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: 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: A sail rig for a wind driven craft comprising a rotatable gantry mast adapted to support one or more sails within the gantry and a support structure connected to said mast to rotate therewith and which carries an aft sail attachment boom which is pivoted to the support structure at a first end and provided with means for attachment to the clew of the sail or one of the sails at its second end, and a means for controlling the relative angle of the attachment boom in relation to the supporting structure.

Abstract: Small boats such as kayaks, canoes, and skiffs that are normally not propelled by wind power are provided with apparatus of this invention that can enable the conversion to a sailing vessel. A mast is movable from a horizontal inoperative position to an erect operable position. Lee boards are movable from a raised inoperative position to a lowered operative position. Sails are movable from a lowered operative position to a raised inoperative position. Movement between operative and inoperative positions of the sailing elements are all operable by the boater from the boater's normal position. The boater may thereby convert from a non-sailing to a sailing vessel or the reverse with a minimum of effort, time, and inconvenience. The vessel may be paddled with the mast up if desired.

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.

Abstract: A mast ladder for going up the mast of a sailing craft having a mast with a sail slide extending along the length of the mast including a halyard slide, a plurality of connecting rods, a top step and a plurality of universal steps. The mast ladder is raised by engaging the top step with the sail slide and attaching a connecting rod to the lower end of the top step and raising the top step. The top step, each universal step and halyard slide, engage the sail slide keeping the mast ladder against the mast and providing support to each step. As the mast ladder is raised the top step has a connecting rod attached to the lower end of the top step and to the first universal step at its left or right hand position, which are alternated with a connecting rod between each universal step with the halyard slide connected upside down to the last universal step allowing the mast ladder to rest on the halyard slide so that the work on the craft may be completed.

Abstract: A pulley- or roller-type block is provided with a lock arrangement. The block has a casing and a rolling unit mounted in the casing for clockwise and counterclockwise rolling. The rolling unit has a circumferential ring portion including a line-bearing surface whereby. In use the line is allowed to transit partially around the rolling unit as the rolling unit passively rolls clockwise or counterclockwise in response to alternate-direction transit of the line. The lock arrangement has a line-contacting portion operative between locking and unlocked extreme positions, and an operator for operating the strand-contacting portion. Wherein, because of the risk of forming a permanent weak spot in the line under highly concentrated locking contact, either .cndot. the circumferential ring portion of the rolling unit, including the strand-bearing surface thereof, or .cndot. the strand-contacting portion of the locking arrangement is formed from the following:--ie.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating mating cylindrical members, for example mating sections of a sailboard mast. The apparatus includes either a pair of support elements or a block element and a lever arm. Each of the pair of support elements and the block element is configured to receive one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast and the lever arm is configured to receive the other of the mating sections of the sailboard mast. Connecting elements are provided for frictionally holding one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast to either the support elements or the block element and for frictionally holding the other of the mating sections of the sailboard mast to the lever arm. In operation, the lever arm is moved so as to apply a torsional force to the other of the mating section of the sailboard mast while the one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast is held in position either in the pair of support elements or in the block clement.

Abstract: A windsurfer sailing rig includes a mast with a top mast extension. A swivel connection connects the extension to the top of the mast. In use, down haul tension for the mast is applied to hold the swivel connection downwards in position.

Abstract: A mast ladder for going up the mast of a sailing craft having a mast with a sail slide extending along the length of the mast including a halyard slide, a plurality of connecting rods, a top step and a plurality of universal steps. The mast ladder is assembled by attaching an end of the halyard to the upper end of the halyard slide to raise the mast ladder up the mast. The halyard slide, the top step and each universal step engage the sail slide keeping the mast ladder against the mast and providing support to each step. As the mast ladder is raised, the halyard slide has a connecting rod attached at the lower end and the connecting rod is attached to the top step at the upper end and a subsequent connecting rod is attached to the lower end of the top step and to the first universal step at its left or right hand position, which are alternated as the mast ladder is raised to the desired height necessary to complete the work on the craft.

Abstract: A telescoping mast for conversion of a sailboat. A mast consisting of two portions--an upper telescoping portion which is journalled to telescope up from and retract down into the lower portion (trunk). The mast is located somewhat midst to forward of a sailboat where it is supported by a tabernacle (base) which allows for pivoting of the mast back and down toward the cockpit. The mast is also supported by cables (i.e., shrouds and stays). The said telescoping portion is raised by a line (rope, cable, etc.) attached to the bottom portion of said telescoping portion and runs to the top of the said trunk (lower portion). The line then is captured by a pulley whereby the line is redirected down the outside of the said mast trunk to the deck area. The telescoping portion, when extended (telescoped), is secured in place to the said trunk portion by a pivoting fork journalled within the said telescoping portion.

Abstract: A large-sized columnar body made of a fiber reinforced plastics materials (FRP) has three layers A, B and C in this order, respectively formed by a fiber reinforced plastics material consisting of continuous fibers and a resin, wherein the reinforcing fibers of the layer B are carbon fibers arranged in the longitudinal direction of the columnar body and that the reinforcing fibers of the layers A and C are carbon fibers and/or glass fibers arranged at .+-.50 to .+-.70 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the columnar body. The large-sized columnar body made of FRP has a high compressive strength and hence can be lighter than conventional large-sized columnar bodies. Hence, it is suitable as a primary structural member used in buildings, structural components, aircraft, ships, and the like.

Abstract: A device that prevents birds from landing atop a masthead of a boat or wind indicating devices mounted on the masthead includes an upstanding post having an upper end positioned above the top of the mast and any wind indicating devices. A plurality of rods radiate outwardly from the upper end in interfering relation to the landing area atop the masthead or wind indicating devices to foil landing attempts. The post is attached to a halyard and the device is raised in an inverted configuration when the halyard is raised. The device is also attached to a downhaul line so that when the device reaches the top of the mast, pulling on the downhaul line inverts the device and deploys it into its operative configuration. The radially disposed rods positioned in the landing area deprive birds of the clearance space they need when landing.

Abstract: A catmaran has a U-shaped mast, and either a triangular lateen sail, or a four-sided lug sail, and provisions for rowing, allowing the catamaran to be propelled either by sails or by oars.

Abstract: A pole support is adapted for use in a mast assembly of a sail craft to selectively adjust tension of a sail. The mast assembly comprises an elongated and rigid tubular member having a central longitudinal axis and a surrounding sidewall defining an interior therefor. The tubular member has a base portion adapted to engage a mast foot and an upper portion sized to slidably engage a mast pole. A selectively actual drive mechanism includes a lift structure which is operative to support the mast pole and upon actuation of the drive mechanism to adjustably vary the effective length of the mast assembly by moving the mast pole further from and closer to the base portion, thereby to respectively increase and decrease tension of the sail when the tack is secured to the mast foot. The lift structure may also include a collar slidably disposed thereon, which collar has a neck to provide a first protective spacer between the mast pole and the tubular member.

Abstract: An assembled sail powered vehicle, including: a sail; a frame for supporting the sail, the frame including a plurality of elongated rigid frame members, a plurality of joint assemblies releasably captured between the ends of respective of the frame members, and a plurality of elongated flexible members, the flexible members being connected between respective of the joint assemblies, and the flexible members and joint assemblies cooperating to apply compression loads to the frame members; and structure for supporting the frame for movement across a surface.

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 multi-functional hollow body for use as a boom rest or a boom and mast carrier for sailboats that is lightweight and may be positioned and secured to the boat without damaging the surface of its deck. The hollow body includes a neck and cap to allow it to also function as a liquid container. When the hollow body is sealed in an empty condition, it may also function as a flotation device, kickboard or a buoy.

Abstract: A main sail's mast rope is inserted into a hollow profile, which is aerodynamically designed and hinged by at least one ring around a substantially round mast. The profile can rotate around the mast about 90.degree. on each side. The shape and function of the profile provide an ideal flow curve for air flow over the mast, profile and sail. The inside of the profile can be designed for roller reefing where the sail is rolled up on a stay provided inside the profile.

Abstract: A carbon fiber spar is provided which comprises a layer of carbon fiber forming a one-piece circumference and having an integral sail-attaching groove formed by a plastic insert bonded together with the layer of carbon fiber during curing so that the fiber layer forms a hollow for receiving the plastic insert in interlocking engagement.

Abstract: A sailboat having an improved mast and boom arrangement wherein the mast is pivotally supported relative to the hull about an axis that is disposed rearwardly from the mast and close to but in front of the normal center of pressure on the sail carried thereby so as to reduce the turning moments on the hull during sailing and improve the speed performance. An improved pivotal arrangement for the boom is disclosed, as is a pivotal connection between the mast and the boom which permits the mast to be easily raised and lowered.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A variable width boat includes a plurality of hulls and a width varying arrangement connected to and between the hulls for selectively moving the hulls between a closed, folded position and an extended, unfolded position in which the hulls are laterally spaced apart from one another. The variable width arrangement maintains the hulls in an upright, longitudinally fixed, substantially parallel relationship as the hulls are moved laterally between the closed and extended positions. In another aspect of the invention, a mast for use in a sailboat includes a mast assembly having a plurality of telescoping mast sections. The mast sections are arranged to collapse telescopically to permit the height of the mast to be reduced. The mast also includes a mast raising arrangement for raising and lowering the mast. In one preferred embodiment, the mast further includes a plurality of profiled sail supporting ribs each having a peripheral edge.

Abstract: Apparatus to stop the slapping of halyards against a mast includes a ring or other halyard encircling member lightly engagable with the halyard. A cleat or other line securing member is affixed to a shroud located outboard of the mast and halyards. A pulley or other line entraining means is affixed to the halyard above the line securing member. A line is tied to the ring entrained outward through the pulley and downward to the cleat where it is tied. Light tension in the line is sufficient to prevent halyard slap as a result of interruption of the resonance of the halyard.

Abstract: A spar is provided comprising an inner layer of fiber, an outer layer of fiber, a hollow between the inner and outer layers of fiber with the inner fiber layer forming a surface of the hollow such that it is integral in one piece with the spar. The spar preferably includes a cut through the outer fiber layer into the hollow to form a groove for attaching a sail. The invention also provides a method of making spars including the steps of forming a first layer, pressing the layer inwardly along a line to form a groove, applying a second layer over the first, and combining the layers together except along the line. The method preferably also includes the step of cutting through the second layer along the line into the groove.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus for securing instruments onto the mast of a sailboat comprising a U-shaped frame adapted for lateral placement in an interfit relation with the mast and hose straps extending from one side of the frame to about the backside of the mast for receipt by hose clamps on the other side of the frame that draw the straps and frame into a snug-tight relation about the mast.

Abstract: A spinnaker halyard turret is affixed to a sail boat's masthead permitting a spinnaker halyard to be lead from within the mast through an exit tube at the top of the mast; then over a pair of sheaves aligned one forward of the other to a point on an arc beyond the perimeter of the mast. The turret has a crane which pivots freely in response to the load and direction of pull established by the sail on the halyard. The halyard maintains a fair lead over the sheaves to the head of the spinnaker sail. The arc through which the crane pivots in normal operation is controlled by limit stops to prevent twisting the halyards internally within the mast. The crane is mounted to a plate which pivots about the halyard exit tube. The plate and the exit tube are supported by bearing surfaces that minimize friction. With a second set of sheaves set adjacent and parallel to those described above, a second spinnaker halyard may be used to set a second spinnaker before the first spinnaker has been doused.

Abstract: A sailing craft having a center hull, a port hull and a starboard hull. The port and starboard hulls are adjustably connected to the center hull by bridge beams such that the port starboard hulls may be disposed adjacent to, or outward from, the center hull. An inverted U-shaped mast has legs angled outwardly and connected to the port and starboard hulls when the mast is erect and legs which are substantially parallel when the mast is stepped down for storage on the center hull. A primary boom is rotatably connected to the center hull and rotates through 360.degree.. An articulating boom is pivotally connected to each of the ends of the primary boom. A sail shape boom is connected to the articulating booms by a trolley on each articulating boom. The head of a sail is connected to the top of the mast and the foot of the sail is connected to the sail shape boom. The sail and booms are rotatable through 360.degree. without contacting the mast.

Abstract: Sail structure for sailcraft for improved air flow transition from the saraft mast. Several embodiments are provided in which a pair of sail luff panels are maintained in close proximity to aft portion of the mast. In a first and second embodiment, inflatable tubular inserts which slidably mate with the bolt rope groove of the mast are provided. In third and fourth embodiments, stackable and keyed inserts which engage the bolt rope groove are provided. In fifth and sixth embodiments, bolt rope tracks or grooves are provided in the mast for maintaining the position of the luff panels.

Abstract: A windsurfer mast base collar which has a a collar supporting a pair of spring loaded detents that are self-releasing upon application of modest upward manual forces and self-engaging upon application of downward mast securing forces upon an upper load bearing surface of the collar. The relative positions of the force bearing elements of the collar and the mast base to which it is attached results in the detents being subjected primarily to compressive loads.

Abstract: A hoist block is fixed on an inside edge of the sail and to articulated slide in order to enable a rotation in the axis of a sail boat mast groove. A drop block is on the outside edge of the sail. An associated tube or slat extends between the hoist and drop blocks in order to stiffen the sail profile. The block 2 or 9 is rigidly fixed on an articulated slider to hoist or lower the sail mechanism.

Abstract: Airfoil sail for a sailboat of which the length-adjustable mast consists of several telescoping pipes 12, 18, 20 holding individually raised or reefed sail crossbeams 44, 48, 52 with sail coverings spanning the vertical spacings between said crossbeams. Each crossbeam comprises several horizontal crossbeam sections connected to each other by vertical hinge shafts and jointly corresponding to a symmetric airfoil, which are pivotable for each crossbeam, by a motor adjustment drive, to curvatures optimally matching the wind conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable mechanism for attachment to the top of a sailboat mast to counteract turtling (complete rotation of the boat into an inverted position where the mast is pointed straight down into the water) during a capsize. The device functions by producing a torque consisting of the water displacement force and the mast as a lever arm. When the boat tips over on its side during a capsize this torque balances the boat's natural tendency to continue to roll over into an inverted position.

Abstract: Sailing vessel and mast for sailing vessels wherein the mast is in the form of a profile body. In an arrangement with a profile mast to hold a reefing roller, the mast is braced with its mast foot between the deck and keel area of the vessel. The profile body is thereby configured as a rigid beam with spars in the forward area; while the rear area, a receptacle chamber, is formed by wall parts with elastic areas; and a slot opening for the emergence of the sail is bordered by terminal strips, which can be elastically pressed against one another.

Abstract: A convertible mast assembly (10) for employing a windsurfing sail assembly (200) on a sailboat (100) having a drop-in mast receptacle (101); wherein, the mast assembly (10) comprises a receptacle unit (11) which fits in said drop-in mast receptacle (101); and, an adaptor unit (11) having one end (31) dimensioned to be received in the receptacle unit (11) and having the other end (33) dimensioned to be received in the mast (201) of the windsurfing sail assembly (200).

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 2, a mast (10) for a sailing vessel is provided with a guide (25) for guiding halyards (19) along the mast and for maintaining the halyards in spaced apart relationship.The guide (25) comprises a track (13) for sail slides and batten cams, extending longitudinally of the mast (10), a track support (11) of elongate form located between the track (13) and the mast (10), and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart guides (14) located between the track (13) and the mast (10), the guides each being provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures (17) through which the halyards (19) extend.

Abstract: A fluid pressure member (26 or 26' or 100) is connected between foot portion (3) and upper portion (4) of the mast (3, 20, 4) of a sailboard (1) which, in turn, are connected to the head (6) and tack (10) of the sailboard sail (7). Controls for a source of fluid under pressure (32 or 50) for the pressure member (26 or 26' or 100) are mounted on the boom (5) for convenient access by the user. While under sail, the user can cause a portion (29 or 101) of the fluid pressure member to extend and retract to adjust the overall effective height of the mast (3, 20, 4) and, consequently, the tension of the downhaul (11), i.e., the vertical tension applied to the leading upright edge of the sail (7). A similar fluid pressure member (76) can be carried in the boom (5) to adjust the tension of the outhaul (9).

Abstract: A mast for use in sailboats and other sail-propelled craft has two elongated solid or hollow sections with confronting at least partially concave internal surfaces, and a plurality of transversely extending crosspieces between the internal surfaces. If the sections are hollow, they can be at least partially filled with foamed polyurethane and/or with elongated wooden or metallic tubes.

Abstract: A system for adjusting spreaders and diamonds on sailing boats, the system being adapted to provide spreaders or diamonds which are adjustable on the water thus allowing the craft's crew greater control of the sailing rig. The system has a pair of spreader arms pivotally connected to a pair of control arms attached to a mast. The spreader arms are adjustable by means of a halyard which runs via the control arms to distal ends of the spreader arms. The spreader arms have a number or holes or slots proximate their distal ends to receive respective port and starboard stays of the sailing craft. Depending on prevailing wind conditions, the spreader arms may be selectively pivoted forward towards the control arms by a pulling force applied to the halyard. In this way, the shape and bend characteristics of the mast may be altered by the crew so as to control the amount of draft in the sails and to affect the amount of power generated by the sailing rig.

Abstract: A composite member features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply has a fiber component which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermedaite ply has first axially extending fibers which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers and embedded in a polymer matrix. An outer layer is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.

Abstract: The foot of the mast of a sailboat is secured to a heel component which, in turn, is swingably mounted in a base component. The base component is stationarily mounted on the sailboat hull such that the mast is swingable between a generally horizontal position and an erect position. Mechanism is provided to latch the mast in its erect position automatically. Such latching mechanism is automatically releasable by pulling the mast toward its horizontal position. One sailor can step the mast by swinging it upward to latch it in erect position and thereafter fasten the conventional lines to secure the mast. Similarly, one sailor can unstep the mast by first unfastening the securing lines and thereafter pulling the mast downward to release the latching means. The force of the latching means can be adjusted.

Abstract: A traveler track is provided for supporting the sail of a sailboat, and is itself supported by a plurality of lugs which are received in a rearwardly facing groove in the mast, which would normally receive the boltrope of the sail. The lugs are slidable in the groove during installation, and are loosely secured by threaded fasteners at spaced locations to the track sections. Successive sections are installed by pushing up previous sections loosely installed in the groove. After all sections have been installed, the threaded fasteners are tightened to place tension between the track and the portion of the lug engaged in the groove.

Abstract: A golf club includes a grip, shaft, and head. Within the shaft is disposed a spiral groove in which is disposed a coiled spring formed of a shape-memorizing alloy. Epoxy resin fills the groove and overlies the spring. The spring increases the strength of the shaft.

Abstract: A lightning protection installation for boats comprising a copper lightning rod mounted on the top of the mast or, in the case of a power boat, mounted on the deck, a copper wire attached to the rod and running downwardly to a point where it is attached to a retractable copper conductor. The copper conductor is retractable through a plastic or fiberglass tube or box molded or inserted in the hull or attached to a centerboard, if available. When the conductor is raised to the passive position, it is protected from the formation of marine growth; and when it is lowered, the conductor provides sufficient wettable electrical conducting grounding surface to conduct the lightning to water ground. Raising the conductor removes the slight drag caused by the grounded conductor.

Abstract: A pole structure comprising two elongated sheet metal or extruded sections (1 and 2) which are joined together by spacers (7) to provide a gap (5) between the adjacent edges of the elongated sections (1 and 2). This structure provides access to the interior and is most suitable for utilization as a mast of a sailing yacht, being lighter in weight than the standard masts yet being as structurally stable and flexible.

Abstract: A dinghy spar and equipment carrier (10) which is provided with an enclosure (12) for carrying various paraphernalia related to the operation of a dinghy. Yokes (26) are mounted proximate the upper portion of the enclosure (12) and receive spars/oars therein. The yokes (26) are designed for carrying spars/oars of various shapes, sizes, etc., without marring their surfaces. Suitable feet (48) are provided for supporting the enclosure on the boat in a manner which will preserve the integrity of the deck surface. The carrier is secured to a dinghy by a suitable strap (52) which is wrapped about the hull in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mast for sailboats, apt to support two distinct sailcloths forming a wing sail. According to the invention, the mast comprises a tubular body which has a cross section divided in two parts by an axis transversal to the longitudinal axis of the boat, a first part facing the bow and a second part facing the stern. The first part facing the bow has a markedly convex or substantially semielliptic curved profile, while the second part facing the stern has a rounded tip profile or a substantially semicircular profile. Said tubular body comprises anchor means for the two sailcloths forming the wing sail, positioned along two generatrices crossing two points which are symmetrical in respect of the center or coinciding with the center of said first part facing the bow.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.