EP0659140A1

EP0659140A1 - System for furling a spinnaker.

Info

Publication number: EP0659140A1
Application number: EP93919432A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Marc Verslype
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: VERSLYPE, JEAN-MARC
Priority date: 1992-09-09
Filing date: 1993-09-08
Publication date: 1995-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-08
Also published as: EP0659140B1; WO1994005544A2; WO1994005544A3; CA2143643A1; FR2698067A1; US5535693A; AU4966193A; DE69303612D1; DE69303612T2; NZ255454A; ES2092324T3; AU682316B2; FR2698067B1

Abstract

A system to be installed on a sail-boat for furling a spinnaker (1) and for remote fitting of the spinnaker (1) to a boom (2) swivel-mounted on the mast (3) of the sail-boat comprises a stay (4) offset with respect to the stay for the jib (5), a furling device (6) secured to the offset stay (4), at least one boom swivel-mounted on the mast (3), a spinnaker (1) fitted in the central part of its belly with at least one supple link (17) which can be attached to the furling device (6), a circular sheet (11) knotted at the end (9) of the boom (2) and passing through the tack of the spinnaker (1), the foot (13) of the mast (3) and a point (14) on the mast (3) at a predetermined height to serve as a topping lift for the articulated boom (2), said circular sheet (11) being passed through a cleat (12) and manoeuvered from the sail-boat cockpit to lower and raise said articulated boom (2) and bring the far end (9) of said boom into contact with said spinnaker (1).

Description

System for winding a spinnaker.

The invention relates to the field of sailing.

More precisely, the invention relates to the rigging of sailboats and in particular to spinnakers. Spinnakers are well known in the field of sailing and used to increase the sail area of boats in order to increase their speed under certain gaits. They are in the form of a triangular sail of large area, light and very hollow. There are thus several forms of spinnakers. Radial, triradial and asymmetrical spinnakers are known in particular. Radial and triradial spinnakers have a symmetrical shape along a longitudinal axis while asymmetrical spinnakers show a shape without a longitudinal axis of symmetry.

Spinnakers are generally made of a very light synthetic fabric which allows them: - to be easily rigged,

- to inflate easily in the wind,

- occupy a relatively small volume when stored.

Their rounded shape when inflated also allows them to pull the boat very well. Spinnakers are used mainly downwind or in large drops but experienced coxswains also manage to use them for less favorable bearing gaits.

The handling of spinnakers is however relatively delicate. Indeed, their large surface and their shape prevent them from being hoisted when the sailboat is stopped. They can therefore only be sent during the walk.

Furthermore, the size of their surface makes them unusable in heavy weather. Their large surface can indeed prove to be dangerous in the event of a strong gale.

The spinnaker can therefore only be used when the weather conditions allow it. In this case, it is hoisted to the front of the sailboat by fixing its halyard point to a spinnaker halyard brought back to the end of the mast, taking its tack point separated only by the force of the wind which is there engulfs by fixing it to a pole (which can also be used for a genoa) fixed on the mast at the front of the sailboat, and by bordering its free end by a sheet. One of the problems posed by spinnakers is their fragility. Indeed, made of a light and relatively fragile material compared to other sails, they can easily tear in case of strong gale.

Another problem inherent in this type of sail is the fact that they can easily wrap around the forestay, in particular in short weather during a failed maneuver or when the coxswain knots a little too much and winds down. the spinnaker with the mainsail. Such a forestay is constituted by a cable which has for its object to stiffen the mast forwards in an essentially longitudinal direction. This type of cable, which can be stretched using a turnbuckle, also serves as a support for either the jib or possibly a genoa. Thus, when the spinnaker finds itself wrapped around this forestay, it is relatively difficult to release it. It is necessary to act quickly, before the spinnaker cloth tears by raging against the forestay, while taking care not to luff, and jibe by passing the boom over the false tip by hand, and by now in this position until the spinnaker towers come apart on their own. If such a maneuver remains unsuccessful, it is then necessary to send a teammate to the head of the mast to unhook the spinnaker halyard and descend along the forestay, undoing the turns as and when. If, despite such an operation, the spinnaker cannot be unrolled, it is then necessary to resolve to cut it with a knife.

Yet another problem posed by spinnakers is that they must be lowered as soon as the weather conditions change and this requires sending a crew member to the front of the boat. Once the spinnaker has collapsed, it must be folded and put in a bag, even if it means taking it out again when the conditions are right. It is therefore understood that the operation of the spinnaker in the event of a reduced crew or in solidarity is not easy.

In order to solve this problem, a device is already known in the state of the art in the form of a slightly flared tube at its lower end and intended to be mounted to slide on the spinnaker so as to come to style it to suffocate it when it is lowered and to release it so that it can deploy, when it is raised. Such a device, called "spinnaker sock", is provided in its upper part with a tan-top making it possible to raise the sock to discover the spinnaker, and in its lower part with a tan-bottom to lower the sock and suffocate the spinnaker. Such a sock has inside a cable strop to which the spinnaker is attached, the spinnaker halyard being secured to the upper end of the sock by means of a pulley accommodating the tan-top.

Such a device has the drawback of not being able to be maneuvered from the cockpit of the sailboat and of requiring the presence of a team member at the bow of the sailboat to maneuver the tan-low and the tan-high, respectively to suffocate and deploy the spinnaker .

Another drawback caused by the spinnaker socks results from the fact that they can possibly be blocked when the sock is in the raised position and prevent the spinnaker from suffocating.

Yet another drawback inherent in such socks consists in their impossibility of giving the spinnaker to which they are fixed a variable surface exposed to the wind.

Also known in the prior art, devices intended to allow the winding of the jib or genoa and various devices allowing the winding of the mainsail in the mast or in the boom.

In the absence of a furler, the jib halyard (or genoa) point is attached to the halyard of the same name. The luff of the jib, which presents a reinforcement reinforcing it is then secured over its entire length (from the tack to the halyard point) to the forestay connecting the bow of the sailboat to the mast and the jib is hoisted as and as we set the jib on the forestay. Once, the jib completely hoisted, the jib halyard is struck at the foot of the mast and the jib sheet bordered according to the strength and direction of the wind.

The presence of a reel, avoids having to lower the jib when you no longer want to use it, by wrapping it around the forestay. In a manner conventional, such a reel is in the form of a tube intended to be positioned in rotation around this forestay and having a length substantially equal to the height of the jib and provided with one or more longitudinal grooves in which the jib headline can be slid, or other types of jib hooking device. Such a reel also comprises a drum for winding one end controlling the winding of the jib around the tube arranged around the forestay. The implementation of such a reel is as follows. When placing the jib on the furler, the jib halyard is brought back from the mast so as to be fixed to the jib halyard point. The luff thereof is then introduced into the groove (s) of the reel tube and the jib is hoisted. Once the jib in position, the jib halyard is struck at the foot of the mast and the jib is wrapped around the reel tube. When you want to send the jib, you just have to tuck in the jib sheet, which causes the sail to unroll and the end to be wound around the drum of the furler. When one wishes to reduce the surface to the wind of the jib or to proceed to the complete winding of the latter, the end secured to the drum must be pulled after having shocked the jib sheet.

Such furling devices, which can also be used to wind a genoa, avoid having to lower this type of sail and allow them to be sent very quickly. However, they can only be used for sails of which a whole side, the luff, is fixed to the forestay.

There are also in the prior art furling devices intended to be fixed to the mast of sailboats and to allow the winding of the mainsail. These reels have a profile which fits onto the mast and inside which is arranged a winding tube maneuvered by an end coming out at the foot of the mast. Such devices also include a slide that fits on the boom and on which slides a pulley intended to be secured to the point of listening to the mainsail. During the implementation of such a furling device, the mainsail can be wound inside the profile fixed on the mast by acting on the outgoing end at the foot of the mast. When you want to send the mainsail, you just have to border to slide the mainsail on the boom of the boom. All these reels can be motorized. There are also furling devices for winding the mainsail on the boom.

The mainsail furlers can be attached or be an integral part of the mast or boom. Like the jib and / or genoa furler, the mainsail furlers can only be used for sails (mainsail, storm sail) whose luff is secured over essentially its entire height to the tube of winding.

An object of the invention is to provide a system for winding a spinnaker.

Another objective of the invention is to present such a system allowing the spinnaker to be placed on a pole, from the cockpit of the sailboat.

Another objective of the invention is to propose such a system making it possible to free the front deck of the boat, that is to say not to encumber it with the outrigger or the folded spinnaker.

Finally, another objective of the invention is to provide such a system allowing the partial deployment of the spinnaker, according to the force of the wind.

These various objectives as well as others which will appear subsequently are achieved, thanks to the invention, which relates to a system intended to be installed on a sailboat in order to allow the winding of a spinnaker around a forestay of said sailboat. and the remote maneuvering of said spinnaker, characterized in that it comprises:

- a forestay, offset from the jib forestay, connecting the mast head to a fixing point located at the bow of said sailboat,

- a winding device secured to said offset forestay, - at least one pole mounted articulated on the mast,

- a spinnaker whose belly is provided in its central part with at least one flexible link which can be secured to said reel and allowing the winding of said spinnaker on a double thickness, from said central part, so that only the point sheet and the tack point of said spinnaker remain accessible, once the spinnaker is fully wound up, and - A circular sheet tied at the distal end of said articulated pole, and passing through the tack of said spinnaker, by the foot of the mast and by a point of the mast located at a predetermined height thereof so that said sheet circular acts as a swing of said articulated pole, said circular sheet can be struck with a cleat and maneuvered from the cockpit of said sailboat to lower and raise said articulated pole and bring said distal end thereof into contact with the tack of said spinnaker.

Thus, according to the invention, such a system allows the use of a winding device for a spinnaker. The original feature that the sail is connected to the furling device not by one of its edges but by its central part, allows the spinnaker to be rolled up smoothly from the middle of it. Said flexible link allows the winding of said spinnaker during the folding thereof but does not hinder the movements of the spinnaker when it is deployed. In addition, according to such a characteristic, it is possible to partially wind the spinnaker and thus reduce its surface to the wind. This can be particularly interesting when the wind is not strong enough to inflate the entire spinnaker and increases the field of use of such a sail. It is indeed frequent that, in conditions of weak wind, the skipper hesitates to send the spinnaker at the risk of seeing it faseyer and wrap around the forestay.

With the device according to the invention, it is always possible to deploy the spinnaker gradually in order to see how it behaves as a function of the force and the direction of the wind and, possibly, to choose not to deploy it. completely. According to another essential characteristic of the invention according to which the system comprises a circular sheet making it possible to maneuver the articulated pole from the cockpit of the sailboat, such deployment of the spinnaker is carried out more quickly. Indeed, it is no longer necessary to send a team member to the front of the boat to fix the pole to the mast and to hook the tack point of the spinnaker to the distal end of this pole in order to hold it enough dismissed. Such a maneuver can be carried out simply by shocking the circular sheet so as to bring the pole down so that its distal end necessarily comes into contact with the tack point of the spinnaker (said circular sheet passing through this tack point), then by bordering this sheet to a cleat so that the pole is maintained in a given position.

The invention is therefore of particular interest for reduced crews. For example, in the case of a solo race, the coxswain will no longer have to operate the autopilot to send the spinnaker, since he will be able to do so without leaving his position. According to a variant of the invention, the flexible link connecting the spinnaker to the reel consists of a set of straps or sheets arranged essentially on the longitudinal axis of said spinnaker and the ends of which are secured to a strip essentially rectangular which can be fixed on said winding device. The use of such a set of straps or sheets is very easy since the strip of fabric to which they are linked can be very easily introduced into the longitudinal groove or grooves generally fitted to such reels. In addition, the use of such straps or sheets does not disturb absolutely the swelling of the spinnaker, since their catch in the wind is almost zero. Each of the straps or sheets can be positioned opposite a section of the reel tube. According to another variant of the invention, said flexible link consists of a single strap or a single sheet secured to said reel by means of a reinforced triangular fabric strip which can be fixed to said reel device.

Preferably, said essentially triangular strip is provided with reinforcements each positioned opposite a section of the tube of said reel.

According to a variant, said straps or said sheets are adjustable in length so as to be able to adapt to the surface of the spinnaker used.

Advantageously, said central part of the spinnaker belly hosting said flexible link has a reinforcement. Such reinforcement makes it possible to absorb the tensile forces of the retractor transmitted to the spinnaker canvas via the link flexible and particularly useful when this fabric is made of a fragile synthetic material having a relatively low tear strength.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, said flexible link connecting said spinnaker to said take-up device is fixed approximately at the part of the spinnaker furthest from the take-up reel, when the spinnaker is inflated.

Preferably, said offset stay supporting the reel is offset longitudinally in front of the jib stay. In this way, the risks of the flexible link of the spinnaker coming to rag against the jib stay are reduced.

Also preferably, said tack point of said spinnaker is provided with a pulley accommodating said circular sheet and capable of cooperating with the distal end of said pole.

According to a variant of the invention, the system comprises two outriggers articulated on the mast and two circular sheets, one of the two outriggers being intended for the operation of the spinnaker to port thanks to the first circular sheet and the other of these outriggers being intended for the operation to starboard of the spinnaker thanks to the second circular sheet. When installing the spinnaker on the furler, the two lower points of the sail can be fitted with both a sheet allowing to border the spinnaker and a circular sheet making it possible to bring it into contact with the pole. Depending on whether you want to send the spinnaker to port or starboard, one of the two circular sheets and the opposite spinnaker sheet will be bordered. The two outriggers can also be advantageously used to spread the base of the spinnaker as far as possible and limit, in the event of slippage, the disorderly winding of the spinnaker around the reel tube. In this way, one only obtains a faseyage of the spinnaker and not a beat of this one, which makes it possible to remain master of the spinnaker, its two tack points being controlled.

Finally, the edges of the spinnaker will preferably have a reinforcement ^' treated to resist natural ultraviolet radiation. Indeed, most of these borders remain exposed to natural light once the spinnaker is rolled up, such a treatment will slow down the aging of the spinnaker.

The invention also relates to a spinnaker forming part of the system described and characterized in that its belly is provided in its central part with at least one flexible link which can be secured to a reel, said flexible link allowing it to be wound on said reel of said spinnaker during the folding thereof but not hampering the movements of the spinnaker when it is deployed. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a spinnaker winding system perfecting the system described above in order to reduce the stresses imposed on the spinnaker during the folding-up phase.

The invention therefore also relates to such a system which is easily maneuverable remotely by means of a single sheet and also relates to a device for operating a spinnaker, characterized in that the spinnaker is provided with an eyelet situated substantially at a point on the center line of the spinnaker, and in that said operating device comprises:

- On the one hand, a winding element comprising a winding core extending over at least part of the height of the spinnaker, on the side of the concave internal face of said spinnaker; and, on the other hand, a sheet, which can be secured at a point of attachment of said spinnaker, and passing through said eyelet in the direction of a point of return located on said winding element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said eyelet is located near the middle part of the base of said spinnaker, and is pierced in a reinforced area of said spinnaker.

Advantageously, said reference point of said plating sheet consists of a shackle or equivalent.

To limit the travel of movement of the tackle sheet with respect to the spinnaker, and to allow the spinnaker to be driven during a pull on said sheet plating, the latter is provided with at least one blocking node intended to come into abutment, during the maneuver, against the internal face or the external face of said eyelet.

According to an advantageous variant, said plating sheet extends, on the side of the convex external face of the spinnaker, in the direction of the upper part of the spinnaker so as to force the plating of said deployed spinnaker in the direction of said winding core when a traction is exerted on said plating sheet. In this case, said tacking sheet is preferably fixed substantially at the level of the halyard point of said spinnaker. Furthermore, advantageously, said plating sheet is guided along the convex external face of said spinnaker by loops attached to said spinnaker. In this case, said loops preferably extend substantially along the midline of said spinnaker.

In order to facilitate the operations of sending and folding the spinnaker, the operating end of the tacking sheet is advantageously struck in a cleat.

Preferably, said cleat cooperates with a twin cleat intended to strike a sheet for controlling the rotation of said winding core.

Also in order to facilitate the spinnaker fold-back operation, said plating sheet extends into the lower part of the spinnaker alternately on the side of the concave internal face and the convex external face of the spinnaker then rises to the level of the most eyelet high so as to cause the folding in accordion of said lower part of the spinnaker when the tackle sheet is bordered.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means allowing easier maneuvering of the tacking sheet previously described and making it possible to avoid any interference between such a tacking sheet and the sheet making it possible to actuate the winding element. . Said winding element is therefore preferably equipped with an essentially cylindrical part intended to be positioned around said winding core integrally with the latter and to come into abutment on the upper flange of the winding drum of said element winding, said piece being provided with at least one pulley mounted essentially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of said part and constituting said point of return of said plating sheet.

Preferably, said pulley is provided in the upper part of said essentially cylindrical part.

Also preferably, said pulley is flush with the surface of said part, so as to slightly protrude therefrom.

Advantageously, the device comprises two pulleys positioned in the same vertical plane, said plating sheet arriving between the two pulleys. In such a scenario, the upper pulley preferably projects more from said cylindrical part than the lower pulley.

According to one aspect of the invention, said essentially cylindrical part can be integrated into said winding element.

According to another aspect of the invention, this part may consist of at least two complementary elements which can be adapted around the winding core, in particular after the positioning of the winding element around the spinnaker halyard. .

Preferably, said part is provided in its lower part with means for anchoring the drum to the winding element. Said winding element may also include a conventional double-drum winder, the upper drum being intended for winding said plating sheet and the lower drum being intended for winding the sheet winding.

According to the invention, it is then possible to provide in such a case a cage around the drums facilitating the guiding of the tacking sheet and the winding sheet.

The upper flange may also include, at the level of the inlet opening of the upper drum, an element facilitating the sliding of the sheet and avoiding wear thereof by friction on the edge of said opening, such as a pulley. . The invention and the multiple advantages it presents will be more easily understood thanks to the nonlimiting exemplary embodiments which will follow with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of a sailboat equipped with a system for the unwinding and maneuvering of a spinnaker according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the flexible link secured to the spinnaker and the furler of the sailboat shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of another alternative embodiment of the flexible link which can be used to connect the spinnaker to the reel; Figure 4 partially shows the sailboat according to Figure 1, the spinnaker being wound up and the articulated outrigger raised; Figure 5 partially shows the sailboat according to Figure 1, the spinnaker being wound up and the articulated outrigger lowered; FIG. 6 represents the end of the pole when it is lowered at the level of the non-wound ends of the spinnaker. - Figure 7 shows an improved system for the remote operation of a spinnaker; FIG. 8 represents a system similar to that of FIG. 7 but including means for folding in accordion of the lower part of the spinnaker; Figure 9 shows a system similar to that of Figure 7 including a winding piece according to the invention; FIG. 10 represents a view in longitudinal section of an embodiment of the winding part; Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the complementary elements constituting the winding part shown in Figure 10; - Figure 12 shows a double winding drum modified in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13 shows a detail view of Figure 12 showing the pulley seen from above and its fixing means.

According to Figure 1, a sailboat is shown schematically from the side with a spinnaker 1 deployed on the port side. In order to clarify this description, the other sails of this sailboat are not shown. In particular, the mainsail is not shown. The spinnaker 1 fitted to the sailboat shown is of the radial type. Note however that the system according to the invention can be used with other types of spinnakers and in particular with asymmetric spinnakers. In addition to the sails, the rigging of this sailboat comprises a mast 3 stiffened at the front by a forestay 5 and at the rear by a backstay 20. Each of these elements can be conventionally linked to the hull of the ship by a turnbuckle. Also in a classic manner, this sailboat has a boom 21 accommodating the mainsail. According to the invention, the rigging of this sailboat also includes a pole 2 mounted articulated on the mast 3 so as to be able to take at least two positions:

a raised position in which this pole 2 is placed parallel to the mast 3 and in contact with the latter over its entire length,

- a lowered position, in which the pole 2 forms an angle essentially perpendicular to the mast and which can be used to spread the edge of the spinnaker 1.

It will be noted that such articulated outriggers are already known in the state of the art and are used to secure the spinnakers or the genoa. They avoid having to install the pole on the mast each time the spinnaker or the genoa must be sent. Still according to the invention, the rigging of this sailboat comprises an additional stay 4 joining the end of the mast 3 to the bow of the sailboat. This additional forestay 4 can be secured to the hull of the ship by a turnbuckle, like the forestay 5 and the backstay 20. The forestay 4 is equipped with a reel 6 whose longitudinal winding tube 22 is mounted around this forestay 4. In a conventional manner, such a tube 22 can be provided in its upper part with means making it possible to separate the jib and spinnaker halyards.

According to the invention, the belly of the spinnaker 1 is provided in its central part with a flexible link constituted by three straps 17 making it possible to secure the spinnaker 1 to the winding device 6. The straps 17 are connected to a strip of canvas 15 essentially rectangular secured to the reel 6. In order to prevent the spinnaker canvas from tearing under the effect of the traction exerted by the reel 6 and transmitted by the straps 17, the zone by which the spinnaker is secured to the flexible link is equipped with a reinforcement 16 .

Furthermore the additional forestay 4 is offset longitudinally with respect to the forestay 5 so that the deployment of the spinnaker 1 is not hampered by this forestay 5.

According to Figure 1, the spinnaker is shown while it is fully deployed. It is bordered by a sheet 23 brought close to the cockpit of the sailboat according to the strength and direction of the wind. The tack 8 of the spinnaker 1 is connected to a pole 2 articulated on the mast 3.

Still according to the invention, the sailboat is equipped with a circular sheet 11 secured to the distal end of the articulated outrigger 2 and passing through:

- the tack 8 of the spinnaker 1,

- the foot of the mast 3, - and a point of the mast located at a predetermined height thereof so that said circular sheet can act as a swing of the articulated pole. Said circular sheet is struck at a cleat which can be maneuvered from the cockpit of the sailboat.

Such circular listening allows, as will be explained below in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5, to lower the articulated pole 2 so that the distal end thereof comes into contact with the point d tack 8 of the spinnaker 1.

The winding device 6 can be used to wind the spinnaker 1 from the central part of it so that only the listening point and the tack point of the spinnaker remain accessible, once the spinnaker is fully rolled up.

The advantages provided by the system according to the invention are multiple. First of all, such a system eliminates the need to lower the spinnaker as soon as the weather conditions no longer lend themselves to using it. In the context of the invention, this spinnaker can be wound progressively- ment and gently around the forestay 4 offset from the forestay 5.

It is also possible, thanks to the device according to the invention, to proceed only with the partial winding of the spinnaker 1 so as to reduce its surface in the wind. Until now, spinnakers could only be used with their full sail area, which was not without problems when, for example, the wind was not quite enough to inflate the spinnaker. In this case, the faseyage of this sail could lead to its winding around the forestay. Yet another advantage presented by the system according to the invention consists in the fact that the operation of the articulated outrigger 2 can be carried out from the cockpit of the sailboat. The circular sheet 11 passing through the tack 8 of the spinnaker 1 makes it possible to lower this pole so that it necessarily comes into contact with this part of the sail.

Referring to Figure 2, the flexible link securing the winding device 6 to the spinnaker 1 is shown in enlarged view. Such a flexible link consists of a set of three straps 17 secured to an essentially rectangular strip of canvas 15.

The central part of the spinnaker 1 receiving the straps 17 is provided with a reinforcement 16 heat-sealed on the canvas of the spinnaker. Of course, other means of attachment than heat sealing may be used to fix this reinforcement on the spinnaker canvas 1. The straps 17 are sewn by one of their ends to the reinforcement 16 and to the spinnaker sail, essentially perpendicularly to this sail. These straps 17 have a sufficient length to allow the free deployment of the spinnaker and its swelling in the wind. The ends opposite to the ends linked to the spinnaker 1 are connected to the strip of fabric 15. The latter is fitted over its entire length with a line 24 which can be easily inserted into the groove of the longitudinal tube 22 of the winding device 6. The width of the strip 15 is, in turn, low enough not to disturb the swelling of the spinnaker. The straps can be spaced apart from each other by a sufficient distance to promote winding on the winding device. A model of a sailboat fitted with such a flexible link, having a total height of 1.50 m, and, as a flexible link, a set of little boys spaced 10 cm apart was tested. These tests showed that the flexible link had no influence on the swelling of the spinnaker.

According to Figure 3, another embodiment of the flexible link connecting the central part of the spinnaker 1 to the take-up device 6 is shown. This flexible link is constituted by a single strap 17 knotted to the central part of the spinnaker 1. For this purpose, a reinforcement 16 is used to resist the tensile forces transmitted by the reel 6 via the strap 17. The strap 17, shown shortened for clarity of description, is connected to an essentially triangular strip 18 provided with reinforcements 19 and having a headline 24 on its side, headline which can be introduced into the groove of the winding device 6. The reinforcements 19 are arranged essentially on the triangular strip 18 so as to each correspond to a section of the tube 22 of the winding device 6. This embodiment of the flexible link has only a very low wind resistance not likely to alter or hinder the swelling of the spinnaker 1.

With reference to FIG. 4, part of the sailboat shown in FIG. 1 is shown, the spinnaker 1 being wound around the offset forestay 4 by means of the take-up device 6. The end of the take-up of this take-up device 6 is not not shown but is designed in a conventional manner. The winding of the spinnaker 1 on the reel device 6 takes place over a double thickness since the winding operation is carried out from the central part of the spinnaker's belly. Once the spinnaker 1 is completely wound around the furling device 6, only the tack 8 and sheet 7 points of this sail remain accessible. According to Figure 4, the articulated pole 2 is shown in the raised position.

The circular sheet 11 tied at the distal end 9 of the pole 2 passes through a point 14 located on the mast 3 at a predetermined height so that the circular sheet 11 can act as a swing of the articulated pole 2. This point 14 can be fixed high enough on the mast to be able to allow the use of poles of several lengths which can allow possible spinnaker surfaces more great. After running along the mast 3, the circular sheet 11 is brought back to the foot 13 of the mast 3 and bordered by a cleat 12 so as to maintain the articulated pole 2 in the raised position.

Furthermore, the circular sheet 11 passes through the tack point 8 of the spinnaker 1. The listening point 7 of the spinnaker, also free and not wound, is in turn provided with a sheet also recalled in the cockpit of the sailboat but not shown for clarity of description.

The circular sheet 11 therefore constitutes a means of operating the articulated outrigger 2 and establishes a guide path from the distal end 9 of the latter to the tack point 8 of the spinnaker.

When the articulated pole 2 is in the raised position, the front of the sailboat is released. It will be noted that, in order not to hinder the deployment of the jib, the end of the circular sheet 11 not struck at the cleat 12 may be sufficiently shocked. Referring to Figure 5, when the spinnaker must be deployed, the circular sheet 11 is released from the cleat 12 so as to allow the positioning of the articulated pole 2 in the lowered position, that is to say essentially perpendicular to the mast 3. The circular sheet 11 passing through the tack point 8 of the spinnaker, the articulated pole 2 necessarily comes into contact with this tack point. Once the pole 2 has been positioned from the cockpit of the sailboat, the furling device 6 can be maneuvered so as to gradually and gently release the spinnaker 1. When the spinnaker 1 is sufficiently deployed, the sheet 11 can be bordered so as to give the articulated pole 2 the desired angle relative to the direction of the sailboat. At the same time, the spinnaker sheet attached to the listening point 7 can be bordered.

When the spinnaker 1 must be folded, the winding end of the device 6 can be pulled in order to instill in the longitudinal tube 22 of this winding device a rotation on itself authorizing the recall of the straps 17 first and then that of the spinnaker from its central part. The spinnaker and outrigger operation is thus greatly made easier since it can be done from the cockpit of the sailboat.

Referring to Figure 6, the distal end 9 of the articulated outrigger 2 is provided with means 26 for tying the circular sheet 11 so that it can allow to organize the raising and lowering of the pole articulated 2. This distal end 9 can cooperate with a pulley 25 through which the circular sheet 11 passes and fixed on the tack 8 of the spinnaker 1 so as to secure the positioning of the spinnaker on the articulated pole 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, an improved system for the remote operation of the spinnaker is shown according to which, the spinnaker 1, shown in the deployed position, is tensioned in its upper part by a halyard 50 connected to a swivel 51 passing through a halyard stitch 40.

The spinnaker 1 is further provided with an eyelet 30 located along the center line 31 of the spinnaker, preferably at the base of said spinnaker. The eyelet 30 is placed in the center of a reinforced zone of said spinnaker, for example by means of pieces of reinforcing fabric sewn and / or glued to the spinnaker.

The sailboat is furthermore provided with a winding element 32 comprising a winding drum 52 (or as many other channeling system of this winding) driving in rotation the winding core 33 extending over at least part the height of the spinnaker 1. The winding core is, for example, a reel tube or a storage cable, or any rope, or any other device allowing the spinnaker to be wound up. Advantageously, said winding core 33 is of a sufficiently large diameter to limit the number of turns that it is necessary to subject to the winding means to completely fold the spinnaker. The drum 52 of the winding means receives a sheet of winding 45 struck in a cleat 44. The winding drum advantageously comprises a return means ensuring an automatic rotation of the winding core in one of the direction of rotation when sheet 45 is released.

The spinnaker operating device according to the invention comprises a plating sheet 36 which passes through the eyelet 30, flows through a point of return 37 secured to the winding means 32, and is struck in a cleat 43. This sheet 36 serves as a flexible link ensuring the plating of the eyelet 30 against the winding means 32 when the sheet 36 is pulled, then the rotation of the spinnaker around the core 33. According to the invention, this winding operation can be carried out according to at least two methods.

According to a first embodiment, the tacking sheet 36 is provided with a knot (not shown) situated opposite the external face of the eyelet 30 situated on the side of the convex external face of the spinnaker 1. Therefore, when the crew member of the sailboat exerts traction on the tacking sheet 36, the knot exerts pressure on the external face of the eyelet 30 which is driven towards the winding means 32 and finally comes to be pressed against the shackle 37 At this time, the operating end 42 of the tacking sheet 36 can be struck in the cleat 43, then the team member can maneuver the winding sheet 35 to allow the winding of the element of winding 32.

The shackle 37 is advantageously secured to the winding means 32. In this case, it is then necessary to let the plating sheet 36 progressively slip away as the winding means 32 is wound up, so as to allow the rotations of the sheet 36 above the drum 52. Advantageously, a specific flange 53 will be provided guiding the winding of the plating sheet 36 around the winding means 32, so as to avoid interference between the two sheets 36, 45, or other elements of the hardware.

According to a second method, said plating sheet 36 extends on the side of the convex external face 35 of the spinnaker in the direction of the upper part of the spinnaker and of the halyard point 40 where it is stowed. In order to guide this movement, the plank sheet 36 advantageously circulates through passers-by 41 distributed along the center line 31 of the spinnaker, or in a sheath or any other guide means.

According to this second modality, a pull on the tacking sheet 36 then has the effect of gradually tackling the entire height of the spinnaker along the winding core 33. This embodiment facilitates the fallback operation in the event of strong winds.

It will be noted that this second embodiment of the invention has the advantage of exerting the action of plating the spinnaker on the winding core 33 by a pressure force, and not by a traction force as in the embodiments of the aforementioned earlier patent application 92 10888. This results in a reduction in the stresses borne by the corresponding parts of the spinnaker, which can thus be made of a less resistant and lighter material, with an increased service life. Advantageously, it is also possible to provide the plating sheet 36 with a knot 39 located on the internal face of the eyelet 30, on the side of the internal concave face 34 of the spinnaker 1. This knot 39 limits the movement travel of the listening 36, avoiding its leakage through the eyelet 30.

Advantageously, the cleats 43 and 44 include a mechanism ensuring the release of the tacking sheet 36 as and when the winding sheet 45 is operated.

Note also that the spinnaker 1 is preferably secured to the winding core 33 at the halyard point 40, so as to be able to be driven in rotation simultaneously at its base and at its top during the operation of withdrawal.

With reference to FIG. 8, another embodiment is shown in which the plank sheet 36 is extended in the lower part of the spinnaker, alternately on the side of the concave internal face and the convex external face of the spinnaker passing through eyelets 30a, 30b, 30c then goes up to an eyelet 30d located near the eyelet 30. It will be noted that additional eyelets may be provided at the eyelet 30 to adapt the paths for the passage of the sheet . By bordering the sheet 36, it is thus possible to fold the lower part of the spinnaker into an accordion. Such a possibility turns out to be particularly advantageous when it is desired to use a spinnaker having a surface greater than the theoretical maximum surface defined in height by the height of the winding core 33. It will be noted that, like the eyelet 30, the eyelets 30a, b, c, can also be reinforced.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9, the sailboat is further provided with a winding element 32 including an essentially cylindrical part 60 positioned around the winding core 33, so integral with the latter, and coming into abutment on the upper flange of the winding drum 52 of the winding element 32. This part is provided with two pulleys 64, 63 mounted essentially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis in the upper part of said part 60 which facilitate the winding of the tacking sheet. The pulleys 64 and 63 constitute the point of reference of said plating sheet 36 which passes between them and make it possible to prevent the plating sheet from becoming wedged between the part 60 and the drum 52.

The upper pulley 64 is slightly more flush with the surface of the part 60 than the lower pulley 63, so as to separate the plating sheet 36 from this part well at its arrival between the two pulleys.

The sheet 36 coming from the spinnaker arrives between the two pulleys and passes behind the lower pulley 63 before being able to wind around the lower part of the part 60 when the winding element 32 is actuated. Figure 10 and 11, the part 60 consists of two complementary elements 66 and 67 intended to be assembled around the core 33 of the winding element in order to wedge it and be integral. To this end, the elements 66, 67 having internal bearing surfaces 69 and 70 of the core 33 of the winding element 32 which are advantageously covered with a material such as foam, to accommodate the soul. In order to assemble the two complementary elements 66,67, stops 71 intended to cooperate with each other thanks to fixing means are provided.

Furthermore, means 65 for securing to the upper flange of the drum 52 of the winding element 32 are provided. These means consist of a trigger guard in which can be fixed a pin also cooperating with this flange and make it possible to prevent the part 60 from sliding along the core 33 and back up along the latter.

It will be noted that the complementary elements 66 and 67 could be designed so that the part 60 is closed in its upper part when it cooperates with the core 33.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, it will also be possible to use, as a winding part, a double drum, modified according to the invention: by a cage 80 fixed around the drums of the reel and facilitating guiding tackle sheet 36; and - by a pulley 81 fixed at the level of the inlet orifice 82 of the upper flange and facilitating the sliding of the plating sheet and preventing wear thereof by friction on the edge of said orifice.

Referring to Figure 13, the pulley 81 is positioned such that its axis of rotation 83 is perpendicular to the radius of the upper flange of the double drum. This axis is secured at each of its ends by an upper plate 84 and a lower plate (only the upper plates 84 are visible in FIG. 13), fixed respectively on the upper surface and on the lower surface of the upper flange.

This is only a particular method of attachment, other methods of attachment can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention described here are not intended to reduce the scope thereof and may be subject to modifications without departing from the scope of the invention, within the limits of the characteristics defined in the claims. .

Claims

1. System intended to be installed on a sailboat in order to allow the winding of a spinnaker (1) around a forestay (4) of said sailboat and the remote positioning of said spinnaker (1) on a pole (2) mounted articulated on the mast (3) of said sailboat, characterized in that it comprises:

- a forestay (4), offset with respect to the jib forestay (5) of said sailboat, connecting the head of the mast (3) to a fixing point located at the bow of said sailboat,

- a winding device (6) secured to said offset stay (4),

- at least one pole (2) mounted articulated on the mast (3), - a spinnaker (1) whose belly is provided in its central part with at least one flexible link (17) which can be secured to a reel (6 ) and allowing the winding of said spinnaker (1) over a double thickness, from said central part, so that only the listening point and the tack of said spinnaker (1) remain accessible, once the spinnaker (1) fully wound, - a circular sheet (11) knotted at said distal end (9) of said articulated pole (2), and passing through the tack of said spinnaker (1), by the foot (13) of the mast (3) and by a point (14) of the mast (3) located at a predetermined height thereof so as to serve as a swing of said articulated pole (2), said circular sheet (11) being capable of being struck at a cleat (12) and maneuvered from the cockpit of said sailboat to lower and raise said articulated pole (2) and bring the distal end (9) thereof in contact with said spinnaker (11).

2. System according to claim 1 characterized in that said flexible link connecting the spinnaker (1) to the reel (6) consists of a set of straps (17) or sheets arranged essentially on the longitudinal axis of said spinnaker (1) and the ends of which are secured to an essentially rectangular strip (15) which can be fixed to said winding device (6).

3. System according to claim 1 characterized in that said flexible link is constituted by a single strap (17) or a single sheet secured to said reel (6) via an essentially triangular band (18) which can be fixed on said winding device (6).

4. System according to claim 3 characterized in that said essentially triangular strip is provided with reinforcements (19) each positioned opposite a section of the tube (22) of said reel (6).

5. System according to claim 3 or 4 characterized in that said straps (17) or said sheets are adjustable in length so as to be able to adapt to the surface of said spinnaker (1).

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that said central part of the belly receiving said flexible link (17) has a reinforcement (16).

7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said flexible link (17) connecting said spinnaker (1) to said winding device (6) is fixed approximately at the level of the most distant part of the spinnaker (1) reel (6), when the spinnaker is inflated.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that said offset stay (4) supporting the reel, is offset longitudinally in front of said jib stay.

9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that said tack point (8) of said spinnaker (1) is provided with a pulley (25) receiving said circular sheet and capable of cooperating with the distal end of said pole (2).

10. System according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it comprises two outriggers (2) articulated on the mast (3) and two circular sheets (11), one of the two outriggers being intended for maneuvering of the spinnaker (1) to port thanks to the first circular sheet and the other of these poles being intended for maneuvering to starboard of the spinnaker (1) thanks to the second circular sheet.

11. System according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the edges of said spinnaker (1) have a reinforcement treated so as to resist natural ultraviolet radiation.

12. Spinnaker characterized in that its belly is provided in its central part with at least one flexible link (17) which can be secured to a reel (6), said flexible link allowing the winding on said reel (6) of said spinnaker (1) when folding it but not interfering with the spinnaker's movements when it is deployed.

13. Device for operating a spinnaker, characterized in that the spinnaker (1) is provided with an eyelet (30) situated substantially at a point on the center line (31) of the spinnaker (1), and in that said operating device comprises:

- firstly a winding element (32) comprising a winding core (33) extending over at least part of the height of the spinnaker (1), on the side of the concave internal face (34) of said spinnaker; and, on the other hand, a plank sheet (36), which can be secured at a point of attachment of said spinnaker (1), and passing through said eyelet (30) in the direction of a point of return (37) located on said element winding (32).

14. Device according to claim 13 characterized in that said eyelet (30) is located near the middle part of the base of said spinnaker (1).

15. Device according to claim any one of claims 13 and 14 characterized in that said eyelet (30) is pierced in a reinforced area (38) of said spinnaker (1).

16. Operating device according to any one of claims 13 to 15 characterized in that said point of reference (37) of said plating sheet consists of a shackle or equivalent.

17. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 16 characterized in that said plating sheet (36) is provided with at least one blocking node (38) intended to come into abutment, during the maneuver, against the internal face or the external face of said eyelet (30).

18. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 17 characterized in that said plating sheet (36) extends, on the side of the external face (35) convex of the spinnaker (1), towards the upper part of the spinnaker (1) so as to force the plating of said spinnaker (1) deployed in the direction of said winding core (33) when traction is exerted on said plating sheet (36).

19. Device according to claim 18 characterized in that said listening to tackle (36) is fixed substantially at the halyard point (40) of said spinnaker (1).

20. Device according to any one of claims 18 and 19 characterized in that said plating sheet is guided along the convex external face (35) of said spinnaker by loops (41) attached to said spinnaker (1).

21. Device according to claim 20 characterized in that said loops (41) extend substantially along the center line of said spinnaker.

22. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 21 characterized in that the operating end (42) of the tacking sheet (36) is struck in a cleat (43).

23. Device according to claim 22 characterized in that said cleat (43) cooperates with a twin cleat (44) intended to strike a sheet (45) for controlling the rotation of said winding core (33).

24. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 23 characterized in that said plating sheet (36) extends in the lower part of the spinnaker (1) alternately on the side of the concave internal face (34) and of the face external convex (35) of the spinnaker (1) and rises to the level of said eyelet (30), so as to cause the folding in accordion of said lower part of the spinnaker (1) when the tacking sheet (36) is bordered.

25. Device according to one of claims 13 to 24 characterized in that said winding element (32) is equipped with an essentially cylindrical part (60) intended to be positioned around said winding core (33) of integral with the latter and coming into abutment on the upper flange of the winding drum (52) of said winding element (32), said part being provided with at least one pulley (63) mounted essentially radially with respect to to the longitudinal axis of said piece (60) and constituting said point of reference of said plating sheet (36).

26. Device according to claim 25 characterized in that said pulley (63) is provided in the upper part of said essentially cylindrical part (60).

27. Device according to one of claims 25 or 26 characterized in that said pulley (60) is flush with the surface of said part (60), so as to protrude slightly therefrom.

28. Device according to one of claims 25 to 27 characterized in that it comprises two pulleys (63,64) positioned in the same vertical plane, said tacking sheet (36) arriving between the two pulleys.

29. Device according to claim 28 characterized in that the upper pulley (64) preferably projects further from said cylindrical part (60) than the lower pulley (63).

30. Device according to one of claims 25 to 29 characterized in that said essentially cylindrical part (60) is provided with anchoring means (65) to the drum (52) of the winding element (32).

31. Device according to one of claims 25 to 30 characterized in that said essentially cylindrical part (60) is integrated into said element of enroule¬ ment (32).

32. Device according to one of claims 25 to 31 characterized in that said essentially cylindrical part (60) consists of at least two complementary elements (66,67) which can be adapted around the winding core (33).

33. Device according to one of claims 13 to 24 characterized in that said winding element comprises a double-drum whose drums are provided with a cage (80) facilitating the winding of the tacking sheet.

34. Device according to claim 33 characterized in that the inlet orifice 82 of the upper flange is provided with an element 81 facilitating the sliding of the tacking sheet 36.

35. Device according to claim 34 characterized in that said element is a pulley.