one end for detachably pivotably mounting the spinnaker pole to the mast and provided with an outboard end fitting about which four sheaves are pivotably mounted via bases to the periphery of the outboard end fitting stinger rod for articulation through an arc of at least 180.degree. at four circumferentially spaced positions. Three snatch guys led through the pole from the inboard end and through the outboard end fitting and through respective sheaves terminate in snap shackles for loosely coupling of the same to sheet/guy control lines connected at one end respectively to port and starboard clews at the foot of the spinnaker sail.

Abstract: A sailing vessel includes a hull having a mast supported thereon in a vertical direction from the hull and a spinnaker pole support mounted to the hull forward of the mast. A pair of spinnaker poles are movably attached to the spinnaker pole support with each spinnaker pole having fully open and retracted positions and being spring biased towards an open position. Each spinnaker pole can be retracted against the spring bias from an open to a closed position and supported in any position therebetween. A spinnaker sail is attached between the mast and the pair of spinnaker poles so that the spinnaker can be trimmed, jibed or headed up to a beam reach with a pair of spinnaker poles. A pair of cords attached to the spinnaker pole allows for the remote control of the spinnaker poles relative to the spinnaker pole support.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing lubricant to an elongated spar track. The apparatus includes a mounting plate adapted to receive a container of lubricant from which lubricant may be dispensed to the spar track. Guide assemblies are attached to the mounting plate for engagement with the spar track and for guiding the apparatus along the spar track in response to a moving force applied thereto.

Abstract: A cushion for the boom of a sailboat including at least one preformed sleeve or flexible wrap of a soft resilient material which is configured to overly at least the entire opposite side portions of the boom along substantially the entire length thereof, and fasteners for selectively removably mounting the cushion on the boom.

Abstract: A hand held portable sail including a forward spar and a rear spar, said spars being attached near one end of each spar by a lower handle; and a sail material extending between the spars and connected to each of said spars.

Abstract: A sailboat provided with a free standing boom and in one version with a free standing mast that is separate from and immediately adjacent and forward of the boom mounting. The boom is separately mounted to be self supporting by a stub shaft in a bearing socket and the shaft is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the line passing through the luff of the sail with which the boom is associated. The boom may also be a jib boom and in that case the rotatable mounting is closely adjacent the headstay.

Abstract: This is a user supported portable sail used to provide wind powered momentum for an individual on a moveable base. The invention involves the use of a balanced aerodynamic sail with the airfoil planes constructed in a way that allows the device to be used in more than one attitude. The invention also includes the use of clear panels for visibility, and the use of collapsable sections to render the device to a small portable and storable size. The support structure is provided with the means to allow it to be braced or stepped against a base and the shape itself is made to be infinitely and finely variable by the use of adjustable lines attached to the material and to the frame.

Abstract: A system for controlling the spinnaker pole (10) on a sailing craft (1). The system utilizes spinnaker pole brace lines (15, 14) which extend from port and starboard side lower corners (16, 17) of the spinnaker sail (18). Both of the brace lines (15, 14) are feedably received in respective apertures in the body of the pole end (30), and remain therein regardless of whether the pole (10) is controlling the starboard or port edges of the spinnaker sail (18). The system uses a pole end (30) which is adapted to be fitted to the pole (10), and wherein the brace line apertures have rollers which minimize the resistance of the brace lines (15, 14) feeding therethrough. The body of the pole end (30) is also tapered over a portion of its length which is beyond the anchoring points of the topping lift line and the kicker line.

Abstract: A sail boom clamp has two opposing jaws (22) and (23) which fit around a mast (2) in use to hold a sail boom in position. The effective separation of the jaws (22) and (23) can be altered by cooperation between a foot 40 on an underside of the jaw (23) and steps in an arcuate wedge (41). The wedge is moved to present different of the steps to the press against the foot (40) in use to hold the jaw in different positions relative to a body (20). The jaws are closed and held closed by an over-center clamping arrangement consisting of a handle (26) and a wire loop (24).

Abstract: A plan for a sail of a sailing craft such as a sailboat, an iceboat and a land yacht having a hull. At least one mast is mounted on an end of the hull and the mast angles upwardly over the hull. A boom is pivotably mounted approximately amidships of the hull. The boom is rotatable through 360.degree. about the mounting point, and the ends of the boom avoid contact with the at least one mast. A triangular sail has a lower edge connected to the boom and an upper corner releasably connected to the top of the at least one mast. The boom, preferably, has an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is rotatable, and the sail may be roller reefed about the upper member. A steering system for the vehicle is provided which is collocated with the controls for the sail whereby the vehicle may be controlled by one individual at a single location.

Abstract: An adjustable line anchor assembly to secure both ends of a trapeze line to the boom of a sailboard is described. One end of the anchor carries a spool onto which the trapeze line winds. The spool permits the line length of the trapeze to be easily adjusted, even while sailing. The spool has locking means to lock the spool at a given setting. This prevents the slipping or release of the trapeze line while sailing. A clamp allows the position of the anchor on the boom to be easily adjusted while sailing.

Abstract: A sailboard harness boom rope has a length of webbing at each extremity which is secured around the boom by a cinching buckle having arcuate side-members with radius commensurate with the outside radius of the boom and at least three cross-members. One end of the length of webbing forms a closed loop engaging a first of said cross-members, then wraps around the boom and is passed back-and-forth between the cross-members in a quickly releasable cinching arrangement.

Abstract: A Rod Kicker: is disclosed for applying downhaul to a boom of a sailing rig. The rod kicker consists of two telescopically engaged elongate struts (4, 5). One end of one strut is secured to a mast (2) below the boom (3) and the remote end of the other strut (5) to the underside of the boom (3). A pulley system acts between the struts to enable the strut (5) to be retracted into the strut (4). A pawl and rack assembly locks the struts together to prevent the boom dropping when no lift is applied by the sail. Operation of the pulley system unlocks the pawl and rack to allow retraction.

Abstract: The spinnaker pole disclosed herein is adapted to be attached at one end to the mast of a sailboat and provides, at the other end, an end fitting which is freely rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the pole and which provides, on opposite sides of that axis, first and second fairleads for freely passing guys to the clews of a spinnaker. The free rotation of the fitting allows a tensioned guy to align the respective fairlead thereby to avoid twisting of that guy and, since both guys pass through the fitting, detaching and re-attaching of guys to the pole during jibing is avoided.

Abstract: A fully symmetrical sailboat includes a mechanism that balances the moment of a sailor on a boom against the force of the wind on the sail in such a way that the hull remains level. The sailboat comprises a hull with both lateral and longitudinal symmetry and a rig consisting of a short, rotatable mast to which is attached by hinges a sail of symmetrical plan and a boom bearing a slidable seat. The rig as a whole can assume any angular position about a vertical axis. Under pressure of the wind, the foot of the sail can swing outward. The sail is mechanically linked to the seat boom so that its outward motion lifts the seat boom's outer end. The linkage is such that over a wide range of wind forces and regardless of the sailor's position along the boom, the rig as a whole exerts substantially no net moment on the hull. Foot operable rails are used to adjust the angle of the rig about the vertical axis, hence the angle of the sail to the wind.

Abstract: A rig battened with standoff battens presents a concave camber towards the wind on both tacks while remaining on one side of the mast as each batten comprises a member of a rigid leading portion connected to a flexible portion continuous to a semi rigid trailing portion. A holder attaches to the leading portion and the trailing portion to hold off the batten with presprung bow like arms. A ring part of the holder fixed on the opposite side from the arms attaches the batten assembly to the mast. Lines lead from the winch to the points at which the holder attaches to the batten such that on winching the arms are drawn back and the rig flattens out. Additionally the connection between the lead and the flexible center can be pined and the connection between the holder and the rigid leading part can be pined to an adjustable bracket part of the leading portion to enable it the leading portion to move out of curve with the batten to amplify the camber of the rig.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yacht. The yacht has a body, and this body comprises at least outer and inner skins formed of a resin material incorporating reinforcement fibers therein, and a formed styrol material as a foamed synthetic resin member filled between the skin layers. Therefore, the body is resistant to compression force, tensile force, and bending force, and well withstands the impact force of waves. By use of these materials, the yacht is inexpensive to construct and is lightweight so that good improvement in speed can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for rigidly but removably attaching the boom assembly, or wishbone (46), of a sail-powered vehicle to the mast (14). The device includes a tubular mast sleeve (15) that is slit in front, receptacles (16) for the forward ends of the booms (36,38), and a mechanism that permits the mast sleeve to deform so as to grip the mast but resists any other deformation.

Abstract: A sailboat mast constructed of two extruded mast sections joined together by two joining sections. The joining sections have either wedge-shaped surfaces or wedge-shaped openings along their edges which mate with wedge-shaped openings or wedge-shaped surfaces at the edges of the mast sections. The mast sections and the joining sections are held together by a thin layer of glue located on the mating, wedge-shaped surfaces. Because of the wedge shapes, when the glue is applied and the mast sections and the joining sections are pressed together, the glue squeezes into a thin, uniform layer which provides a strong joint.

Abstract: Improved spreader assemblies for cable trussed masts of sportfishing boat outriggers have spreader arms formed of straight metal tubing and a cable guide through which one of the cables passes is removably fitted into the outboard end of each spreader arm. There is a spreader arm holder that includes a collar sized to encircle the mast and four bores in such collar are positioned in a common transverse plane spaced 90.degree. apart in which the inboard ends of the spreader arms are retained. A lug extends laterally from the collar at each collar bore location creating an extension of the respective bore to provide support to the inboard end of the spreader arm inserted in such bore.

Abstract: A sloop comprising a mast in the form of an A-frame with its plane athwartships. The luff of the mainsail is supported by a mainstay which is a thin wire or rod running from the apex of the A-frame vertically to a point on deck between the legs of the A-frame. This structure eliminates the turbulence along the leading edge or luff of the mainsail caused by conventional masts, and also permits a headsail to be closely hauled. The A-frame comprises one or more rigid horizontal spreaders and the mainsail boom and a spinnaker pole can be slidably mounted thereon.

Abstract: A sailboat mast constructed of two extruded mast sections joined together by two joining sections. The joining sections have wedge-shaped surfaces along their edges which mate with wedge-shaped openings at the edges of the mast sections. The mast sections and the joining sections are held together by a thin layer of glue located on the mating, wedge-shaped surfaces. Because of the wedge shapes, when the glue is applied and the mast sections and the joining sections are pressed together, the glue squeezes into a thin, uniform layer which provides a strong joint.

Abstract: This specification discloses a rudderless sailing craft with two sails of approximately equal area and a vertical keel affixed to the hull near a balance point between the two sails. The central part of the craft between the two sails serves as an unobstructed cockpit area free of overhead sails and swinging booms. The craft is steered by controlling both sails simultaneously from the cockpit area using a mechanism consisting of either a single rope rigged to both sails or a steering wheel and gearbox with chain-drives which rotate the booms at the base of each sail. For steering, the mechanism differentially alters the trim angle of the two sails causing the force exerted by the wind to increase on one sail and to decrease on the other sail. The hydrodynamic force on the keel acts as a fulcrum about which the differential forces exerted by the sails provide the turning moment necessary for steering the craft. For changing coarse heading or adjusting the angle of heel, the mechanism trims the sails in unison.

Abstract: A rig for a sail-carrying boat comprises a mast having an axially-extending luff track, a sail having a bead-shaped luff formed by a longitudinally folded flat ribbon sewn to the front edge of the sail cloth, the bead-shaped luff being inserted in the luff track, and a boom secured to the mast by a pivotable joint, the boom including a tubular body and a rod rotatably mounted in the tubular body and to which the bottom edge of the sail is secured, such that rotation of the rod during reefing causes the sail to be wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A sail rig for a wind propelled vehicle that has a deck surface includes a support on the vehicle providing a pivot axis generally normal to the deck surface, a boom that has a proximal end pivoted on the support for 360 degree rotation about the pivot axis and a distal end with an upwardly extending sail mounting arm. A lightweight sail frame is pivoted on an upper end of the mounting arm to turn about a rotational axis between a first nearly upright position and a neutral position substantially parallel to the deck surface, and a sail has its periphery fixedly secured to the sail frame so that it turns about said rotational axis between said first position and said neutral position. The location of the sail frame relative to said rotational axis, and the structure and shape of the sail frame and the sail S are so coordinated that the sail frame and sail are urged by gravity to said first position and tend to be moved toward said neutral position by wind pressure on the sail.

Abstract: A handgrip extension to be attached to the boom of a sailboard is disclosed. The extension permits the user to confortably grip the forward end of the boom to minimize injury and discomfort while allowing greater control and speed in sailboarding.

Abstract: Boom of the wishbone-type for sailing boards, where the spars (4,6) at le have a core (12) made from a rigid foam, which has essentially plane surfaces on the inside and outside of the spars, which extend across a significant section of the length of the core. On the plane surfaces there are arranged synthetic-resin-strengthened UD-slivers (22), which extend in the longitudinal direction of the spars across the length thereof, and there is provided an outer layer (24) from a synthetic-resin-strengthened fibre fabric or braiding with slivers intersecting at an angle of between 30.degree. and 60.degree. to the longitudinal extension of the spars. The UD-slivers (22) are preferably arranged between the inner and the outer fabric layer (20,24) in the form of previously cured CFK-UD-strips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sailboard boom which comprises first and second elongated members which are connected to one another adjacent their respective ends, wherein each elongated member comprises a portion having a vertical component relative to the general plane of the boom.

Abstract: Outriggers for sportfishing boats of the tubular mast type strengthened by a plurality of longitudinal truss cables to resist mast bending are improved by new spreader assemblies that include unique cable spreader arms that have (a) tubular sockets on their inboard end, (b) a cable guide through which an anti-bending cable passes removably fitted into their outboard end and (c) a frangible portion in the arm to break when the arm is overloaded. The improved spreader assemblies include (1) a collar, sized to encircle the mast and (2) a plurality of lateral posts, each threaded at one end into the collar and sized to slideably receive the tubular socket of one of the spreader arms to retain the arm extending laterally outwardly from the collar creating a cable truss member. The truss cables are connected to the mast via unique ball-anchor lugs formed as integral portions of the mast collars.

Abstract: Apparatus for reefing sails on a boat and specially-designed boom including such an apparatus. The hollow boom extrusion houses at least one traveler block with two pulley wheels, over which pass the reefing leech line and the reefing luff line. The apparatus makes it possible to take one or more reefs in the sail simply by pulling on the free end of the reefing luff line which leads to the cockpit of the boat.