Abstract: Sail construction comprising foldable sail supports, a crossbeam, a holder, a sail, a bottom holder, ropes and a block and tackle system. The sail can be a self-inflatable sail designed similarly to paragliders, partially or fully inflatable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profile sail boom for a boat having a batten mainsail, which is configured to be flexible in the horizontal direction and has a vertical spar with cords laminated in at the uppermost and lowermost points in the center of the cross-section, transverse webs separated by wedge-shaped spacer joints extending from said spar on the lowermost site in the horizontal direction, wherein guiding tubes for cords are present on the outer edges of said webs.

Abstract: A sail-powered vehicle having a mobile base including at least one mast to which at least one sail support is connected including an upper end fastened at a top point of the mast and a lower end fastened near the mobile base, where the lower end of the sail support is towards the outside of the longitudinal median axis of the vehicle, and towards the bottom.

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

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus in a system in connection with the spinnaker pole (8) or similar of a sailing boat, in which system a control line (12, 13) is attached to both guys (6, 7) of the sail (4). The control lines (12, 13) are arranged to run through the pole (8) and to move a piston (20) and the piston (20) is connected to means, with the aid of which the length of the pole (8) can be altered or the pole can be lowered to a lower position at its outer end. The piston (20) is preferably moved by the lines running around pulleys (23) and attached to the moving part (17) of the telescopic pole.

Abstract: A whisker pole for a sailboat is provided. The whisker pole includes an inflatable portion that can be pressurized to maintain the position of a headsail. The whisker pole can be deflated for stowage. The length of the whisker pole can be adjusted for different boats and rigging requirements.

Abstract: A sailboat having a hull with a mast is provided that includes a boom and gaff that are both supported away from the mast. Both ends of the boom and gaff are connected by stays so that a vertical plane is created. The sail is raised and lowered by a pair of forward and aft halyards and the boom has a usual trimming sheet.

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: 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 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 vang assembly for manipulating a sailboat boom which is hingendly connected to the lower portion of a sailboat mast (12). The vang assembly includes a rigid and unextensive vang (strut) (20) connected both to the mast (12) and to the boom. The first end portion is hingendly attached to the lower portion of the mast below the boom, and the second end portion is hingedly attached to a traveller (26) sliding on track (30) fixed to the boom at a location spaced outwardly from the lower portion of the mast. Traveller fore and aft movements are controlled by block and tackle system. Traveller sliding allows to control boom vertical position. When traveller is pulled forward (toward the mast), the boom is forced upwardly by rigid vang working as a strut, when traveller is pulled aftward (opposite the mast), boom is forced downward by the rigid vang working as a tie rod.

Abstract: A mounting system for a boom (14) of a landsailer (1) includes a resilient flexible member (12), at one end engageable with a rearward portion of the landsailer frame (2) and at the other end with the main sheet (13). A steering mechanism includes a shaft (6) which extends through an aperture (5a) in the mast (3) or mast receptacle (3a) and an aperture (5b) in the frame (2). A wheel (8) is connected to one end of the shaft (6) and the driver operates the other end of the shaft (6). The frame (2) includes a cockpit section (20), mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) each engageable to form the landsailer frame (2). The dimensions of each part of the mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) are equal or smaller than the dimensions of the cockpit section (20). The sail (4) includes a pocket (17) to receive the boom (14), and a lower sail portion (4a) extending below the pocket (17).

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 hand held fishing gaff for manually engaging and lifting fish from water having a multi-position fish hook. The handle preferably has a straight main portion and a gripping portion which is arcuately shaped and extends away from a longitudinal axis of the straight portion. A fish hook is connected to the handle and is lockably positionable in a plurality of different rotationally aligned positions about the longitudinal axis. A fish hook detent interconnected between the handle and fish hook shank is selectively self-locking into one of a plurality of positional orientations of the fish hook. The device is preferably buoyant in water and the handle preferably has a uniform oval cross section to enhance gripability.

Abstract: A personal wind power device is disclosed that includes at least one sail frame assembly firmly, yet removably, coupled to a shaft. The sail frame assembly includes a base that is coupled to the shaft and that has first and second boom arms pivotally attached to it. A sail is affixed between the first and second boom arms and the boom arms may be in a first stored position, in which the sail is not deployed, or in a second deployed position, in which the sail is firmly held in a deployed position and is able to catch the wind. A latch that is normally closed is pivotally attached to the base and a locking mechanism coupled to the latch. When in the normally closed position, the latch urges the locking mechanism into a stopped orientation, in which movement of the boom arms and sail is prevented. When the latch is moved into the open position, the locking mechanism is released and the boom arms and the sail are able to move into the deployed position, or are able to be retracted into the closed position.

Abstract: A rigid boom vang with a center part consisting of a threaded rod with a left hand portion on one side of a combined hand/rope drum with a circular turning line cage and a right hand portion on the other side, enclosed by an outer tube. Each rod is threaded into an extension arm with a corresponding inner drive nut inside and a vang clevis on the outer side. Turning the center part by the hand/rope drum will provide a symmetrical linear movement of the extension arms, because these are mounted on the boom and mast vang brackets and therefore cannot rotate with the rods. The vang brackets are a interchangeable system of hinges with toggles, being adjustable to align with the gooseneck pin axis.

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 “U” shaped bail attached to a sailboat boom has a roller placed between it and the shackle attaching the sheet to the bail. This allows a smooth transmittal of the sheet load to the boom as the angle and intensity of the sheeting load changes.

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 sail for a wind powered vehicle such as a surfboard, sailing boat or the like is provided wherein a sail is connected along its front edge to a mast and wherein the said at its clew or at its lower edge is connected to a boom. The boom is connected in a hinged manner to the mast. At the free rear edge of the sail, at least one sail part is provided which is adjustable in the sail plane so that the overall area of the sail can be decreased or increased.

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 boom support for supporting a sailboat boom on all sailing angles. The boom support, which is pivotally attached to the lower portion of the mast below the boom, includes two resiliently flexible rods extending from the mast attachment upwardly and outwardly to the boom. A flexible strip of webbing between the two rods counteracts the boom weight and is held in place by a line attached to the gooseneck. The boom is free to lift clear of the boom support.

Abstract: This invention modifies a windsurfing boom, to allow the clew of a windsurfing sail to move laterally away from the sailor. An elongated tail piece and roller assembly are used to facilitate movement of said 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 sunfish boat boom is slidably secured to a pipe tee for aft and bow relative motion to the tee which is secured to the mast by a conventional gooseneck device. A bungee cord secured to the boom at a pulley medial the boom between the mast and the aft end of the boom and to an eyelet at the pipe tee resiliently biases the boom in the bow direction. A rope is secured at its opposite ends to the bow end of the boom passing through an eyelet at the tee and to a cleat at the pilot compartment. Rings on the boom establish maximum aft and bow displacement of the boom via abutment with the tee. The rope holds the boom at an extreme forward position with the tee abutting one of the rings. The rope is released to permit the bungee cord bias to pull the boom to the other extreme aft position established by the other ring abutting the tee. Pulling or releasing the rope moves the boom to any desired position between the extreme positions.

Abstract: A bowsprit is attached to a boat by fixing members. The bowsprit comprises two bowsprit rods which are hingedly interconnected by a hinge at the free end of the bowsprit. At a distance from this end, the rods are pivotable relative to the boat and slidably connected to the fixing members for permitting displacement of the bowsprit between a stowed-away position and a position of use.

Abstract: A lengthwise adjustable forked boom for surfboards comprises two principal bars (1) bound by a forked boom head piece and two extension bars (3) telescopically adjustable in them. The extension bars are interconnected at the leech by a forked boom tail piece. At the end of both principal bars (1) is a connecting bush (6) that extends beyond the bar ends, attached securely with a catch lever (7) that has locking bars (8) which lock into the corresponding adjustment holes (9) in at least one series of holes at equal intervals in the extension bars (3) when the lever (7') is closed.

Abstract: A tailpiece for a forked boom of a rig for surfboards, comprising a tube bend segment (9), carried by a tube bend (10) to which is fastened bars (3) of the forked boom. On the upper side of the tube bend segment (9) there is a plate (12) with a wide straight-through slit (13) for receiving a fastening ring (14) of the clew (8) of the sail (7). The bend segment (9) has a rear opening (15), and a spring-loaded latch (16) is exposed through this opening (15). A hook (17) on the latch (16) swivels in and out of the fastening ring (14) of the sail (7) under the influence of a spring (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a boom on a sailing boat which carries a sail capable of being wound onto a mast. Actuation of the sail is with a force F from a drive motor. In conjunction with this a rotatably driven screw accommodated within the boom is capable of attachment on one side of the aforementioned drive motor and is connected on the other side to the sail via a movement transmission.

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

Abstract: A boom for a sailboat is controllably flexible to assume a predetermined specific airfoil-derived contour and to impose an aerodynamically efficient shape on the large lower portion of the sail. The boom is formed of five segments connected by four flex joints. The lengths of the segments and the hinge angles assumed by the flex joints are determined by piecewise approximation of a shape producing a pressure distribution corresponding to the pressure distribution of specific proven airfoil contours, for instance the Joukovsky airfoil profile. Flexure of the boom is achieved by tensioning cables extending along the sides of the airfoil boom. Controlled boom flexure can also be achieved by continuously varying the cross-sectional moment of inertia of the boom to match the radius of curvature of the boom with a specific airfoil profile or by inserting a controllably bendable flexible plate in a pocket along the sail foot.

Abstract: A quick-connect, outhaulless boom end is adjustably secured to boom spars of a sailboard boom. The boom end terminates in a forward of leech position with respect to the sailboard's sail. A clew tube or rod coacts with the sail in the forward of leech position to position the sail between the two spaced boom spars.

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

Abstract: A system of elongated rails installed on the exterior hull surfaces of boats and projecting externally from the exterior hull surfaces of the boats, and having the functional attributes of: deflecting spray, reducing the tendencies of the bows to go under in choppy or turbulent seas, reducing heel and side-slipping while turning, contributing lift, acting as fenders to protect the hulls, providing accessible hand holds and foot steps, reducing the rocking motions of the boats and adding floatation to the boats.

Abstract: For locking the extension spars 3 to the main spars 1, with a lengthwise adjustment of the wishbone of a sailboard selected in correspondence with the size of the sail, the outer sleeves 9, loosely seated on the extension spars 3, are pushed in the direction of arrow a onto the inner sleeves 5.

Abstract: A sailboard boom clew fitting member comprising a pair of members (11 and 12) engagable with the ends of a pair of boom members of the boom. One member (11) having a transversely directed socket. The pawl (13) being snugly engagable in the socket and being retained in engagement by a latch member (22) pivotally supported by one of the members and resiliently biassed into a position at which it will be engaged with the engaged pawl member and socket to prevent their disengagement. The pawl member and socket when engaged providing a support surface (15, 17 and 19) for a rope which fixes the clew of a sail to the clew fitting.

Abstract: A sail shaping arrangement is disclosed for horizontal edges of a sail including a web formed along one side in a curved shape corresponding to the desired camber of the sail, the web attached to the sail edge to extend normally thereto. A diagonal batten stretches the web to establish a shaped edge to the sail. A skirt batten may also be used, as well as a tension cord along a straight, chordal side of the web.

Abstract: An adjustable sailboard boom handle apparatus for use with a board sailor having an elongated flat buoyant board with a mast that carries a sail. The mast is movably attached to the board's center portion. A transverse hand held boom attaches to the mast and generally encircles the sail providing a surface for gripping by the sailor. A pair of fore/aft sleeve-like attachments are affixable to and spaced apart in fore/aft positions along the boom. A handle assembly is attached to the pair of attachments and extends therebetween, providing a portion which is spaced from the boom generally between the attachments. The handle assembly provides a gripping surface spaced from the boom during use, the handle assembly providing a surface for gripping with a hand of the user that is annularly oriented to the longitudinal center line of the boom between attachments.

Abstract: A mast brace for a windsurfer which takes the form of a cord which is adjustable in length. The mast brace is to be adjustable to various desired degrees of tautness to decrease the amount of lateral bending of the mast that occurs when wind pressure is applied to the sail body. This mast brace extends between the tip of the mast and the boom which extends between the luff edge and the leech edge of the sail body.

Abstract: A boom for a boardsailing is formed of two bodies, intermediate pipes, end pipes, a front coupler and a rear coupler. The bodies and pipes are non-metallic synthetic resin pipe reinforced by fiber layers, including a synthetic fiber layer and at least one carbon fiber layer. The portions of said bodies, intermediate pipes and end pipes which are used for interconnecting with the couplers and with each other are further reinforced by a reinforcing synthetic resin layer which is reinforced by a reinforcing fiber layer. The reinforcing fiber layer includes fine fibers oriented in at least two mutually different directions and having diameters of 20 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: An A frame mast is pivoted relative to a sailboat hull and supports a lateen yard. A boom is coupled to the yard and to the sailboat hull at the bow. The A frame mast is supported in all positions by struts that lead from each leg of the A frame mast to slidable connections on the hull which permits the mast to be raised and lowered. In other forms, a foldable mast assembly for a sailboat uses a rotatable stub mast and a boom mounted at the upper end thereof. An A frame mast is pivoted relative to the boom and carries a lateen yard that can be raised and lowered by a halyard at the top of the mast structure. To raise and lower the mast, a pair of struts are pivoted thereto and are slidably connected to the sailboat hull or boom so that by using mechanical advantage coupled to the slidable connection, the mast be raised and lowered.

Abstract: A multi-level boom adapted for use on a sailing device such as a sailboard. The boom comprises a lower portion in a wishbone type shape having a forward end adapted to be secured to a mast and an aft end adapted for securing the clew of a sail to the boom. The boom further includes at least one elongated tubular member pivotally and slidably secured at one end to the wishbone near the midpoint of one side of the boom and having a clamp at the other end for releasably securing the elongated tubular member to a mast.

Abstract: A surfing boom comprising a pipe of synthetic resin having a density of 1.4-1.6 g/cm.sup.3. The pipe is reinforced by a plurality of carbon fiber layers. In a first carbon fiber layer, fibers are oriented within an angle of 60.degree.-90.degree. to an axial direction of the boom. In a second carbon fiber layer, fibers are oriented within an angle of 30.degree. to the axial direction of boom.

Abstract: A batten receptacle for surrounding and firmly holding a batten and sail. The receptacle is adapted to be connected to a slide member by means of a rigid multiaxis of rotation joint. This unique joint allows for the required rotational movement while at the same time preventing harmful linear movement between the batten and the mast.

Abstract: Rigging for nautical or terrestrial craft comprising a sail (1) integral with a mast hinged to the craft. According to the invention, the sail (1) is stretched onto symmetrical uprights (2) which are themselves bent by a cable (7) tensioned by a hoist (10) so as to give the sail a lenticular shape.

Abstract: There is provided a device useful for adjusting the main sail of a sailboat said device being equipped with apparent wind indicating means and color coded means for indicating desirable position for the boom of said main sail; said device being used alone or in combination with the main sail control sheet having color coded portions or with actual boom position indicating means having color coded sections; said color coded portions and color coded sections coinciding with the color coded desirable boom position indicating means.

Abstract: A force amplifying device for stretching sail and riggings of a sailing device. The device includes a rope drive for winding up a rope under tension arranged in an elongated housing with the axis of the rope drum directed essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension direction of the housing. An elongated crank arm is arranged outside the housing in a force transferring connection to the rope drum for turning the rope drum and winding up a rope under tension on the rope drum. At least one locking arrangement is provided for locking the crank arm in a direction which substantially coincides with the longitudinal extension direction of the elongated housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the length of a telescopic mast or boom in a windsurf. The two tubular elements are fixed by means of an O-ring freely movable on the inner tube and squashed against said inner tube by means of a bushing integral to the external tube.

Abstract: A sail for a wind powered vehicle such as a surfboard, sailing boat or the like is provided wherein a sail is connected along its front edge to a mast and wherein the said sail at its clew or at its lower edge is connected to a boom. The boom is connected in a hinged manner to the mast. At the free rear edge of the sail, at least one sail part is provided which is adjustable in the sail plane so that the overall area of the sail can be decreased or increased.