EP2184225A2 - Segelschiff mit einer relativ zum Rumpf drehenden und quer beweglichen Segeleinrichtung - Google Patents

Segelschiff mit einer relativ zum Rumpf drehenden und quer beweglichen Segeleinrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2184225A2
EP2184225A2 EP09075174A EP09075174A EP2184225A2 EP 2184225 A2 EP2184225 A2 EP 2184225A2 EP 09075174 A EP09075174 A EP 09075174A EP 09075174 A EP09075174 A EP 09075174A EP 2184225 A2 EP2184225 A2 EP 2184225A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sail
vessel
sailing vessel
sailing
sail device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP09075174A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2184225A3 (de
Inventor
Walter Willem Hubertus Hart
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2184225A2 publication Critical patent/EP2184225A2/de
Publication of EP2184225A3 publication Critical patent/EP2184225A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
    • B63H9/069—Kite-sails for vessels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H8/00—Sail or rigging arrangements specially adapted for water sports boards, e.g. for windsurfing or kitesurfing
    • B63H8/20—Rigging arrangements involving masts, e.g. for windsurfing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sailing vessel.
  • the present invention relates to a method of sailing.
  • the present invention relates to a sail device, a sail organ, a sail mast, a jib organ, a planing surface and a hull assembly for use in the sailing vessel.
  • Sailing vessels are known in the field of the art. It is a general objective to construct sailing vessels in such a way that they can attain a high speed. Different types of sailing vessels exist. One known type of sailing vessel is the catamaran. The windsurfboard is another known type of sailing vessel. Both of these types of sailing vessels have disadvantages.
  • Known sailboats such as monohulls and catamarans and trimarans have a disadvantage in that in use, the wind force has a downward component, pressing the vessel into the water and thereby increasing the displacement.
  • a further disadvantage of many known sailboats is that a large forward moment is exerted on the vessel by the wind force, pressing the bow of the vessel into the water.
  • Another disadvantage of known vessels is that the wind force exerts a roll moment on the vessel, which roll moment is compensated by forces from the water exerting an upward force on the hull of the vessel on the leeside of the vessel, thereby keeping the vessel upright.
  • a windsurfboard has different mechanical characteristics.
  • the user supports the sail, and holds it in a position.
  • An upwards vertical wind force is created, which lifts the windsurfer and the windsurfboard from the water. This decreases the buoyancy, and therefore the drag force, enabling the windsurfboard to attain high speeds.
  • a windsurfboard has a substantially smaller forward moment due to the wind.
  • the roll moment caused by the wind is compensated by the mass of the user instead of by an upward force from the water on the windsurfboard on the leeside of the vessel.
  • a first disadvantage is eventual fatigue of the user. A substantial force must continuously be exerted by the body of the user on the sail in order to hold the sail in the required position. This causes fatigue of the user. These forces are dynamic an thus vary considerably in time, which accelerates the fatigue. The user has to stand up, which also causes fatigue.
  • a second disadvantage is that the size of a windsurfboard is limited.
  • the windsurfboard is a one-person vessel, with a sail of limited size.
  • Windsurfing is limited to a solo sport, and because of the small size, there is hardly any seaworthiness. Windsurfing is therefore generally limited to near-shore sailing. Longer trips, such as transatlantic voyages are not really possible in windsurfing
  • At least one of the mentioned objects is reached in a sailing vessel according to the features of claim 1.
  • the sailing vessel according to the invention provides an advantage in that the rotation axis can be positioned in a predetermined orientation relative to the sailing vessel.
  • the rotation axis can be positioned such that an upward vertical component of the wind force is created, pulling the sailing vessel upward from the water.
  • good planing characteristics are provided, allowing the sailing vessel to plane on the water rather than to plow through the water, thereby decreasing and even minimising drag forces from the water.
  • the mast assembly is configured to support the sail device, and may have many different forms and generally comprises an A-frame when viewed from a side. Other mast assemblies are also possible.
  • the hull assembly may also have many different forms which are suitable for sailing.
  • the rotation axis may extend substantially through the upper end and lower end of the sail device.
  • a roll moment which is created by the lateral component of the wind force may be compensated by a mass which is positioned substantially on a weatherside of the sailing vessel, which mass creates a counter roll moment.
  • This mass comprises the mass of the at least one user and the mass of the vessel itself.
  • the word user which is used herein may indicate that one user is present on the sailing vessel. However, it is preferable that the sailing vessel is sailed by more than one user. For instance, one user may operate the sail device while another user operates a rudder. Both users also provide mass in order to counter balance the wind force roll moment. Three or more users may be present as well.
  • the present sailing vessel can be scaled up to substantial sizes.
  • the wind roll moment exerted on the sail device may be varied by the user with relative ease by rotating the sail device about its rotation axis. This enables the user to keep the wind roll moment substantially equal to the counter roll moment, thereby keeping the sailing vessel in a dynamic roll equilibrium. Contrary to conventional sailing vessels, substantial water forces exerted on the leeside of the hull assembly for creating a compensating roll moment are not necessary.
  • the rotation axis may be positioned such, that an upward wind force component is created, which lifts the sailing vessel from the water.
  • the rotation axis may be inclined backwards.
  • the sail device thus leans to the weatherside and to the back and is positioned such, that a forward moment exerted by the wind on the sailing vessel is relatively small, increasing the speed of the vessel
  • the sail device has an upper end and a lower end, defining a height of the sail device.
  • the rotation axis extends substantially between the upper and lower end of the sail device.
  • the sail device may be rotatably connected at the upper end to an upper end of the mast assembly.
  • a wind force axis along which a wind force acts on the sail device may extend approximately through the rotation axis.
  • the hull assembly comprises a left planing surface and a right planing surface, in particular planing boards, connected to one another by a frame or an intermediate hull section.
  • the intermediate section may be referred to as a frame or horizontal frame, but other embodiments are also conceivable.
  • the left and right planing surfaces are separated by a space.
  • the left and right planing boards comprise respective longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to one another.
  • the sail device is configured such, that the pressure point of the sail device can be positioned substantially above the planing board on the leeside of the sailing vessel, while the user is positioned on the weatherside of the vessel.
  • the mass of the user(s) and the mass of the vessel itself thus provide the counter roll moment to the roll moment created by the wind force.
  • pressure point indicate the position on the sail device where a resultant wind force acts on the sail device. This position may vary in dependence of the wind force, the spread of the wind load over the sail, and/or the angle of approach of the wind relative to the sail device.
  • the left planing surface and the right planing surface are connected to one another via a frame which extends between the left and right planing surface and which in use is located substantially above the waterline or wherein the left planing surface and the right planing surface form part of an integrated hull of which an intermediate part which connects the left and right planing surface in use is located substantially above the water line. In this way a separating space between the left and right planing surfaces is created.
  • a third planing surface is provided of which a forward part extends between an aft part of the first and second planing surface.
  • the third planing surface is positioned at the rear side of the hull assembly.
  • the left and right planing surface each have a substantially flat bottom surface which is substantially horizontal.
  • the left and right planing surfaces have a windsurfboard-like form, i.e. are a planing board.
  • the dimensions (length, width, height, volume) of the planing boards will generally be substantially greater than the dimensions of a regular windsurfboard. In particular, the length may be greater than 3 or 4 m.
  • the planing boards have connection means or connection points via which the boards can be mounted to the frame or the intermediate hull part.
  • each board has at least four connection means or points which are spaced apart in order to allow substantial moments to be exerted by the boards on the frame or intermediate hull part. Two connection points are positioned forward, and two connection points are positioned a the rear of the first and second planning board.
  • the mast assembly in particular the upper end thereof is adjustable over some distance in a forward and backward direction relative to the hull assembly. This allows a good tuning of the sailing vessel to existing wind conditions at the time of sailing.
  • the sailing vessel comprises a third planing surface positioned at a central longitudinal plane of the sailing vessel, in particular substantially at the rear of the sailing vessel.
  • the vessel may have an inclination to tilt backwards when no wind acts on the sail device.
  • the third planing surface may compensate for this characteristic and avoid backwards capsizing of the vessel.
  • the third planing surface may have a bottom surface which is located somewhat higher, when viewed from the side, than the bottom surface of the first and second planing surface.
  • the rear end of the third planing surface is located further to the rear than the rear end of the first and second planing surface.
  • a rear portion of the planing surface of the third planing surface is also located further to the rear than a rear portion of the planing surface of the first and second planing surface.
  • This feature allows the active part of the combined planing surface formed by the three individual planing surfaces of the vessel to move forward, when viewed from a side, when the vessel tilts about the planing surface on the leeside from a horizontal position to a tilted position in such a way that the planing surface on the weatherside and the third planing surface are lifted partially or completely from the water.
  • the third planing surface defines the rear end of the vessel.
  • the rear end of the planing surface on the leeside defines the rear end of the vessel, at least the rearmost end which is in contact with the water. Due to the more forward position of the rear end of the leeside planing surface relative to the rear end of the third planing surface, the rear end of the vessel thus shifts forward relative to the sail device when the third planing surface is lifted above the water level.
  • the rear boundary of the part of the hull which is in contact with the water is moved forward relative to the sailing vessel, as explained above with the tilting of the sailing vessel.
  • the forward boundary of the part of the planing surface which is in contact with the water moves to the rear.
  • At least a part of the sail device is movable from the left to the right of the sailing vessel and vice versa.
  • the sail device may thus be positioned alternately on the left and the right side of the sailing vessel.
  • the mast assembly projects upward from the hull assembly and is connected to the hull assembly.
  • the mast assembly is fixed to the hull assembly, and extends substantially vertically from the hull assembly at a substantially rear position thereof.
  • the sail device in particular the main longitudinal axis thereof is inclined backwards relative to the hull assembly, because the lower connection point of the sail device is positioned forward of the upper connection point.
  • the substantially rearward position of the mast assembly provides space on the forward side of the mast assembly for moving the sail device from left to right.
  • the mast assembly may be straight, but may also be curved, extending upwards substantially vertically or inclined somewhat to the rear. Alternatively, the mast assembly may be curved at the upper end toward the forward end of the sailing vessel.
  • the larger part of the sail device is configured to be positioned substantially at a leeside of the sailing vessel in use.
  • the sailing vessel may rotate about the planing surface on the leeside such that the planing surface on the weatherside and the auxiliary planing surface are lifted from the water.
  • the water forces on the sailing will then be exerted on the sailing vessel for the most part on the planing surface situated on the leeside of the sailing vessel.
  • the pressure point of the sail device can be positioned at or near a central vertical longitudinal plane of the planing board which is provided on the leeside of the sailing vessel, thus creating a good steering balance and a favourable position of the pressure point for compensating the roll moment.
  • the pressure point When viewed from above, the pressure point thus is situated substantially above a point at which the drag force of the water acts on the sailing vessel, which improves directional stability of the sailing vessel.
  • a second advantage is that because the pressure point can be situated at the leeside of the vessel, the counter mass can be positioned at the weatherside, thereby using the width of the vessel very efficiently.
  • the sailing vessel tilts (or roll) the planing surface on the leeside functions as a tilting point when viewed from the rear.
  • a maximum lateral distance (or arm) between the planing surface on the leeside and the counter mass is thus created. This creates a large counter roll moment for a given mass, creating a large stability of the vessel.
  • the part of the sail device which is movable from left to right is movable to a first position on a left side of a central longitudinal plane of the sailing vessel and movable to a second position on a right side of the central longitudinal plane.
  • a substantial part of the rotation axis can be positioned on the leeside of the sailing vessel.
  • the lower connection point is movable along a curved trajectory from the left side of the vessel to the right side and vice versa.
  • the curved trajectory when viewed from above the curved trajectory has a left end and a right end which form the rear parts of the trajectory and wherein a middle section of the curved trajectory is located more forward than the left and right end.
  • This shape of the trajectory allows the sail device to pass the mast assembly on the forward side and be positioned somewhat more to the rear when positioned on the left or right side.
  • the sailing vessel comprises a rail or similar guiding device which extends substantially from the left side of the vessel to the right side of the vessel and which defines a trajectory along which the lower connection point is moveable, wherein a lower end of the sail device is movably connected via a slider or roller device to said rail or similar device, wherein the slider or roller device is movable from the left side of the vessel to the right side and vice versa.
  • a diabolo coupling or a cardanian coupling may be provided between the lower end of the sail device and the slider or roller device.
  • the sail device is rotatable relative to the hull assembly about the rotation axis. This advantageously allows a user to position the sail device in a desired orientation relative to the wind in the first and second position.
  • the mast assembly comprises positioning means configured for positioning at least one part of the sail device in a first area located on the left side of the central longitudinal plane, and configured for positioning the at least one part of the sail device in a second area located on the right side of the central longitudinal plane.
  • first and second area indicate that in operation, the position of the pressure point may vary, for instance because of changing wind conditions which may necessitate a different orientation of the sail device about the rotation axis, and also because of some deformation of the sail device and/or the mast assembly due to the wind forces exerted on the sail device.
  • the first area and the second area are located at an area distance from one another, the area distance being a substantial distance relative to a width of the hull assembly.
  • the pressure point is thus movable over a lateral distance which is a substantial distance relative to the width of the sailing vessel.
  • the area distance is at least 40 % of the distance between a central vertical longitudinal plane of the left planing board and a central vertical longitudinal plane of a right planing board. If, in operation, the user is positioned at the central vertical longitudinal plane of the planing board on the weatherside, the pressure point will be at a horizontal distance of at least 70% of the distance between the central vertical longitudinal plane of the left planing board and the central vertical longitudinal plane of the right planing board from the user.
  • the left planing board has a left longitudinal plane
  • the right planing board has a right longitudinal plane
  • the first area is located nearer to the left longitudinal plane than to the central longitudinal plane of the sailing vessel
  • the second area is located nearer to the right longitudinal plane than to the central longitudinal plane of the sailing vessel.
  • Fixing means may be provided which are configured for fixing the pressure point in said first and second area. These fixing means may not fix the pressure point in an exact location, but rather in a certain area.
  • the pressure point of the sail device is movable from the left to the right area. If the pressure point can move from left to right, it can be positioned in a required position substantially above a part of the hull assembly where the drag force of the water acts on the sailing vessel, thereby reducing a possible steering moment.
  • the sail device is rotatably connected at an upper end thereof to the mast assembly, in particular by a connection means which is connected to the upper end of the mast assembly.
  • this allows the sail device to be suspended from the mast assembly, such that the weight of the sail device is carried by the mast assembly.
  • This allows the lower end of the sail device to easily be moved relative to the hull assembly by the user, in order to be moved from the left side of the sailing vessel to the right side and vice versa.
  • the mast assembly is configured for supporting the sail device in an inclined orientation relative to the hull assembly with an upper part of the sail device being located closer to the weatherside of the sailing vessel than a lower part of the sail device.
  • the inclined orientation of the sail device allows an upward vertical component of the wind force to be created during sailing, lifting the sailing vessel from the water and reducing the displacement and the drag force.
  • the upward wind force component also reduces the forward bending moment, leading to less nose dip behaviour.
  • the lower end of the sail device is movable substantially from the left side of the hull assembly to the right side of the hull assembly and vice versa.
  • the pressure point is also moved from left to right, such that the pressure point can be positioned substantially in line with the drag force axis (when viewed from above), in particular above the planing board on the leeside of the sailing vessel.
  • a sail mast foot is provided which forms part of the lower connection point.
  • the sail mast foot is connected to a slider or roller device which is movably mounted to the rail or similar guiding device.
  • the rotation axis is rotatable relative to the hull assembly about a pivot point.
  • a rotation relative to the hull assembly about a pivot axis is a simple and effective way of moving at least one point of the rotation axis from left to right.
  • the pivot point is generally located near the upper end of the mast assembly, at a distance above the planing boards.
  • the rotation axis intersects the hull assembly at an intersection point located on the left side of the central longitudinal plane, and in the second position the rotation axis intersects the hull assembly at an intersection point located on the right side of the central longitudinal plane.
  • the rotation axis is rotatable about a pivot point which is located at a distance above the hull assembly.
  • the rotation axis can rotate about the suspension point at the upper end of the mast assembly.
  • the sail device is supported with the rotation axis oriented in a backwards inclination over an angle ( ⁇ ) relative to the hull assembly.
  • the backwards inclination of the rotation axis causes a backward inclination of the sail in use.
  • an upwards component of the wind force is created, thereby lifting the sailing vessel from the water. Further, the forward roll moment is reduced.
  • the rotation axis can be oriented relative to the hull assembly in a left inclination over an angle ⁇ relative to the hull assembly and be oriented in a right inclination over an angle ⁇ ' relative to the hull assembly. This also allows an upward vertical component of the wind force to be created during sailing, thereby reducing water displacement and reducing a forward roll moment.
  • the sail device is configured to be in a substantial rotational equilibrium about the rotation axis in at least one sailing position.
  • This allows a user to handle and/or rotate the sail device with relative ease, even when a substantial wind force is exerted on the sail device and even when the sail device has a substantial surface area.
  • This may be achieved by constructing the sail device such, that at least a substantial part of the surface area of the sail is located forward of the rotation axis of the sail device, and at least a substantial part of the surface area of the sail device is located aft of the rotation axis of the sail device, when viewed from the side of the sailing vessel.
  • the forward part and the rear part exert similar moments about the rotation axis, leading to the substantial equilibrium.
  • the words 'sailing position' indicate a position of the sail device relative to the hull assembly wherein the sail device can drive the sailing vessel forward.
  • the sail device is configured to allow a wind force axis extending through a pressure point of the sail device to extend approximately through the rotation axis in at least one sailing position. This is effected by suitably choosing the surface areas of the forward part and the rear part of the sail.
  • the sail device is substantially in equilibrium about the rotation axis.
  • the wind does not exert a moment on the sail device about the rotation axis, or only a small moment.
  • the user may rotate the sail device in order to catch more wind when the wind decreases.
  • the user may rotate the sail device in order to let wind escape and thus catch less wind when the wind force increases.
  • the balance of the sailing vessel about the roll axis may be maintained with only a relatively small effort.
  • the sailing vessel can be kept in a substantial dynamic equilibrium about the roll axis.
  • the pressure point of the sail device is movable from left to right, in particular along a curved trajectory.
  • the wind force acts on the sail at the pressure point along a wind force axis which extends through the pressure point.
  • the wind force axis extends approximately through the rotation axis.
  • the word approximately is used to indicate that the position of the pressure point may vary as described above, Therefore, the wind force axis does not necessarily extend exactly through the rotation axis. However, the wind force axis may extend through an area near the wind force axis, allowing a user of the sailing vessel to rotate the sail device about the rotation axis relatively easily.
  • the sail device in at least one orientation relative to a wind direction, is in a substantial equilibrium about the rotation axis when a substantial wind force is exerted on the sail device. Again, the user may thus handle the sail device with ease.
  • the sail device has an elongate form, and the rotation axis extends substantially in the direction of the elongate form.
  • the lower end of the sail device or the slider or roller is connected via a first operable line or other connection means to a left side of the hull assembly, and the sail device is connected via a second operable line or the connection means to a right side of the hull assembly.
  • first and second operable line or other connection means may be connected to the lower end of the sail device.
  • the trajectory of movement of a lower part of the sail device from the left to the right and vice versa has a substantially circular shape, with the upper end of the sailing device forming the centre of the circle.
  • the form of the trajectory may not be entirely circular when viewed from above, in particular because of the lower connection point of the sailing device not moving in an exact horizontal plane. For instance it is possible that in a central position of the lower connection point, the lower connection point is located somewhat higher than at the left and right positions.
  • the sail device is configured to move from the left to the right and vice versa forward of the mast assembly.
  • the mast assembly may be oriented to the rear when viewed in the intended direction of movement of the sailing vessel. This allows the suspension point of the sail device to be provided more to the rear relative to the vessel in comparison with a vertically extending mast assembly.
  • the sail device comprises a frame and a sail, wherein the frame provides a substantial rigidity to the sail device.
  • the frame may comprise a sail mast and a jib organ, wherein the jib organ is connected near one end to the sail mast.
  • This configuration of the sail device resembles in part a sail of a windsurfboard (although the sail device may be larger), which has proven in practice to be a simple and effective design for a sail device.
  • the sail device may have a surface area larger than 10 m2.
  • a substantial surface area enables at least two persons to be moved along at a relatively high speed, providing the possibility of sailing in a team.
  • the sail device may have a surface area of 10, 12, 14 , 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 50, 70 or even 100 m2 or more, and any value in between.
  • the rotation axis extends substantially between a first end and a second opposite end of the sail device.
  • the rotation axis thereby forms the main longitudinal axis of the sail device. This is a natural design of the sail device, allowing easy construction.
  • the sail device comprises a forward ridge which is substantially curved.
  • the forward ridge may extend between the upper end and lower end of the sail device.
  • the forward ridge may be defined by the sail mast. This enables the pressure point to be in such a location that the wind force axis also extends through or approximately through the rotation axis, which extends through an upper and lower end of the sail device.
  • the forward ridge may be inclined substantially backwards over a substantial portion of the sail device.
  • the forward ridge is preferably substantially rigid.
  • the mast of the sail device is curved and forms the forward ridge of said sail device.
  • the curved mast has a nose-like form. This allows the sail to be wider near the bottom than at the top.
  • the sail thus has a somewhat triangular shape with an upper corner, a lower rear corner and a lower forward corner.
  • the lower forward corner is substantially curved instead of being a sharp corner.
  • the curved mast comprises an upper region which is substantially curved, a lower region which is substantially curved and an intermediate region which is substantially straight.
  • the surface area of the sail is suitably shaped.
  • the intermediate section of the curved mast when viewed from the side is inclined backwards relative to the hull assembly over an angle.
  • the intermediate section may be slightly curved but is straighter than the upper and lower curved region. When the intermediate section is inclined backwards, this increases the upward component of the wind force.
  • the sail has a corner located opposite to the curved forward ridge, wherein a lower ridge of the sail extends substantially straight from said corner to a lower end of said curved forward ridge, and wherein an aft ridge of the sail device extends substantially straight from said corner to an upper end of said curved forward ridge.
  • the lower ridge is constructed to extend substantially horizontally and to leave open only a small gap underneath the sail, thereby to a large extent preventing the wind to flow under the sail device. In this way, the wind is substantially 'trapped' by the sail in very much the same way as is customary in windsurfing.
  • the sail device comprises a jib which extends between said corner of the sail and the curved mast and is connected to the curved mast at a location above said lower curved region.
  • the jib may be a wishbone jib.
  • the path along which the lower end of the sail device moves during the movement from left to right extends at such a distance from the mast assembly that the jib of the sail device can pass the mast assembly and also move from the left to the right and vice versa.
  • the sail device in at least one position is rotatable over an angle of at least 180 degrees about the rotation axis. This allows a sail device to easily alternate between a left and a right position.
  • Rotation means may be provided for allowing the user to rotate the sail device about the rotation axis.
  • the rotation means is connected to the sail device and is configured to be held by the user.
  • the rotation means may be a rope, a string, a cable or a line or other suitable means.
  • the rotation means has a predetermined length which allows the user to be positioned at a weatherside of the sailing vessel, while the pressure point location of the sail device is positioned substantially at a leeside of the vessel.
  • the rotation means may alternatively comprise a beam, connected at a first end thereof to the sail device, and configured to be held at a second, opposite end thereof by the user.
  • the rotation means provides a connection between the user and a substantially forward side of the sail device, and provides a connection between the user and a substantially rear side of the sail device, and is configured to be held by the user at a middle section thereof. In this way, a relatively small force is required for exerting a relatively large rotation moment on the sail device by the user.
  • the rotation means may comprise a rotation fixing means configured for fixing the sail device in a predetermined rotation angle about the rotation axis.
  • rotation means are provided on both sides of the sail device. This allows the user to operate the sail device both when it is positioned on the left side and when it is positioned on the right side of the sailing vessel.
  • the sail device has a substantial rigidity.
  • the surface of the sail may adopt a first curved form in the first sailing mode and a second curved form in the second sailing mode, the first and second curved form being substantially opposite to one another.
  • At least a part of the sail device has a substantially fixed form, determined by the sail mast and the jib organ.
  • the sail may have such a form that the pressure point is located below half of the height of the sail, i.e. in the lower half of the sail.
  • the sail thus has a larger average width in the lower half as in the upper half of the sail. This form advantageously provides a low pressure point and thus a low forward moment.
  • the sail may be connected to the sail mast along one rim thereof, in particular a forward rim, and being connected to a second, opposite end of the jib organ.
  • the part of the sail extending between the upper end and the rearward end of the jib may be substantially straight.
  • the sail device comprises a trim organ comprising a trim surface area for catching wind, the trim surface area being positioned eccentrically from the rotation axis.
  • the trim surface area is controllably variable by the user.
  • the trim organ provides the advantage of allowing a user to vary the position of the wind force axis relative to a position of the rotation axis. A state of rotational equilibrium about the rotation axis may thus be easily obtained by varying the trim surface area.
  • the position of the slider or roller device and the coupling between the slider or roller device and the sail mast is adjustable relative to the sail mast, for allowing the rotation axis to be adjusted relative to the sail device.
  • a sail device for use in the sailing vessel according to any of claims 1-32.
  • the sail device comprises:
  • the sail has a forward part and a rear part and the forward part and the rear part have surface areas which are chosen such that in use a wind force axis along which a resulting wind force (F) acts on the combined surface area of the forward part and the rear part of the sail extends approximately through the rotation axis.
  • F resulting wind force
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a hull assembly, a planing surface, a sail, a jib organ and/or a sail mast for use in the sailing vessel.
  • the present invention relates to a method of sailing, comprising:
  • the roll axis extends approximately parallel to a central longitudinal plane of the sailing vessel.
  • sailing vessels are driven by the wind.
  • the wind exerts a force on the sail of the sailing vessel.
  • the wind load is spread over the sail, and can be simplified as a single wind force acting on a virtual pressure point of the sail.
  • the pressure point is located at a certain distance above the water level.
  • the wind force can be decomposed in three components which are orthogonally oriented relative to one another.
  • a longitudinal component is directed along a main longitudinal axis of the sailing vessel.
  • a lateral component is directed perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis, in a horizontal direction.
  • a vertical component is directed in a vertical direction.
  • the longitudinal component of the wind force is the cause of the forward speed of the sailing vessel.
  • the movement of the vessel relative to the water creates a drag force exerted by the water on the sailing vessel.
  • the lateral component of the wind force exerts a roll moment on a hull of the sailing vessel.
  • the roll moment causes the hull to roll over a certain roll angle about a longitudinal roll axis of the hull, such that the upper end of the sailing vessel rotates away from the direction from which the wind blows.
  • this rotation causes a centre of buoyancy of the hull of the conventional sailing vessel to shift horizontally to a leeside of the sailing vessel.
  • An upward buoyancy force acts on the centre of buoyancy and due to the shift, a counter roll moment is exerted on the hull, which increases with an increase in the roll angle of the hull.
  • the force which the wind exerts on the sail decreases with an increasing roll angle when the vessel rolls away from the wind.
  • the counter roll moment of the buoyancy force equals the roll moment of the wind force.
  • the sailing vessel will sail in this roll angle in a dynamic equilibrium.
  • the wind force decreases, the vessel will turn more upright over a certain angle of rotation about the roll axis.
  • the angle of inclination of the sailing vessel about the roll axis will increase.
  • the rolling movement of the hull has a disadvantage in that when the hull is rotated due to a roll moment of the wind, the mast and the sail are also rotated and oriented at a roll angle relative to a vertical axis, in which rotated orientation the wind force generally has a vertical component which is directed downwards, pushing the sailing vessel further into the water. This downward vertical component of the wind force increases the water displacement of the sailing vessel, and consequently increases the drag force, thereby slowing the sailing vessel down.
  • a catamaran 1 With reference to Fig.1 , a catamaran 1 according to the prior art is shown. It is shown that in operation, the catamaran 1 rotates about a longitudinal axis 4 due to a wind force F exerted on a sail 8 of the catamaran 1. This movement is known as rolling. A flotation body 2 on the weatherside is lifted from the water 9 , whereas the leeside flotation body 3 is pushed into the water 9.
  • the wind force F may be decomposed in three components: a longitudinal component Fx, a lateral component Fy and a vertical component Fz.
  • the roll angle ⁇ creates a downward wind component Fz on the sail 8, which pushes the catamaran 1 into the water. This downward wind force Fz slows the catamaran down.
  • the roll moment created by the wind force is in part compensated by an increased upward force by the water on the leeside floater. This increased upward force slows the catamaran down.
  • the resulting wind force on the vessel is eccentric to the center of gravity of the vessel.
  • the wind force axis extends at a substantial distance from the centre of gravity of the vessel.
  • This causes moments on the vessel which often act about the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis.. in order to prevent the vessel from rotating about any of these axes, the water has to exert a counter moment on the vessel.
  • a counter moment is required about the x-axis, about the y-axis and about the z-axis. The counter moments slow the vessel down.
  • a windsurfing assembly 5 according to the prior art is shown.
  • a user 6 who stands on the board 10 keeps a sail assembly 7 of the windsurf assembly 5 in position.
  • the sail assembly 7 may be positioned such, that an upward wind force Fz is exerted on the sail 7, lifting the user 6 and/or windsurf assembly 5 from the water 9.
  • the user 6 forms a structural part of the windsurfboard 5. Substantial forces are exerted on the arms and legs of the user 6, causing fatigue of the user 6.
  • the sail assembly 7 can generally only be handled by a single user 6. Windsurfing is a solo sport and generally cannot be sailed by a team of persons in the way sailboats such as catamarans can.
  • a sailing vessel 20 according to the invention is shown.
  • a hull assembly 21 comprises a left planing board 22 and a right planing board 24 connected to one another by an intermediate section 26.
  • a third planing board 23 is provided at the rear of the hull assembly at the centre between the left and right planing board. It will be observed that in figure 3 , the sailing vessel 20 is shown with the forward side pointing down.
  • the left and right planing boards 22, 24 comprise a substantially flat bottom side 182, which is configured for receiving an upward force from the water 9 during sailing.
  • the bottom surface forms a planing surface 25 which allows the sailing vessel 20 to plane. In use, the hydrodynamic water force exerts an upward force an the planing surface.
  • a space is defined between the planing boards 22, 24.
  • a function of the third planing board is to prevent the vessel from toppling backwards.
  • a further function is to provide a forward shift of the planing surface when the vessel tilts about the leeside planing board, which is explained further below.
  • the hull assembly 21 has a length 89 and a width 91.
  • Each planing board 22, 24 may comprise at least one respective dagger board 58 and/or at least one fin organ 60.
  • the vessel comprises one or more rudders 63.
  • the dagger board 58 prevents the sailing vessel from drifting too much in the lateral direction when a wind force F is exerted upon the sailing vessel 20.
  • the fin organ 60 increases directional stability, and the rudder organ 63 allows a user 53 to control and change the course of the sailing vessel 20.
  • the dagger board 58 may have a controllable, variable position in the longitudinal direction of the sailing vessel 20. Use can be made of experience and knowledge in windsurfboards.
  • the dagger board 58 may also have a variable orientation relative to the respective planing boards 22;24, in the sense that it may be rotated about a horizontal axis (not shown) extending laterally.
  • the dagger board 58 may not be present, in which case only a fin organ 60 is provided. This is also the case in many windsurfboards.
  • the hull assembly 21 is substantially symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane 33, dividing the hull assembly 21 in a left side 27 and a right side 29.
  • the left and right planing boards (or planing boards) 22, 24 have respective forward ends 166, 168 which point upward slightly.
  • the planing boards 22,24 have a 'rocker' shape, known in the art of windsurfboards.
  • the intermediate section may be a frame, for instance composed of pipe sections. Other types of frames are also possible.
  • the planing boards may be integrated with the frame. Aluminium or carbon are suitable materials for the frame. Preferably, the position and the orientation of the planing boards relative to the frame are adjustable in three directions and about three axes.
  • Sitting means may be provided for allowing the users 52 to sit on.
  • a mast assembly 43 is connected to the hull assembly 21, the mast assembly 43 comprising a mast assembly 28 which extends upward from the hull assembly 21 at the intermediate section 26 and which is supported by support lines 30, 31 so that the position of the mast assembly 28 is substantially fixed relative to the hull assembly 21.
  • the mast assembly 28 is positioned somewhat to the aft side of the sailing vessel 20.
  • the mast assembly 28 may have some lateral flexibility, allowing it to bend to the left and to the right when a lateral load is exerted on it.
  • the mast assembly may be inclined backwards aver a small angle.
  • a rudder 63 is provided at the rear end of the third planing board 23.
  • the rudder 63 may also be provided aft of the first and second planing board. Alternatively, three rudders may be provided.
  • a sail device 34 is connected at its upper end 44 to an upper end 19 of the mast assembly 28 at a suspension point 17.
  • the sail device 34 is connected at its lower end 42 to the hull assembly 21.
  • the sail device 34 comprises a sail 36, a sail mast 38, and a jib organ 40.
  • the sail device 34 has a rotation axis 64, which extends through the lower end 42 and the upper end 44.
  • the rotation axis 64 is oriented in a sideways inclination over an angle ⁇ relative to a horizontal plane 99.
  • the sail device 34 comprises a mast foot coupling 141 provided at the lower end 42 of the sail device 34.
  • the mast foot coupling 141 can be coupled to a left and right socket device 144, 145 provided at respective left and right mast foot positions 142, 143 on the left and right planing boards.
  • a rail 65 is provided along which the mast foot coupling 141 can move from left to right.
  • the rail extends from the left side to the right side and has ends 181.
  • the rail 65 defines a part of a circle.
  • the sail device 34 also comprises rotation means 50 in the form of a line, which is configured to be held by a first user 52.
  • the sail device 34 is configured to be rotated relative to the hull assembly by the first user 52.
  • the rotation axis 64 is inclined backwards relative to the hull assembly 21 over an angle ⁇ to a horizontal plane 99.
  • the sail device 34 comprises a forward point 54 and an aft point 56.
  • the forward point 54 is located on a forward ridge, which is defined by a curved sail mast 38.
  • the forward and aft points 54, 56 may be defined by the forward and aft end of the jib organ 40, but need not be. It is also possible that the sail mast 38 extends to a point which is located further forward than the most forward point of the jib organ 40.
  • the rotation means 50 is connected to the forward and aft point 54, 58 of the sail device 34 and extends from there to the user on the weather side.
  • one or more elastic lines 250 may be provided for at least to some degree providing stability of the sail device 34.
  • the elastic lines are also connected to the forward and aft points 54, 58 but extend from there to a suitable fixation point 251 on the vessel, see Fig. 3 , which may be movable from left to right.
  • the sail device 34 has a sail mast 38 at the forward ridge thereof, which sail mast 38 is heavier than the rear part of the sail device.
  • the sail device 34 will thus be inclined by the weight of the sail mast 38 to rotate.
  • the elastic line 250 may compensate this bias and keep the sailing device 34 in a predetermined preferred position.
  • the sail device 34 can be moved from a left position 162 to a right position 164 and back.
  • the pressure point 68 is located in a left position 150 in a left area 200 or in a right position 152 in a right area 202.
  • the location of the pressure point 68 may vary in time relative to the sail 36.
  • the left area 200 and the right area 202 are located at a distance 204 from one another, which distance may be substantial.
  • a virtual horizontal plane 99 extends through the hull assembly 21.
  • the rotation axis 64 can adopt a left position 77 and a right position 77'. In the left position 77, the rotation axis 64 intersects the virtual horizontal plane 99 on the left side of the central longitudinal plane 33. In the right position 77', the rotation axis 64 intersects the horizontal virtual plane on the right side 29 of the central longitudinal plane.
  • the sail device 34 is rotatable about its rotation axis 64 relative to the hull assembly 21. Further, the inclination of the rotation axis 64 itself is variable.
  • the rotation axis is pivotable about pivot axis 160 relative to the hull assembly 21.
  • the pivot axis 160 extends substantially horizontally through the upper end of the mast 38. Therefore, the sail device 34 itself is also pivotable about pivot axis 160.
  • the sail device 34 is pivotable about the upper suspension point 17 about a first pivot axis 160 and a second pivot axis 161.
  • the second pivot axis 161 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis 160. In this way, the sail device 34 can be rotated about pivot axis 161, wherein the lower end 42 of the sail device is moved away from the mast assembly 28.
  • a lower part 79 of the sail 38 can be positioned more to the leeside of the sailing vessel 20 than an upper part 78 of the sail device 34.
  • the sail device 34 resembles a known sail of a windsurfboard.
  • the basic setup of the sail mast 38, the jib organ 40 and the sail 36 is quite similar to a sail of a windsurfboard.
  • the sail device 34 is also different from a sail of a windsurfboard.
  • the sail mast 38 has a stronger curvature than the mast of a sail assembly of a windsurfboard.
  • the function of the stronger curvature will be explained further hereinafter.
  • the sail device 34 according to the invention will generally be larger than a sail of a windsurfboard, in general larger than 14 m2. Areas of 14,18, 20,25,30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200 m2 or larger are conceivable
  • the sail device 34 is positioned substantially on the leeside of the sailing vessel 20, such that the pressure point 68 is substantially on the leeside, preferably above the planing board located on the leeside.
  • the sailing vessel 20 is sailed by one or more persons 52, 53.
  • the sail device 34 is rotated about the rotation axis 64.
  • the user 52 rotates the sail device 34 such that it catches less wind, and consequently the wind force F on the sail is reduced.
  • the user 52 may rotate the sail device 34 in order to catch more wind, thereby increasing the wind force F on the sail.
  • the sailing vessel may rotate about the planing board on the leeside, causing the planing board on the weather side and the central planing board to rise from the water, so that only the planing board on the leeside is in contact with the water.
  • Figure 4a shows a lateral view, or a view in the y-z-plane.
  • a centre of gravity 120 of the sailing vessel including the users is shown in Fig. 4a .
  • the wind force F may extend along an axis 62 which extends through the centre of gravity 120, or close to the center of gravity.
  • the wind force F has a vertical component Fz and a lateral component Fy and extends at an angle ⁇ to the horizontal, when viewed in the y-z plane.
  • the sailing vessel will only start to rotate about the planing board on the leeside if a substantial portion of the mass of the sailing vessel is carried by the sailing device, i.e. if the upward vertical component of the wind force F is substantial compared to the force of gravity on the sailing vessel.
  • the sailing vessel will have the tendency to rotate about the planing board 22 on the leeside. If the wind force axis 62" extends below the centre of gravity, the sailing vessel will have the tendency to rotate about the planing board 24 on the wind side.
  • the sail device 34 may also be rotated in dependence of a varying wind direction 12. When the sailing vessel 20 moves in a direction with the wind relatively head-on, the sail device 34 will have a different orientation than when the wind is directed more from the aft.
  • the users can vary their position on the vessel in dependence of the wind force and wind direction. Most likely, the users will position their bodies such that the vessel is in equilibrium with regard to the average wind force. Variations in the wind force can then be compensated by rotating the sail device 34.
  • Figure 5b shows a side view (in the x-z plane) of the sailing vessel with the wind force axis 62 shown to extend at a distance 77 from the centre of gravity 120.
  • the wind force has an x-component and a z-component and extends at an angle ⁇ to the horizontal, when viewed in the x-z plane.
  • the wind force has an upward component
  • the centre of gravity 120 is positioned relatively to the rear
  • the distance 77 is relatively small in comparison with for instance a catamaran, resulting in a small forward bending moment My on the vessel. Therefore, the water only needs to exert only a relatively small counter moment My on the vessel in order to compensate for the forward bending moment.
  • This counter moment is created by an upward force 81 exerted on a forward portion of the planing surface.
  • the upward water force 81 and the drag force are combined into a schematically indicated water force 194 extending along axis 195.
  • Axis 195 may extend at a distance from the center of gravity 120 at a forward side thereof.
  • the water force 194 exerts a counter moment on the vessel which compensates the forward moment of the wind force.
  • the distance between the wind force axis 62 and the center of gravity 120 is small, the nose dip effect is also small and the required counter moment of the water is also small. This leads to a high maximum speed. It is possible that the wind force axis extends through the center of gravity 120, resulting in no forward bending moment. In the same way the water force axis 195 may extend through the centre of gravity 120. Such a configuration completely takes away the nose dip effect.
  • the wind force on the vessel thus only results in a drag force and a lateral force of the water on the vessel.
  • Figures 5c1 and 5c2 show the effect of the lifting of the central planing board 23 from the water compared to the working of a windsurfboard.
  • a windsurfboard 5 at low speed a large part of the windsurfboard 400 contacts the water, defining a contact length 402.
  • the rear portion 404 of the windsurfboard 400 contacts the water.
  • the part of the windsurfboard that contacts the water thus in effect shifts to the rear, or at least the forward edge 406 of the water contact area 402 shifts to the rear.
  • a schematised water force 194 would shift to the rear (194') when the speed increases.
  • the user compensates this effect by pivoting the sail 7 backwards, thereby moving the pressure point 68 of the sail device backwards relative to the board. If the user would not pivot the sail 7 backward, the sail 7 would be positioned too far forward relative to the area of contact 404, resulting in a steering moment (when viewed in the x-y plane, i.e. from above) which would urge the windsurfboard 5 to turn away from the wind. In order to stay on course, the sail thus is pivoted to the back of the windsurfboard.
  • An auxiliary effect is that the upward wind force on the sail increases due to the changed orientation of the sail.
  • the present vessel 20 does not have this degree of freedom of the sail, because the upper end of the sail device is fixed to the upper end of the mast assembly 28. A different solution is applied.
  • Figure 6a shows a view from above comparing a windsurfboard and the present vessel.
  • the sail assembly 7 is shown in two positions, 7a and 7b.
  • a low-speed position 7a the pressure point 68 is located more to the front of the board 10.
  • the high-speed position 7b the sail assembly 7 is rotated to the rear of the board 10 and the pressure point 68 is located more to the rear of the windsurfboard 10.
  • the part of the windsurfboard 10 that in use is in contact with the water is also shown. This part is called the footprint or planing area. At low speed, a large part of the windsurfboard is in contact with the water, resulting in a large footprint. This part is the total area of hatched area 333a and 333b. At high speed the forward part 333a of the windsurfboard rises from the water, resulting in only the rear part 333b being in contact with the water. This shift necessitates a corresponding shift of the pressure point 68 to the rear, reason why windsurfers rotate the sail to the rear at increasing speed. If the sail would not shift to the rear, the pressure point 68 would be too much forward relative to contact area 333b, resulting in a steering moment Mz which would steer the windsurfboard away from the wind 12.
  • the vessel according to the invention is also shown.
  • the horizontal frame is not shown, for clarity purpose.
  • the varying footprint (or planing area of contact area) is shown.
  • Area 333a combined with area 333b shows the contact area at low speed. At low speed, all three planing boards 22, 23 and 24 are in contact with the water. At high speed, the weatherside planing board 22 and the central planing board 23 may rise from the water. Additionally, the contact area of the leeside planing board decreases, leaving only area 333b in contact with the water.
  • the users In use, the users have several means of controlling the vessel.
  • the shift of the contact area 333a and 333b to 333b may be compensated by the mentioned control options to a certain degree.
  • settings of the vessel may be adjustable. These settings include, position and orientation of the planing boards 22,23,24 in the x, y and z direction and about the x-axis, and y-axis. Also, the size of the sail, position and orientation of the mast 38 may be adjustable. Many other parameters of the vessel may be adjustable.
  • Additional control means may be provided, such as a fin with a variable position and orientation.
  • the mast assembly 28 is shown to comprise a forward support beam 32 which prevents the mast 28 from falling forward under the influence of the wind force.
  • the lines 30, 31 support the mast 28 laterally.
  • Figure 6c shows the orientation of the vessel in use.
  • the vessel is rolled about a longitudinal axis.
  • the roll angle may vary from about 1 to 10 or 15 degrees.
  • One planing board 22 planes on the water surface, while the other planing boards 23, 24 are lifted in the air.
  • the sail device 34 comprises a curved sail mast 38, a jib organ 40 and a sail 36.
  • the curved sail mast 38 defines a forward ridge of the sail device 34.
  • the sail mast 38 and the jib organ 40 substantially keep the sail device 34 in a predetermined form, when viewed from the side.
  • the sail mast 38 has a section 301 with a strong curvature at a lower part of the sail mast and a section 302 with a relatively strong curvature at the top of the mast organ 38.
  • the sail device 34 and the sail 36 thus have an aft section 303 which under the wind force urges the sail device in one direction of rotation about the rotation axis, and a forward section 304 which urges the sail device in the opposite direction of rotation.
  • the sections 303 and 304 exert a similar moment on the sail device 34 about the rotation axis 64, so that the sail device is substantially in equilibrium about the rotation axis 64. It is acceptable that the sail device is not completely in equilibrium, as long as it can be handled by a user.
  • the sail is broader at the bottom than at the top, which causes a relatively low position of the pressure point.
  • the rear ridge of the sail is substantially straight in order to pass by the mast assembly.
  • the wind force 68 extends along a wind force axis 62,which extends approximately through the pressure point 68.
  • the curvature of the sail mast organ 38 causes a substantial part of the surface area of the sail 36 to be positioned forward of the rotation axis 64, which extends through the upper and lower end 44, 42 of the sail mast organ 38. Therefore, the pressure point 68 is located near the rotation axis 64.
  • the wind force axis 62 intersects the rotation axis 64 at an intersection point 66, which is located at a substantial distance from the forward ridge of the sail device 34
  • the user 52 uses the rotation means 50 to rotate the sail device 34 about the rotation axis 64.
  • the sail device 34 comprises a sail 36 which has two faces or sides.
  • a first side 171 may face the user 52 when the sail device 34 is positioned on the right side of the sailing vessel 20.
  • a second side 172 may face the user 52 when the sail device 34 is positioned on a right side of the sailing vessel 34.
  • rotation means 50 may be provided on both sides of the sail 36. It is also possible that the rotation means 50 can be switched from the first side 171 to the second side 172 and back.
  • the sail 36 may be connected to the mast 38 like a conventional surf sail, i.e. the sail 36 may have a tubular section at the forward ridge through which the mast 38 extends. Different connections between the sail and the mast 38 are also possible.
  • rotation means 50 comprising a bar 80 which is configured to be held by the user 52.
  • the bar 80 is connected to an aft end 56 of the jib organ.
  • Figs. 8a through 8d a turning operation of the sailing vessel 20 relative to the wind direction 12 is shown.
  • the sailing vessel 20 sails in a direction 7, substantially perpendicularly to the wind direction 12.
  • the sail device 34 is positioned on the left side of the sailing vessel, which is the leeside. The user starts steering the rudder in order to turn the forward end of the sailing vessel 20 away from the wind direction 12 as shown by arrow 310.
  • the lower end 42 of the sail device 34 is moved from the left side to the right side as indicated by arrow 312.
  • the sail device 34 is rotated about the rotation axis 64 in a rotation direction 76. During the rotation of the sail device 34, the forward end of the sailing vessel 20 continues to turn away from the wind direction 12.
  • Fig. 8D the lower end 42 of the sail device 34 is moved from the left planing board 22 to the right planing board 24. This operation is performed by the user 52 by means of retractable connection means 74,75. As shown in Fig. 8D , the sailing vessel has completed a 180 degree turn relative to the wind direction 12 and is now sailing with the sail device 34 positioned on the right side of the sailing vessel 20.
  • Figs. 9a, 9b, 9c a configuration is shown, wherein the sail device is movable from left to right without being rotated.
  • the lower end of the sail device is moved from the mast foot position one side of the sailing vessel to a central forward location, thereby moving at least one point of the rotation axis forward relative to the mast assembly. From the central forward location, the lower end of the sail device is moved to the opposite mast foot position.
  • This embodiment has the particular advantage of a simple and effective design. Moving means for the sail device are shown.
  • planing boards 22, 24 have a substantially flat bottom surface 182.
  • the respective bottom surfaces of the left and right planing boards 22, 24 may be oriented at an angle ⁇ relative to one another.
  • the bottom surface 183 of the central planing board may be positioned higher than the bottom surfaces 182 of the left and right planing boards, i.e. a distance 184 higher.
  • the hull assembly 21 may be rotated (rolled) slightly about a longitudinal axis (roll axis) of the sailing vessel 20.
  • the larger part of the force of the water exerted on the sailing vessel 20 is exerted on the planing board on the leeside. If the vessel 20 rolls, the entire water force is exerted on the leeside planing board, because the weatherside planing board and the central planing board are then lifted from the water. In this situation, the vessel 20 closely resembles a windsurfboard.
  • the bottom surface 182 of the planing board which is located on the leeside of the sailing vessel 20 may be substantially horizontal when the hull assembly 21 is slightly rotated, i.e. rolled.
  • the angle ⁇ may be 1 degree to 15 degrees, and any value in between.
  • Fig.11 the variability of the location of the pressure point 68 is shown.
  • the wind direction 12 and wind force F may vary in time.
  • the wind load may not be uniformly spread over the surface area of the sail. Therefore, the location of the pressure point 68 may move relative to the sail 36 both in a horizontal and vertical direction (or parallel to the rotation axis 64 and perpendicularly to the rotation axis 64).
  • a movement of the pressure point location 68 parallel to the rotation axis 64 is not a substantial problem, since the state of equilibrium about the rotation axis will be maintained.
  • a displacement of the pressure point 68 to the position indicated by 67 or 69 perpendicularly to the sail device 34 will cause the sail device 34 to loose its state of equilibrium about the rotation axis 64.
  • a moment is created by the wind force F about the rotation axis 64, and the user will need to compensate this moment by exerting a force on the rotation means 50 of the sail device 34.
  • the force that the user 52 will have to exert on the sail device 34 is also limited, enabling the sailing vessel 20 to be sailed without difficulty.
  • connection means 46 may have a variable length, which allows the upper end 44 of the sail device to be positioned at a variable distance from the upper end 46 of the mast assembly 28.
  • the sailing vessel 20 may capsize during sailing. In order to facilitate the turning upright of the sailing vessel 20, it may be easier to loosen the connection means 47 or to increase the length thereof, so that the sail 36 can remain substantially in the water while the sailing vessel 20 is turned upright. Subsequently, the connection means 47 may be retracted, for hoisting the sail device 34.
  • the retractable connection means 47 may also be used for other purposes.
  • Fig. 13 an embodiment of the hull assembly 21 is shown wherein the left planing board, the right planing board and the intermediate section are integrated into a single hull assembly 21.
  • the left and right part of the hull assembly have substantially flat bottom surfaces, oriented at an angle relative to one another.
  • FIGs. 14a and 14b the guide rail 65 is shown which allows the mast foot coupling 141 to be moved from left to right an vice versa.
  • a line 320 extends through the guide rail 65 and is connected to the mast foot, so that the user can move the mast foot in a direction of choice 321 by pulling the line 320.
  • Figure 14b shows a way of supporting the mast foot in the guide rail 65.
  • a stabilisation means 90 is shown with which a user 52 can vary the position of the pressure point 68 relative to the rotation axis 64.
  • the stabilisation means 90 comprises a surface which is arranged pivotably about a rotation axis 96 relative to the sail device 34.
  • the stabilisation means 90 is positioned eccentrically from the rotation axis 64,and can be pivoted by pivoting means 94. By pivoting the stabilisation means 90, the force exerted on it by the wind is varied in a controllable fashion. This enables the user 52 to control the position of the pressure point 68, 69 relative to the rotation axis 64, which enables the user 52 to relatively easy maintain the state of equilibrium of the sail device 34 about the rotation axis 64.
  • the sail mast 38 may be constructed from fibre glass. Other materials, such as aluminium, are also possible. The curvature of the sail mast may vary, depending on the dimensions and proportions of the sailing vessel 20.
  • FIGS 16A and 16B a comparison is shown of a windsurfboard and the present sailing vessel.
  • the water exerts a horizontal pressure Fh on the dagger board 58 and/or fin 60.
  • This horizontal pressure Fh results in a bending moment 348 on the board 10 in the case of a windsurfboard.
  • the user 6 In order to prevent the board 10 from rotating about its longitudinal axis, the user 6 must use his feet 350 to create a counter bending moment 352 on the board 10. This counter moment 352 is created by pressing downwards on the board with feet 350 with force 354. Because the horizontal pressure rises with a higher speed, the downward force 354 also rises with higher speed. This downward force has a negative impact on the planing abilities of a windsurfer and slows the windsurfer down.
  • the required downward force 354 prevents optimal use of this lifting capability of the wind.
  • the lift force of the wind can not be transferred to the board.
  • the boards 22, 24 are fixed to the horizontal frame 26, as is shown in Figure 16A .
  • the horizontal frame 26 is able to exert a counter moment 352 on the board without exerting a downward force on the board 22, 24 , because the board 22, 24 is fixated (or mounted) to the frame 26. Consequently, better use can be made of the lifting force of the wind on the vessel, and the lifting force of the wind on the sailing vessel can be transferred onto the boards 22,24 to lift the boards 22,24 from the water.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
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EP09075174A 2008-04-10 2009-04-14 Segelschiff mit einer relativ zum Rumpf drehenden und quer beweglichen Segeleinrichtung Withdrawn EP2184225A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US4394908P 2008-04-10 2008-04-10

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EP2184225A3 EP2184225A3 (de) 2010-11-17

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2752360A2 (de) 2012-11-23 2014-07-09 HART, Walter Willem Hubertus Verbessertes Segelschiff
RU2578708C2 (ru) * 2014-07-03 2016-03-27 Владимир Александрович Ершов Круглый парус

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US3693571A (en) * 1970-12-14 1972-09-26 Earle F Hiscock Sail rig
DE3217250A1 (de) * 1982-05-07 1983-11-10 Werner Prof. Dr. 6740 Landau Stahl Windsurfer
US5088431A (en) * 1985-06-03 1992-02-18 Pizzey John K Sailing vessels

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US4653417A (en) * 1984-03-07 1987-03-31 White Christopher R Wind propelled vessel

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2752360A2 (de) 2012-11-23 2014-07-09 HART, Walter Willem Hubertus Verbessertes Segelschiff
EP2752360A3 (de) * 2012-11-23 2018-06-20 HART, Walter Willem Hubertus Verbessertes Segelschiff
RU2578708C2 (ru) * 2014-07-03 2016-03-27 Владимир Александрович Ершов Круглый парус

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