Sailing ship rig consisting entirely of cloth and rollers

摘要

The rig is for a sailing ship or a sail-assisted ship. It is operated without using conventional masts and with automatic setting of the sails. The system produces a cambered sail profile which acts as a comparatively efficient aerofoil section. There is a roll (D) mounted on springs (A) on a horizontal axis on the deck of the ship. Sail material may be wound on the roll or may be unwound to set the sail. The sail may consist of two layers of material. A further roll of material may be used as a stay or support to assist in setting the sail.