Abstract: A flywheel actuated device for tensioning a backstay cable of a sailboat has a flywheel that is connected to a turnbuckle. The turnbuckle is connected to a cable backstay of a sailboat. Rotation of the flywheel rotates the turnbuckle to increase or relax tension on the cable backstay. The diameter of the flywheel and the weight of the flywheel near an outer circumference of the flywheel allow the flywheel to store rotational energy and cause the flywheel to temporarily freewheel while the sailboat is under sail when a sufficient manual force is applied to the flywheel, which turns the frame of the turnbuckle and provides an initial tension to the cable backstay.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sailing vessel are disclosed configured to reduce a heeling moment acting on the sailing vessel as a wind acts on a sail of the sailing vessel. Generally, a mast of the sailing vessel is allowed to cant to leeward, thus reducing the heeling moment.

Abstract: A hand-held wing is configured to include an inflatable leading edge from which a substantially rigid boom extends which is configured to be held by the user to guide the wing, with the leading edge being configured to extend about V-shaped or U-shaped upwards (away from the surfer) in the direction of approach.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to masts and in particular a mast apparatus (17) for raising and/or lowering a mast (18) on a vessel such as a vessel, and a vessel incorporating such a mast apparatus. In one example embodiment, the mast apparatus for raising and/or lowering the mast on a vessel comprises a mast; a mast housing (28); a pivot (44) for the mast fixedly connected to the mast housing; a lateral movement control mechanism (34) for enabling controllable lateral movement of the mast with respect to the pivot and the mast housing; a lateral movement control mechanism such as hydraulic ram (30) connected to the mast and connected to the mast housing, or connected to the mast and connectable to a vessel, for driving the mast to rotate about the pivot and move laterally under the control of the lateral movement control mechanism so as to raise or lower the mast and move the mast laterally in a controlled manner.

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

Abstract: A twin arm gin pole is an apparatus that is used for leverage when raising or lowering a deck stepped mast on a sail boat. The apparatus includes a first arm, a second arm, a first lifeline stanchion coupler, a second lifeline stanchion coupler, a winch, and a halyard connector. The first arm and the second arm are connected in a V-shaped structural body. Each of the distal ends for the V-shaped structural body is hingedly connected to the boat by one of the lifeline stanchion coupler. The winch is connected adjacent to the vertex of the V-shaped structural body, and the halyard connector is connected adjacent to the V-shaped structural body, opposite the winch. The winch is cranked to either pull the V-shaped structural body towards or away from the deck of the boat. A halyard line is tethered between the halyard connector and the top of the mast.

Abstract: A sailboat mast including a straight lower portion and a curved upper portion. The curved upper portion has an aerodynamically efficient cross section designed to reduce drag. The mast assembly 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 curved 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 sail system comprising a substantially isosceles-triangle-shaped sail with two booms and an arc-shaped element. The two booms are arranged along substantially equal sides of the sail and articulated to one another with a joint that defines a vertex of the triangle. The arc-shaped element is coupled to a deck of a boat for pivoting about a transverse axis between a raised position and a lowered position on the deck. Each boom has a coupling element on the arc-shaped element, the coupling element being slidable both along the arc-shaped element and along the respective boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to masts and in particular a mast apparatus (17) for raising and/or lowering a mast (18) on a vessel such as a vessel, and a vessel incorporating such a mast apparatus. In one example embodiment, the mast apparatus for raising and/or lowering the mast on a vessel comprises a mast; a mast housing (28); a pivot (44) for the mast fixedly connected to the mast housing; a lateral movement control mechanism (34) for enabling controllable lateral movement of the mast with respect to the pivot and the mast housing; a lateral movement control mechanism such as hydraulic ram (30) connected to the mast and connected to the mast housing, or connected to the mast and connectable to a vessel, for driving the mast to rotate about the pivot and move laterally under the control of the lateral movement control mechanism so as to raise or lower the mast and move the mast laterally in a controlled manner.

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 personal wind-powered hydrofoil watercraft having a sail supported by a mast coupled to a buoyant body, where the mast is tiltable forward and backward but not side to side, in order to prevent excessive rolling of the buoyant body when it is lifted clear of the water on the hydrofoils. Additionally, the buoyant body may be in the shape of a pontoon, the watercraft may be steerable by a steering mechanism actuated by a human operator's foot or feet, and the front hydrofoil may be associated with a surface tracking means in order to stabilize the altitude of the watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in mast raising for a sailboat where a pivoting mast is raised or lowered rapidly by use of a pair of shroud struts, that are an integral part of the sailing rigging, all of which is done in a very stabilized manner.

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 sailboat mast including a straight lower portion and a curved upper portion. The curved upper portion has an aerodynamically efficient cross section designed to reduce drag. The mast assembly 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 curved 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 hinge mechanism comprises first and second chock plates and an adjustable shaft. Each of the chock plates includes an aperture in the form of a figure of eight, the first and second circular portions of which are similar and are connected by a neck portion of a width less than the diameter of the circular portions. The shaft is longitudinally adjustable between a first retracted position in which the sections of the shaft aligned with each of the chock plates have a cross-section which corresponds to the circular portion of the aperture and a second extended position in which the sections of the shaft aligned with each of the chock plates have a cross-section of a diameter which is less than the width of neck portion.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism comprises first and second chock plates and an adjustable shaft. Each of the chock plates includes an aperture in the form of a figure of eight, the first and second circular portions of which are similar and are connected by a neck portion of a width less than the diameter of the circular portions. The shaft is longitudinally adjustable between a first retracted position in which the sections of the shaft aligned with each of the chock plates have a cross-section which corresponds to the circular portion of the aperture and a second extended position in which the sections of the shaft aligned with each of the chock plates have a cross-section of a diameter which is less than the width of neck portion.

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: 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 sailboat mast stepping system for efficiently using mechanical aids to raise or lower the mast of a sailboat. The sailboat mast stepping system includes a base, a support member substantially housed within the base, a catch member positionable at the end of support member opposite the base and an actuator. Activating the actuator manipulates the support member with respect to the base.

Abstract: A windsurfing catamaran with a self-stabilizing wing. The wing is moved to the correct position by counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to a central mast. The keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing when the wing is moved off center by wind. The keel rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to water flow striking the keel. Water pressure on the keel offsets wind pressure on the sails and returns the keel and mast back to an upright position. This increases stability, lift, driving force, and speed. A central catamaran platform provides hinged struts and shock absorbers between the rear end of the central platform and planing hulls to reduce impact damage. The hinged struts and shock absorbers reduce water drag and the braking effect of repeated hull impacts with water resulting in a further increase in speed.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing or eliminating heeling in sailboats of any hull design by allowing the mast and sail assembly to heel in a significant wind while the hull remains flat relative to the water. This system and method requires a mast able to rotate 360 degrees making it easy to dump wind when under sail and when docking and mooring. This allows the deck of a sailboat to be uncluttered by mast stays, sheets and halyards requiring only a single sheet to control point of sail. By reducing or eliminating heeling, this sailing system and method increases safety compared to traditional systems and makes it easier to learn to sail.

Abstract: A modified mast and keel system for a sailing vessel. The mast is gimbaled to the hull, so that it can move in a pitch roll. A downward extension of the mast pivotally connects to a winged keel. An aft strut also pivotally connects to the hull and pivotally connects to the winged keel. The hull, the mast extension, the winged keel, and the aft strut combine to form a traditional four bar linkage which is used to adjust the angle of attack of the winged keel with respect to the vessel. The winged keel moves with the mast in pitch and roll. It also includes a hydrofoil having an angle of attack which can be changeable in response to the pitching of the mast. This hydrofoil thereby generates downforce which counteracts the lifting forces created by the mast. It also creates lateral forces to counteract the sideslip of the vessel.

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

Abstract: 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: The invention concerns a competition or cruiser sailboat comprising a hull (1) closed by deck (2), and wherein is implanted the lower end of a mast (4) bearing the rigging, characterized in that the mast (4) is a tilting mast without side stays, mounted pivoting in particular on bearings about a substantially horizontal axis (x-x′) of the hull (1) such that, whatever the weather conditions, its center of gravity (G) can be placed in the wind, in the sailboat center of rotation, and the rigging plane perpendicular to the air streams.

Abstract: An autonomous marine vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising a rigid hull having an interior and a periphery, a deck joining the rigid hull at the periphery; and a rigid mast pivotally attached to the deck, the mast housing a plurality of sensors capable of effecting communication to and from said vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle further comprises various sensors and mission-specific hardware. Sensors include mast-mounted audio/video devices, radar, GPS and RF antennas, and other positioning and collision avoidance devices. Mission-specific hardware include refueling probes, fire protection systems, towing assemblies, flame thrower assemblies, liquid spray assemblies, and work pup assemblies.

Abstract: An improved mast assembly for use on a sailing vessel having both an upper boom and a lower boom that allows a user to control the upper section of the sail independently or in conjunction with the lower section of the sail. The mast of the assembly is positioned away from the sail thereby utilizing a wire leading edge resulting in decreased wind turbulence, increased efficiency of the sail and greater sailing control over the rig and the entire vessel.

Abstract: A multi-hull watercraft, such as a catamaran or trimaran is constructed to facilitate the righting thereof following a capsize. By providing a pivot connection between the hulls and the cross-members, in accordance with one method, it is possible to right the capsized vehicle by piecemeal rotation of the hulls through 180.degree. from an inverted to an upright disposition. Following this maneuver, the mast may be either rotated up and out of the water to an erect disposition or, alternatively, the mast can be jacked vertically through the deck.

Abstract: A mechanism to improve performance and increase the speed of a sailboat by inclining the sailboat's mast and its supporting stays from side to side, enabling a sailor to lean the weight of his mast, sails and rig against the pressure of the wind. This is accomplished by placing the mast into a tube that is affixed to a tube that is bent to a radius and is supported by a cradle of hourglass shaped rollers. The shroud stays are then attached to the upper end of the tube with the radius that is stabilized by a strut back to the mast tube. The mast and shrouds can then be inclined as a structure rolling it from side to side in its cradle of rollers. The mechanism can then be operated by a variety of methods depending upon its application.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus is described for use in the sport of windsurfing. The apparatus reduces loads exerted by a mast member on a sailboard, and includes a shock absorbing system having a compressible element, a housing connected to the shock absorbing system, and a base on the sailboard. The shock absorbing system is also connected to the mast member.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying aquatic vegetation includes a vegetation shredder supported on a watercraft to project below the water surface so as to engage all portions of the plant proximate to the water surface. A feeder is positioned forwardly of the shredder to positively feed vegetation to the shredder as the watercraft moves in a forward direction. The apparatus further includes a framework defining a suction chamber below the water surface adjacent the submerged portion of the shredder, and an outlet spaced from the suction chamber and above the water surface. The framework and the shredder cooperate to define a sealed passageway extending between the suction chamber and the outlet.

Abstract: A system for controlling the jibe movements of a sailboat boom (4), which boom has an outer free end (5) connected to the boat (4) via a sheeting arrangement (6), and an inner end (7) fixed to the mast (3) via a pivot joint (8). A hydraulic actuator (13) is connected with the inner boom end (7) at the pivot joint (8) via a vertically extending axle (9). The actuator can be controlled to swing the boom over the centerline of the boat during a jibing maneuver, as well as can be adjusted to perform a momentum acting against the swinging of the boom eliminating violent, uncontrolled jibing maneuvers.

Abstract: This invention refers to single hull/multi-hull sailing boats. Two suitably shaped floats are laterally applied to the hull of single hull boats; they slide from top to bottom along suitable guides.The lateral hulls of multi-hull boats also slide from top to bottom along suitable guides.This device includes a sail mast moving in function of the wind lateral thrust on sails and the mast movement makes the lee float or hull to sink.The lee float or hull sinking is used to oppose both the boat heeling and drift.The invention application gets these advantages: improvement of the boat comfort and safety, increase of sails efficiency and optimization of hull hydrodynamic performances.

Abstract: A yacht (10) includes a mast (12) that is mechanically connected to a keel (14) via a bearing (16), located in the base of hull (18) of the yacht (10). A sail foil (30) is pivotally mounted to the top of the mast (12) via a rotating bearing (34). In use, as the wind forces the sail foil (30) and mast (12) to leeward, a corresponding movement to windward is induced in the keel (14) and thus the yacht's hull (18) can remain substantially horizontal with respect to surrounding flat water.

Abstract: The inventive system and method provides a portable sailboat mast hoisting crane which is safe, light weight, easily assembled, easily disassembled, and operable by one man. The crane can be locked down for security on the frame of the boat trailer for storage. The mounting mechanism is universally compatible with most pleasure craft sailboats, and does not require alternation or permanent modifications to the vessel.

Abstract: A multi-hull watercraft, such as a catamaran or trimaran is constructed to facilitate the righting thereof following a capsize. By providing a pivot connection between the hulls and the cross-members, in accordance with one method, it is possible to right the capsized vehicle by piecemeal rotation of the hulls through 180.degree. from an inverted to an upright disposition. Following this maneuver, the mast may be either rotated up and out of the water to an erect disposition or, alternatively, the mast can be jacked vertically through the deck.

Abstract: A non sinkable, easily re-rightable aquatic vehicle has a lightweight body with a front, a rear, a bottom and opposite sides and contains a seat for supporting a pilot. A pair of front sheaves are rotatably mounted to opposite sides of the body near the front of the body and a pair of rear sheaves are rotatably mounted to opposite sides of the body near the rear thereof. A first flotation track is engaged around and extends between the front and rear sheaves on one side of the body and a second flotation track is engaged around and extends between the front and rear sheaves on the other side of the body. Each said flotation track includes an endless band engaged around a front and rear sheave and a multiplicity of buoyant flotation treads connected to the band at spaced apart locations therealong to form upper and lower series of flotation treads extending between the associated front and rear sheaves.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting the bow of a sailboard from damage caused by a falling mast and boom assembly, and includes at least one deflecting surface and structure for supporting the deflecting surface forward of the mast and above the board surface. The apparatus is preferably aligned substantially with a longitudinal axis of the board. The deflecting surface will deflect the mast to either lateral side of the sailboard whenever the mast and boom assembly moves forward toward the bow, preventing direct impact and damage to the bow. A sailboard and a method for preventing damage to the sailboard are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel having a hull of effective rectangular configuration and utilizing a dual propulsion and steering arrangement, including sails and an eight jet system, thus making the vessel extremely maneuverable.

Abstract: A rudderless sailboat having a hydrodynamic symmetry fore and aft which can be sailed equally well in either direction. The craft is steered by tilting the mast and keel. In an alternative embodiment the sailboat also has no keel. The hulls are rigid and have a v-shaped bottom. While sailing forward, the sail can be rotated past the angle of zero angle-of-attack to that angle-of-attack where the wind is aback on the sail. This stops the boat and causes it to sail back in the general direction from which it came. This sailboat maneuver is called a tack aback.

Abstract: A sailboat is provided with an adjustable mast system in which the base of the mast is pivotally attached to the top deck surface of the sailboat hull. Hydraulic cylinders connected to and integral with the shroud mast support system can vary the effective length of the shrouds, thereby tilting the mast to windward to maintain it in a vertical position while the boat hull is heeled.

Abstract: A control unit incorporated in a stabilizing system in yachts and sailing vessels and intended automatically to control the movements of a weight which is movable transversely across the vessel, said wight being connected with an athwartships tiltable mast in such a manner, that the weight is displaced transversely across the vessel in a direction opposite to the mast tilting direction. The control unit comprises two stops arranged to stop the movements of the weight, and further comprises a shifting device which is actuated by the position of the wight so that one of the stops is given an opportunity to act, i.e. to stop the movements of the weight, when the weight is positioned to one side of the centre line of the vessel in the transverse direction thereof whereas the second stop is then not given an opportunity to stop the movements of the weight, and vice versa. Each stop is controlled by a sensing device responsive to the movements of the vessel.

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 sailboat without stays for the mast has automatic ballasting which uses a tilting main mast and a tilting pole that has weights traveling up it to counteract increasing wind force upon the sail. The mast and the pole tilt in opposite directions. Their angles are prescribed by a set of gears acting as a motion reversing means, so that as the wind force increases the tilt of the mast, the tops of the mast and pole separate. The weights move up the pole and away from the sailboat's centerline because they are attached to a line fixed to the top of the mast and directed down the pole by a pulley at the pole top. Therefore, as the mast and pole separate, the length of line hanging down the pole is shortened and the weights move up the tilted pole.

Abstract: A sailboat having improved comfort and safety and comprising a hull having a deck having a port side, a starboard side, and a central portion between the port and starboard sides; at least one mast extending above the deck, the mast being pivotably attached to the hull about a fore-and-aft running axis; and means for controllably pivoting the mast in the port-to-starboard direction. This sailboat makes it possible to maintain the hull of the sailboat in as near a horizontal position as desired for comfort and safety. The system may be controlled manually or automatically. Existing sailboats can be readily retrofitted according to the present invention.

Abstract: A rudderless sailboat having a mast keel assembly which can be pivoted fore or aft to generate a moment of force to effect easy precise sailboat steering. In one embodiment including a catamaran, the keel is integral to the mast and thus pivots correspondingly but in an opposite direction from vertical as the mast is pivoted fore or aft. In yet another embodiment, a monohull is provided wherein a frame extends laterally over each side rail of the hull and downwardly to a respective keel, wherein the mast extends upwardly therefrom. The frame is secured in an oar lock on each side rail. Thus, as the sail and mast is pivoted forwardly, each keel disposed lateral of the side rails is pivoted rearwardly. In still yet another embodiment, a slope-rigged sailboat is disclosed wherein the mast can be pivoted fore or aft by adjusting the length of the forestay and backstay. The keel is stationary, and a winch is used to adjust and secure the position of the mast.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the hull of a sailing boat in a steady position substantially independent of wind pressures on the sail, comprising a pivoted mast and wires connecting the mast with a weight in the boat hull via a transmission device. Transverse pivoting movement of the mast causes lateral displacement of the weight thereby maintaining the hull in a stable condition.

Abstract: A sailboat apparatus includes a hull having a bottom, bow and stern portions along with a central portion and at least one mast for supporting a sail extending above the hull. The mast is mounted to the hull for side-to-side movement relative to the hull. A keel assembly has a keel extending below the hull bottom and through the hull bottom and attached to an elongated transfer shaft rotatably mounted to the hull and having the mast coupled to one portion thereof. The keel is coupled to another portion of the transfer shaft and extends from the transfer shaft through the hull bottom into the water so that movement of the mast from side-to-side rotates the transfer shaft and the keel in the opposite direction from the mast to stabilize the sailboat.

Abstract: A wingsail structure wherein the sail comprises a plurality of ribs encircling the mast and is guided slidably along the mast. A fabric skin is wrapped around the ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the mast is provided with at least two opposed, parallel longitudinal grooves forming respective guides for running carts attached to the ribs and is formed by a pair of parallel slats interconnected by cross-beams, said slats having an airfoil shaped cross-section.

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.