Abstract: A streamlined body, apparatus for suppressing vibrations of an enclosure, and a method for hoisting a tower are provided. The streamlined body surrounds the enclosure, and the streamlined body has a streamlined leading edge. The leading edge can faces towards the upwind incoming flow, to allow the upwind incoming flow to form a positive attack angle or a negative attack angle. In this solution, the enclosure is surrounded by the streamlined body, and when the upwind incoming flow flows around the enclosure to come into contact with the streamlined body, the aerodynamic configuration is changed, and the aerodynamic coefficient becomes small, thus the vibrations are reduced. Moreover, the direction and path of the airflow are changed, which disrupts the correlation of the upwind incoming flow near the streamlined body, and disrupts the consistence of frequencies of vortex shedding of the airflow at the streamlined body and other positions.

Abstract: A sail includes at least three sides, namely two longitudinal sides respectively called “luff” and “leach”, as well as a lower transverse side called “foot” consisting of an assembly of panels having transverse edges parallel to the foot and longitudinal edges parallel to the luff and the leach, each panel being hinged to the adjoining panel around an axis parallel to the foot. Each of the panels includes reinforcing elements distributed into the two following groups: (a) a first group in which they extend parallel and in proximity to said transverse edges, and (b) a second group in which they extend parallel and in proximity to the longitudinal edges of the panel. They are connected two by two by connection parts in the continuation of the reinforcing elements of the second group, so that the forces assumed by the reinforcing elements are transmitted longitudinally from one panel to another.

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: A tubing member includes an outer periphery delimiting a tubing interior and a slot opening therein. A channel is positioned adjacent the slot opening in the tubing interior and is integral with the outer periphery. The channel is accessible via the slot opening.

Abstract: A rotatable mast system for a sailing craft wherein a lower section of the mast is mounted for rotation in upper and lower bearings fixed to the body of the sailing craft spaced along the length of the lower mast section. The upper section of the mast is removable from the lower section for purposes of servicing, repairing or replacing the upper section of the mast. The lower section of the mast remains in the sailing craft for future use and does not have to be removed while the upper mast section is removed for servicing, repair or replacement, etc. However if desired, the lower mast section may be removed by itself or with the upper section. The lower section of the mast may be made from aluminum and it also includes attachments for connecting a boom and the rigging to the lower section of the mast.

Abstract: A support and guidance structure includes a support equipped with a guidance device configured to guide at least two masts in translation in a raising direction. The support delimits a respective housing for each of the masts, and a fixation device is configured to fix the support and guidance structure to a structural part of the underwater vehicle. Each housing is open, on all planes perpendicular to the raising direction.

Abstract: Some implementations feature a mast stabilizing device that includes a mast comprising a first portion and a second portion, a sensor coupled to the first portion of the mast, and a pivot structure coupled to the mast. The pivot structure is configured to allow the mast to pivot in the mast stabilizing device. The mast is coupled to the pivot structure so as to pivot along a pivot portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device also includes a mass coupled to the second portion of the mast. The mass is configured to counteract a force applied to the first portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device further includes a platform coupled to the pivot structure, the platform configured to operate on a body of water. In some implementations, the pivot structure is a gimbal device.

Abstract: Some implementations feature a mast stabilizing device that includes a mast comprising a first portion and a second portion, a sensor coupled to the first portion of the mast, and a pivot structure coupled to the mast. The pivot structure is configured to allow the mast to pivot in the mast stabilizing device. The mast is coupled to the pivot structure so as to pivot along a pivot portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device also includes a mass coupled to the second portion of the mast. The mass is configured to counteract a force applied to the first portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device further includes a platform coupled to the pivot structure, the platform configured to operate on a body of water. In some implementations, the pivot structure is a gimbal device.

Abstract: A mast assembly for a sailing vessel includes a first tubular portion defining an interior and an end, and a second tubular portion defining an interior and an end. The mast assembly also includes a ferrule having a first end disposed within the interior of the first tubular portion, and a second end disposed within the interior of the second tubular portion. An intersection ring is disposed over the ferrule and positioned between the ends of the first and second tubular portions. The intersection ring includes a plurality of apertures formed therein for receiving rigging lines.

Abstract: A collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. A collapsible mast is provided having a base section and one or more telescopic sections. A plurality of mast rings are also provided, each mast ring having a sail attachment portion for attaching the mast ring to the sail of the sailboat, and a ring-shaped portion for fitting around a selected one of the telescopic sections and, thus fitted, sliding on the outer surface thereof. A hydraulic fluid pump may be used to power the collapsible mast.

Abstract: An apparatus having a composite sea-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.

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: An improved system for rigging a sail to a spar consists of a slot and a gateway plate. The slot is disposed on the spar to selectively enable the sail slugs to engage an internal channel. The gateway plate is adapted to selectively cover the slot and can be removed so the slugs can be inserted to or removed from the channel. The gateway plate consists of a plate body having a first and second oppositely disposed plate-hole, the plate holes having a predetermined alignment with receiving-holes on the spar, the gateway plate further includes a channel-engaging edge, an oppositely disposed handle end, and a predetermined length of elastic cord, which couples to the spar and provides positive engagement of the gateway plate against the spar when in the closed position. The gateway plate can be mounted internally or externally relative to the spar channel.

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: Described is a mast for sailing vehicles being divided in a lateral direction into two mirror symmetrical mast profiles (mast halves) (1), which merge at or under the top of the mast, which are placed apart on the base of the mast, and which are curved outward to form arcs or run in a straight manner, wherein the acting forces are transferred via an inner stay (2) and inner spokes (3), so that the stability of the construction is achieved with their arrangement and number and static advantage is achieved. A direct flow onto the mainsail (10) is enabled by the division of the mast into two profiles, wherein the design of the mast halves and the profile shape thereof (8), (9) are preferably carried out in an aerodynamic manner.

Abstract: A mast assembly for a sailing vessel includes a first tubular portion defining an interior and an end, and a second tubular portion defining an interior and an end. The mast assembly also includes a ferrule having a first end disposed within the interior of the first tubular portion, and a second end disposed within the interior of the second tubular portion. An intersection ring is disposed over the ferrule and positioned between the ends of the first and second tubular portions. The intersection ring includes a plurality of apertures formed therein for receiving rigging lines.

Abstract: A drilling vessel may function both as an ice breaker and, if needed, as a drilling platform for drilling a relief well. The vessel may be provided with a mast that may be stowed when drilling operations are not being conducted.

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: An apparatus having a composite sea-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.

Abstract: A flexible mast track extension for use on sail boat mast permitting the luff of a sail bent to the mast to deflect from the line of the mast and facilitate the extension or retraction of a sail from a furling apparatus.

Abstract: The vessel includes a hull, a main deck on the hull, and a superstructure on the main deck. The vessel may further include a lower deck below the main deck and bulkheads within the hull crossing the lower deck.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating sail feeder that solves problems associated with furling and reefing sails on yachts, particularly large yachts. The inventive sail feeder includes hinge tracks arranged in articulating column that bends and rotates freely, but limits the axial twist of the sail as during furling and reefing. The inventive hinge tracks have a cross section that includes a batten end receptacle with channels for headboard cars. Hinge tracks with the inventive cross section absorb the wind-generated compressive forces exerted by the battens on the batten pockets, reducing chafing, and eliminate the need for sail slides, which would otherwise lock the sail in place during furling and reefing.

Abstract: A masthead control system and method are provided for a sailing vessel to reduce the number of cables running inside the mast to a single coaxial cable carrying power, control and data signals, and VHF radio signals. The coaxial cable connects an antenna directly to a VHF radio communications device such that radio communications are always available in case of emergency. The system comprises an instrumentation center that connects to the masthead; at least one masthead device that connects to the instrumentation center; and a cable, such as a coaxial cable, that connects the instrumentation center to an interface unit located in the hull. The cable carries power, at least one radio frequency signal, and at least one data or control signal between the instrumentation center and the interface unit.

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: As one non-limiting example, a foldable mast assembly for a sailing vessel is provided. The foldable mast assembly includes a lower mast section; an intermediate mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the lower mast section; an upper mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the intermediate mast section; and a boom coupled to the lower mast section. A locking device internal the mast assembly is also provided to inhibit folding of the mast assembly.

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 mast (1) is in the form of an egg-shaped closed loop that extends abeam of a hull (7). A main spar (2) is supported on the mast (1) and extends upwardly from a lower, fore position on the bowsprit (4) to a higher, aft position above the stern (12). A lateen sail (3) of triangular form has its longer side attached to the main spar (2) with its shorter sides depending from the main spar (2). The free corner of the sail (3) is tethered by ropes or sheets (14) to points on the sides of the hull (7) or deck such that it is positioned substantially above the centre line of the hull (7). The sail (3) can be fully deployed within the closed loop shape of the mast (1) without fouling the mast (1). This allows the sail (3) full and unrestricted deployment, results in exceptionally good sailing and provides swift and easy tacking.

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: A retractable solar panel system, which includes a plurality of solar panels, and a system for extending and retracting the plurality of solar panels. The plurality of solar panels can be configured to be attachable to a nautical stay, wherein the stay is fixed at one end to a hull of the sailboat and at a second end to a mast of the sailboat.

Abstract: Brace for mounting of shrouds (13, 14) on the hull of a sailboat by way of a fixed mounting device (22), such as chain plates, has a through-going bore (20) for reception of a crossbolt (21), which is attached to the mounting device (22). The brace (1) consists of to halves (2) releasably connected to each other, which abut each other along a common plane (4) extending perpendicular to the crossbolt (21) of the mounting device (22) when mounted. The two parts (2) of the brace have, on the surfaces (5) abutting each other, a first cavity (7) for reception of an end of a lower shroud (13) and a second cavity (8) for reception of an end of a topshroud (14), each of the mentioned ends having its own expansion (15, 16).

Abstract: As one non-limiting example, a foldable mast assembly for a sailing vessel is provided. The foldable mast assembly includes a lower mast section; an intermediate mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the lower mast section; an upper mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the intermediate mast section; and a boom coupled to the lower mast section. A locking device internal the mast assembly is also provided to inhibit folding of the mast assembly.

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: A sailboat mast including a straight lower portion and an arcuate upper portion. The arcuate upper portion has an aerodynamically efficient cross section designed to reduce drag. At least the arcuate upper portion is free to rotate with respect to the boat's hull in order to position the mast in line with the airflow for windward sailing, perpendicular to the airflow for downwind sailing, and at other appropriate angles for other conditions. The arcuate upper portion of the mast facilitates storage of the mast along a curved gunwale. The mast preferably incorporates a curved mast extension allowing an increase in the sail area beyond what is possible for a one-piece mast that is storable within the length of a boat.

Abstract: A system for one person raising and lowering the mast of a sailboat wherein the mast is less than about forty feet in length and in the down position the mast is laid horizontally along a median line of the hull of a sailboat. The system includes rigging to raise the height of the mast from the hull and then to pivot the mast with the pivot being near the lowest point of the mast. Means is provided to pivot the mast about the lowest point of the mast until the mast is in a vertical position. The mast is then brought down into an upstanding vertical position with means to support the mast on the sailboat at the mast's lowest point and upwardly therefrom. The same rigging may be used to lower the mast to the horizontal. The operations occur by a winch located towards the rear of the sailboat to either pay out a line thereon when lowering the mast to the horizontal or conversely to take up the line when the mast is pivoted to the vertical.

Abstract: A vertically elevated gate mast with open front that is divided into multiple sections and is assembled section by section from bottom to the top. The first section is an integrated structure, and 2nd to nth sections are divided into a left part and a right part. Each left and right part is assembled by connecting front upright posts, back upright posts, upper beams, lower beams and brace rods. Corresponding left and right parts are then connected with back beams and brace rods to form each section with beams and brace rods at the left, right and back sides. Lifting and lowering of the mast is realized by drawworks. Installation is performed from the ground, by assembling the left parts and the right parts with the back beams and the brace rods into a shape of gate, and then lifting each section as a whole with a crane.

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: The present invention provides a first axial support that allows of the weathervane to rotate and a second axial support that prevents the weathervane from becoming dislodged from the first axial support.

Abstract: An emergency sail system for disabled watercraft comprises a mast receptacle for interfacing with the watercraft structure and a multi-segmented main mast supported by the mast receptacle in a substantially vertical orientation and removable therefrom. A sail assembly is affixed to the main mast with a rotational joint wherein the sail assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis of the main mast in a first direction and is also rotatable about a horizontal axis substantially at right angles with respect to the main mast in a second direction.

Abstract: Stepping and un-stepping of a sailboat mast, of the un-stayed type that is supported only by a receptacle configured in the sailboat structure, are facilitated by a hinged core that is easily retrofitted into the foot of the mast. The core includes a two-part locking hinge that, when the mast is elevated up out of the receptacle in process of stepping or un-stepping, serves to keep the mast upright with its base held aligned in location above the receptacle. Then the hinge, located at the foot of the mast, can be unlocked to allow the mast to be tilted down to any desired angle, where it can be easily removed. The system enables one crewmember to easily step or un-step the mast manually on sailboats up to about 30 feet in length, optionally assisted by a small lifting winch that can be rigged on board.

Abstract: A mast extender for extending a mast of a sailboat to a greater height. The mast extender includes a hollow tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end and being substantially elliptically-shaped. The distal end of the hollow tubular member includes a sealed end. The hollow tubular member includes the sealed end, a first curved side wall, a second curved side wall, curved end walls, and an interior wall surface for forming an interior mast compartment. The proximal end of the hollow tubular member includes a mast receiving opening having a watertight gasket fixedly attached to the interior wall surface and the watertight gasket is adjacent to the mast receiving opening. The first and second curved side walls include aligned fastening bolt openings. The mast extender further includes a fastening bolt extending through the fastening bolt openings and a hex nut for fastening the fastening bolt thereon.

Abstract: A sailboat comprising a hull with a mast has a rotatable strut that supports a continuous boom and holds the boom far enough away from the mast to allow clear air flow over the sail on either tack. The support for the boom at the end of the strut is tubular to allow the boom to move. When the after portion is eased out for off wind sailing, the forward portion automatically is projected to windward bringing the center of effort closer to the mast.

Abstract: A mast for a sailboat and a method of manufacturing the mast or other structural member for a boat, which is produced in a female mold. Any augmentation of the deflection resistance of the structural member is provided by fabric-resin fabric added to the interior surfaces of the until the desired deflection characteristics are achieved. The mast is formed from at least two parts, which in the preferred embodiment are joined together by seam anchor strips, preferably in conjunction with a fabric-resin insert that overlays the interior of the seam strip and extends over a portion of the mast half body. If additional fabric-resin fabric is required after testing, it can be added to the inside surfaces of the mast parts before the trailing seam is sealed.

Abstract: A bird repelling device has an elongate housing having a slide chamber that extends longitudinally from a top end to a bottom end of the elongate housing. The elongate housing also has a cap positioned adjacent to the top end of the slide chamber. A plurality of rod apertures extend through the cap. The bird repelling device also includes a slide mechanism that is adapted to slidably engage the slide chamber to slide between a retracted position and an extended position. A plurality of bird repelling rods are each attached to the slide mechanism and extend through one of the plurality of rod apertures. The bird repelling device also includes top and bottom attachment loops for attaching the bird repelling device to a halyard of a mast.

Abstract: A sailing rig including a freestanding, rotating aerofoil sectioned mast.

Abstract: A linear thread driven telescopic boom vang which is driven by a unit with at least one electric motor with an adapted planetary gear connected to a bearing case that contains thrust and bushing type bearings to accommodate a flange of a threaded rod that will extend or contract an extension arm through a drive nut fixed to it, and where the bearing case is fixed inside the main tube by radial mounted bolts or screws.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for lightning protection. The subject method and apparatus can be utilized to provide lightning protection for a marine vessel, other structures near water, and/or land-based structures. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, an electrode design for allowing the electric current caused by a lightning strike to be grounded to water can be employed. The subject grounding electrodes can be employed such that the electrodes are not completely immersed in the water during normal operation of the marine vessel. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, such grounding is not in contact with the water at all. The specific embodiment of the subject electrode is designed to enhance sparking initiation. In a specific embodiment, the subject electrode is designed to be at least partially, and in some embodiments substantially, insulate from the water, such that an area of the electrode used as a spark channel is exposed.

Abstract: A method of operating a sailing boat is provided, comprising detecting a force of a mast of a sailing boat on a mast step of a hull of the sailing boat, while the sailing boat is sailing across a body of water, and providing a reading of the force.

Abstract: A retractable mast for sailboats. The mast, which retracts telescopically, comprises an inner core containing air sealed air chambers, either separated or coextensive, which are pressurized when the mast is fully extended. A compressed air bottle or air compressor driven by the boat engine supplies pressurized air to raise the mast. Valves control the pressure release for extension or retraction. The mast may also be operated hydraulically or by stored or generated pressurized gas. The air chambers may contain inflatable bags to retain the pressurized air in each chamber. A stiffener may be erected adjacent the fully extended mast to maintain it in the fully extended position. The stiffener also holds rings which travel along its length for holding the main sail when hoisted. A bracket mounts to the mast and extends around the stiffener, providing for rotatably mounting the boom aft of the stiffener.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for lightning protection. The subject method and apparatus can be utilized to provide lightning protection for a marine vessel, other structures near water, and/or land-based structures. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, an electrode design for allowing the electric current caused by a lightning strike to be grounded to water can be employed. The subject grounding electrodes can be employed such that the electrodes are not completely immersed in the water during normal operation of the marine vessel. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, such grounding is not in contact with the water at all. The specific embodiment of the subject electrode is designed to enhance sparking initiation. In a specific embodiment, the subject electrode is designed to be at least partially, and in some embodiments substantially, insulate from the water, such that an area of the electrode used as a spark channel is exposed.

Abstract: A boom vang system for sailboats has a rear facing pivotal cam cleat arm hingedly connected to a rigid tang on the sailboat mast. When the boom vang rotates off the centerline of the boat, as for instance will occur when the boat is sailing downwind and the boom and sail are blow off the centerline of the boat, the pivotal connection of the cam cleat arm, to the tang allows for the cam cleat to be urged into alignment with the sailor regardless of his position on the boat. The cam cleat arm may rotate along an arc lying in a plane substantially parallel to the boat deck. Sheeves and pulleys may be rigidly connected to the rigid tang to prevent tangling of lines.