| 摘要 |
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 (14) is rotationally supported with respect to a mast (26) and laterally tiltable about a longitudinal axis in either direction to receive the wind which in turn powers the boat (12) on which the mast (26) is supported. The mast (26) can be supported in the boat (12) at the other end thereof so as to enable free rotation with respect thereto. In addition, the system is provided with self-leveling means (42, 60) for the foil (14) 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 (14) to be securely attached to the mast (26) with a minimum of structural weight. This in turn enables both simplified and improved control of the foil (14) and the boat (12) which it powers and otherwise enables maximization of both light and heavy winds in a herethereto unachieved manner. |
