Aerodynamic wingsail

摘要

An aerodynamic wingsail and mast assembly, which does not utilize a boom or gaff, and which is simply designed to include a singular sailcloth and resilient bow rod which are removably attached to a free standing mast. The bow rod includes a pair of open-ended brackets to engage the mast, and is positioned in a curved sleeve on the trailing edge of the sailcloth. The sailcloth includes a forward sleeve for receiving the mast. Flanges on the mast engage the brackets, and the sailcloth is simply slid off the mast by releasing the brackets and tension of the bow rod. Alternative embodiments are described for 3 dimensional wingsails.

主权项

1. An aerodynamic wingsail and mast assembly for a vessel, said wingsail and mast assembly not having a boom or gaff, comprising:
a lightweight sailcloth having a plurality of tubular slots; a plurality of batten strips, said batten strips being positioned within said tubular slots; a mast for supporting said wingsail; said sailcloth and batten strips being folded about itself and said mast, forming a rounded leading edge and dual surface profile for said wingsail; said sailcloth having opposite sides which are held together with inward tension by a series of internal flexible straps creating a cross-section profile for said wingsail; said wingsail being secured to said mast; a top bracket and a bottom bracket, each said bracket having internal sleeves for positioning about said mast; said top bracket raised or lowered through a pulley and halyard assembly; said top bracket and bottom bracket respectively supporting a top edge and a bottom edge of said wingsail; and said mast being free standing, without the use of stays, said brackets being freely rotational, thereby providing enhanced operational control of said wingsail.