Abstract: In order to provide a rigid sail or aerofoil sail which has a lower overall weight, is cost-effective to manufacture and does not affect the passing under bridges, power lines or similar structures arranged over busy waters, in the case of a rigid sail for vessels, in particular, for large ships, such as bulk carriers, tankers, car transporters or bulkers, comprising a mast and a first aerofoil wing body mounted on the mast with a base and a head, wherein the mast is inserted through the base into the first aerofoil wing body and is arranged within the first aerofoil wing body, it is proposed that the mast, starting from the base, does not extend beyond a maximum height of the first aerofoil wing body, in particular, less than 75% of the maximum height.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking device (4) for braking the boom of a sail boat, comprising a body (12) with fixation means (5) mainly to the boom or a control rope, and means for braking a main rope (6) having its ends connected or guided at two points on both sides of the central longitudinal axis of the sail boat, characterised in that the braking means include at least a first passage opening (14, 15, 16) formed in the body (12) for a loop (20) of the main rope (6), and a second opening (18) formed in the body (12), essentially parallel with the first opening (14, 15, 16) and inside which protrudes a member (19) for retaining the loop (20) that passes around it.

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

Abstract: A sailboat having a free standing jib boom mounted on a stub shaft, which rotates about an axis coextensive with the jib stay. The boom may extend not only aft of the stub shaft but also forward allowing unique rig configurations.

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 steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: A sailboat having a free standing jib boom mounted on a stub shaft, which rotates about an axis coextensive with the jib stay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing sail efficiency is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a second sail, disposed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the second sail is disposed proximate a periphery of the first sail.

Abstract: A sliding keel sailboat of the type comprises a sailing hull, a mast and a sailing arrangement whereon aero-dynamic forces, apt to be transferred to the hull through the mast, push, the mast being integral with a pivoting structure which can swing around a pivoting axis, parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the sailboat, in a respective seat in the sailing hull, the pivoting structure being arranged so that the crew can stand on it so as to balance the forces acting on the mast.

Abstract: A retractable bowsprit for a sailboat is suitable for use with an asymmetrical spinnaker. A support element and a bowsprit positioner such as a track mounted within a hull of a sailboat allow the bowsprit to assume either an extended or retracted position. The bowsprit positioner is mounted to the bottom of the hull. The support element is positioned forward of and above a forward position of the positioner. The bowsprit can slide through the support element, to allow an aft end of the bowsprit to be attached to the positioner's forward point in the extended position. When the bowsprit is so positioned, the geometry causes the bowsprit to rotate, placing a forward end thereof substantially further above the waterline than is the deck, allowing the crew a view beneath an asymmetrical spinnaker attached to the bowsprit forward end.

Abstract: An arrangement for a sail for sailing boats to connect the sail to a mast (4) on the sailing boat by means of a number of mast track slides (6) distributed along one edge of the sail, which are so arranged as to be connected by means of rolling devices to a track extending along the mast. The rolling devices are accommodated jointly in a channel-shaped track (9) integrated with the mast (4), with the edges (18,19;21,28;22,29) of which the aforementioned rolling devices are so arranged as to interact. A channel-shaped opening (16) extends along the aforementioned track (9) to permit the track slides (6) to extend out from the aforementioned track (9) with a narrower part for attachment to the sail with a broader part.

Abstract: The invention provides various improved sailboats and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment, a sailboat comprises a hull and a deck that is operably attached to the hull. The deck has a longitudinal axis extending along its center. A mast is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a luff cable is coupled to the mast and the deck. The luff cable is movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Further, a foresail is coupled to the luff cable such that at least a portion of the foresail is movable relative to the longitudinal axis upon movement of the luff cable.

Abstract: A sail boat boom control system provides braking forces for restraining movement of the boom during down wind sailing or sailing with a quartering breeze. The system comprises a boom restrainer loop attached to the boom and resiliently tensioned, pivotally mounted friction device which is adjustable to apply friction forces restraining movement of the boom loop, thereby providing the braking force on the boom. The friction device is adjustably controlled by a control line extending to a position where it is easily operated by the helmsman or other crew. A quick-release device releases the control line when required to allow the friction device to move to a position in which the boom is free from restraint. Deck-mounted and mast-mounted friction control devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A vang for producing a desired tension in the mainsail of a yacht employs, in association with a multi-sheave block and tackle system conferring mechanical advantage, a valve releasable, variable length, pressurized gas spring strut. Operation against a spring pre-load of the control valve of the strut by application of a force thereon, being a force derived by the block and tackle system from manual exertion on said block and tackle system, enables the gas spring strut to be released from the length at which it is currently held locked, by reason of closure of the control valve, for such extension or contraction as may be required to produce a desired force on the main-boom and a consequent tension in the leech of the mainsail. The length of the gas spring strut remains unaffected by closure of the valve following removal of the force on the block and tackle system.

Abstract: The invention provides various improved sailboats and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment, a sailboat comprises a hull and a deck that is operably attached to the hull. The deck has a longitudinal axis extending along its center. A mast is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a luff cable is coupled to the mast and the deck. The luff cable is movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Further, a foresail is coupled to the luff cable such that at least a portion of the foresail is movable relative to the longitudinal axis upon movement of the luff cable.

Abstract: A camber inducer for use with a double surfaced wing sail on various sail-driven craft such as sailboats, sailboards, ice boats, land sailors, hang gliders and the like. The camber inducer, in cooperation with battens and the first and second surfaces of a double surfaced sail, provides an efficient and easy to use airfoil sail.

Abstract: Metal matrix composite is made by blending non-metal reinforcement powder with powder of metal or metal alloy matrix material, heating to a temperature high enough to cause melting of the matrix metal/alloy and subjecting the mixture to high pressure in a die press before solidification occurs.

Abstract: An improved sail (20) is attached along its luff portion to a mast (26). A pair of control battens (34) extend across the sail (20). A forward camber control handle (36) attaches to the mast (26) and an aft camber control handle (44) secures to the sail (20) aft of the sail center of effort such that rotation of the forward handle (36) relative to the aft handle (44) effects bending of the control battens (34). The forward and aft control handles (36, 44) allow the sailor to alter and control sail camber instantaneously for various sailing objectives without removing hands from the handles (36, 44), while also allowing the alignment of sailor body mass with the sail system center of effort during wave jumping.

Abstract: A boom brake for controlling the swinging motion of the boom of a sailboat includes a housing attached to the boom having two plates between which three bearing surfaces are mounted to engage a line attached to the sides of the sailboat in a serpentine path such that the line makes less than a full turn around each bearing surface to preclude overwrapping of the line. At least one of the bearing surfaces can be adjustably rotatable such that the force required to cause rotation can be selectively controlled. Braking of the boom motion is provided by sliding friction between the line and the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A device which limits the violent motion of a sailboat boom during jibing, comprising a passive resistance means which responds to violent or rapid motion and which is connected between the boom and some fixed point on the vessel, and which may be provided with a control valve to render it inoperative during gentle maneuvers.

Abstract: A clew constructed from carbon fiber composite is provided for a sailboard boom, the clew having a pair of cylinders having longitudinal axes and connected together by a trapezoidal central flange having substantially equal non-parallel sides connected to the cylinders parallel to their axes to secure them in a predetermined relative angle. The crew further includes holes through the central flange and notches in the rear edge of the flange for attachment of a lanyard or tie line rope that loops through the holes, around sheaves on the sail and through the notches which secure the end of the lanyard while permitting it to quickly be released for adjustment of sail trim. The clew further comprises a spring pin slot transverse each cylinder that interfaces with a an aft spring pin in a telescoping adjustment tube, the slot facilitating adjustment of the tube within the arm of the boom because the slot allows rotation of the tube without removal from the clew.

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 batten end fitting includes a coupling having slots therein for securely receiving slides mounted for movement in a mast track formed longitudinally in a mast and rollers rotatably mounted thereon for movement along the mast in response to movement of the slides. A socket or pivot is formed in the coupling, and a ball is defined on the forward end of a batten holder for rotatable engagement with the socket when the batten holder is flexibly secured to the coupling. The batten holder includes a pair of plates for receiving therebetween a luff end of a mainsail, and a positioner is slidably mounted between the plates for receiving a forward end of a batten sewn into a pocket in the mainsail. The positioner selectively positions the batten relative to the plates and thereby selectively tensions the batten within the batten pocket.

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 vang assembly is provided for manipulating a sailboat boom. The vang assembly includes a mechanical vang in the form of a resiliently flexible elongate column provided with an adjustment means in the form of a soft vang for arcuately flexing the mechanical vang. Opposite ends of the mechanical vang are attached below the boom to a lower portion of the mast and to the boom at a location spaced outwardly and upwardly from the lower portion of the mast. The adjustment means is attached to opposite ends of the mechanical vang and is movable between a contracted position and an extended position. When the adjustment means is moved to a contracted position, the mechanical vang is bowed arcuately upwardly and the boom is urged in a downward direction. When the adjustment means is moved to extended position, the arcuately bowed mechanical vang straightens and pushes the boom upwardly.

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 improved windsurfer apparatus includes a boom-mast connector having a collar portion which has a concave inner surface for receiving the mast of the windsurfer, an arch portion which is adapted for grasping by an operator, and a pair of projections having boom receiving sockets defined therein. The connector is of unitary construction, which makes it simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture. The inner surface of the collar portion is shaped so as to contact a mast at two separate contact areas, in a wedge-type fashion. The inner surface is further shaped so as to include upper and lower outwardly tapered contact surfaces, which permit limited pivotal movement between the connector and the mast, and facilitate a better grip between those two elements.

Abstract: An improved fluid foil system which is particularly adapted yet not limited to use in sail craft. When used in e.g. a sailboat, the foil is rotationally supported with respect to a mast and laterally tiltable about a longitudinal axis in either direction to receive the wind which in turn powers the boat on which the mast is supported. The mast can be supported in the boat at the other end thereof so as to enable free rotation with respect thereto. In addition, the system is provided with self-leveling means for the foil so as to continually urge such to its rest or non-tilted position, that is, in a position generally parallel to the water, i.e., at a zero attack angle with respect to the wind. This combination of a self-leveling, tiltable, and freely rotationable foil enables the foil to be securely attached to the mast with a minimum of structural weight.

Abstract: A device for attaching the boom to different diameter masts includes a lever attached to a locking pin, which is received in a number of slots to enable circumferential adjustment.

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

Abstract: Wishbone boom mounting for sailboards with a wishbone head section of a synthetic resin, integrally molded onto a curved pipe section of aluminum or synthetic resin for attaching the two spars of a wishbone boom, and a jacket section accommodating the curved pipe section. A collar is connected to the jacket section by at least one web and is placeable on the mast. A locking element is articulated to this collar and receives the mast. A quick-action closure closes and opens the locking element in order to mount the head section to the mast or to detach the head section from the mast. A hinged cover (10) is molded onto the collar (6) of the wishbone head section (1) by a thin flexible hinge (11) and is curved to match the mast (5). A clamping lever (12) is articulated to the collar (6) for tightening and releasing a rope piece (13) forming a loop (14), one end of this rope piece being attached to the clamping lever (12) and the other end to the collar (6) in the region of the thin flexible hinge (11).

Abstract: An improved fluid foil system which is particularly adapted yet not limited to use in sail craft. When used in e.g. a sailboat, the foil is rotationally supported with respect to a mast and laterally tiltable about a longitudinal axis in either direction to receive the wind which in turn powers the boat on which the mast is supported. The mast can be supported in the boat at the other end thereof so as to enable free rotation with respect thereto. In addition, the system is provided with self-leveling means for the foil so as to continually urge such to its rest or non-tilted position, that is, in a position generally parallel to the water, i.e., at a zero attack angle with respect to the wind. This combination of a self-leveling, tiltable, and freely rotationable foil enables the foil to be securely attached to the mast with a minimum of structural weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sailboard boom front end fitting and a sailboard boom equipped with the subject front end fitting, which fitting comprises a central flexible member flanked by a pair of shoulders, a recess defined by the central member and shoulders and having a front facing gap, the front facing gap being openable by leverage exerted by the boom arms to enable the fitting to be presented sideways to a mast and being closable by leverage exerted by the boom arms so that the front end fitting firmly grips the mast.

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: The invention relates to a coupling element between the mast and the boom of a small sailing craft, comprising rotating supports mounted on the boom to constantly maintain a face thereof against the mast surface in whatever relative position. The boom can be fixed to the mast by a belt or strap.

Abstract: A mast end boom mounting (10) for a sailing craft comprising a pair of members (11 and 12) hingedly interconnected and shaped to encompass a mast in closely abutting relationship, at least one of the members (11 and 12) being adapted to be mounted to the boom; locking element (17) is provided to engage both members and retain them in close abutting relationship with the mast.

Abstract: Wind propelled apparatus employing a mast and a sail, in particular a windsurfer for boardsailing is provided with a first boom, rigged in the usual fashion, and also having a second boom of reduced length and span rigged below the first boom, for use by a child, simultaneously with an adult operating the first boom. This double boom rig permits a child to learn the sport, be it ice boating, skateboard sailing, or the preferred windsurfing, under truly live conditions, while overcoming the greatest, and virtually insurmountable problem of uphauling, when the spar and sail are hauled up out of the water into a sailing attitude. The sail window is extended downwardly, or a junior sail window can be provided at the appropriate height. The attachment of the second, small size JUNIOR (TM) boom can be effected by recessig the sail, or by use of a power clamp or power clamps to the spar or to the sail, or to both.

Abstract: A sail on a cylindrical mast provides an aerodynamically shaped leading edge automatically oriented into relative wind, and a smooth shape behind the mast automatically adjusting for changes in trim of the sail. Flexible rib pairs opposite the mast are clamped tantentially to full length battens, the battens defining the shape of the ribs and the orientation of the leading edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel sailboat rigging, in which two masts placed without shrouds in a common thwartships plane are joined at the masthead and each have a main boom. Both main booms have a carriage that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction and is joined to the foot edge of a mainsail. The mainsail is embodied as a staysail and is guided on a stay that connects the masthead to the back end of the carriage. An articulated attachment of the two carriages by means of connecting rods to a swivel point disposed midway between the two masts offers the opportunity of automatically controlling the shortening and lengthening of the boom by means of the carriage.

Abstract: A sail system for a sailboat having a stayed, non-rotatable mast includes first and second booms, a single sail suspended from said masthead, the sail having a shape such that, with the vertical midline of the sail positioned along the mast, a generally triangular sail portion is formed on the port side of the sailboat and a second, symmetrical, sail portion is formed on the starboard side, both said starboard and port sail portions having substantial roach areas; and backstay means connected between said masthead and the stern portion of the sailboat to bend the masthead aft.

Abstract: The front body (2) has holes (3, 4) for receiving the ends of the wishbone boom, and an arched surface (7) intended to be applied against the mast. An arched clamping piece (9) is provided at each end with a metal rod (10, 11), each of which is intended to pass through a hole in the front body (2). The free end of these rods is threaded (13, 16) and projects beyond the body (2). The rod (10) is straight and the rod (11) is bent. A nut (17) is intended to cooperate with the thread (16) on the bent rod so as to ensure that the mast is held, with play, between the two arched parts (7, 9), while another nut (14), cooperating with the thread (13) on the rectilinear rod, enables the windsurfer to lock the device on the mast after having slid it to the height which suits him. This device can be fitted to the mast, with play, before the sailboard is put in the water and enables the height on the mast to be adjusted while sailing.

Abstract: A watercraft comprising a plurality of spaced-apart flotation members a corresponding plurality of elongate spar members, and a main mast. The spar members and the main mast each have opposite proximal and distal ends. A juncture means receives the proximal ends of each of the spar members and the main mast member. The watercraft further includes means for propelling itself. A plurality of spar attachment means connects each spar to its corresponding flotation member. The attachment means includes an elongate mounting bracket having an aperture attached to the distal end of its corresponding spar member, and a mounting assembly attached to its corresponding flotation member so as to retain the bracket by its aperture so that the spar member is connected to its corresponding flotation member so as to permit limited omni directional movement of the spar member relative to the corresponding flotation member.

Abstract: A flex wing apparatus comprising a support, a mast coupled to the support and a sail. Battens are carried by the sail, and couplings join the leading edge of the battens to the mast so that the sail and battens can pivot about the mast. The battens can be resiliently deformed varying magnitudes to induce the desired chamber into the battens and the sail.

Abstract: A sailboard with a wing-like sail pivoted to the top of a mast for free roll motion but constrained against pitch. The wing may have a leading edge flap. The wing is made from a sail stretched on a space frame which is demountable for compact storage.

Abstract: An inhaul boom end part for a sailboard boom assembly is molded integrally from plastic. The inhaul boom end part is generally V-shaped and includes a pair of tubular portions for attachment to the booms and a central portion. The central portion includes top and bottom surfaces and a generally semi-cylindrical arcuate surface for engaging a mast of a sailboard. A central bore extends perpendicularly through the boom end part adjacent the semi-cylindrical surface, and second and third bores extend perpendicularly through the boom end part. A jam cleat slot in the top surface extends between the central bore and the second bore, and a jam cleat slot in the bottom surface extends between the central bore and third bore.