A superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation system for yachts including an aft spoiler secured to the vessels hardtop for directing airflow about the hardtop downwardly into the aft cockpit area to interfere with, mitigate and eliminate the natural reverse backspray created by the low-pressure region behind the yacht. The spoiler protrudes from the hardtop and includes at least one air ducting channel directing airflow at select angles into the cockpit area presenting a protective shield preventing the backspray from entering the cockpit. An optional pivotal panel member selectively enables operation of the spoiler.

The present invention relates to a rig (2) for a nautical means comprising: a reference plane intended to coincide with a symmetry plane extending in longitudinal and vertical direction of the hull of the nautical means; at least one wing; at least one rigid support capable of supporting said wing and transmitting a propulsive thrust to the hull of the nautical means given by the aerodynamic lift generated by the wing when it takes wind; the wing comprising a first and a second main face opposite to each other, the rigid support being capable of supporting the wing at least in a first operating configuration in which at least a main portion of the first or second face is facing a first side of the reference plane and in a second operating configuration in which said main portion is facing the opposite side of the reference plane; the rigid support comprising a wing sliding path for switching from the first to the second operating position and vice versa.

The present invention relates to a rig (2) for a nautical means comprising: a reference plane intended to coincide with a symmetry plane extending in longitudinal and vertical direction of the hull of the nautical means; at least one wing; at least one rigid support capable of supporting said wing and transmitting a propulsive thrust to the hull of the nautical means given by the aerodynamic lift generated by the wing when it takes wind; the wing comprising a first and a second main face opposite to each other, the rigid support being capable of supporting the wing at least in a first operating configuration in which at least a main portion of the first or second face is facing a first side of the reference plane and in a second operating configuration in which said main portion is facing the opposite side of the reference plane; the rigid support comprising a wing sliding path for switching from the first to the second operating position and vice versa.

One embodiment of a deployable reversible camber sail system, based on a deployable shell (58) contained within a mast-sail assembly (11, 12) and supported and controlled by additional assemblies (13-15), is disclosed. The embodiment may be easily and quickly configured into the furled, feathered, port tack and starboard tack sail forms. In addition, this embodiment represents a highly efficient sail module which may be controlled by a single human operator or automated computer-based control system. Additional embodiments, utilizing assemblages of the first embodiment sail system module, are described.

An improved rig is provided for sailing craft, in which two sails are provided in the general shape of tapered tubes encircling each of two adjacent masts arrayed in an A-frame configuration. In the course of a tack, the sails may be swung pendulum-like either towards or away from the bow (one in each direction). The two sails therefore effectively alternate between serving the role of a jib (with sail-area mainly forward of a mast), and the role of a mainsail (with sail-area mainly aft of a mast). The same set of sails on the same masts may also advantageously be deployed for use in high winds, running downwind, heaving-to, and running before a storm.

Mast systems are provided for use with an underwater vehicle. In one example the mast system includes a support base, a mast arm and a mast payload bay. The support base defines a base axis. The mast arm defines a longitudinal axis, and has a free longitudinal mast end and a mast mounting portion longitudinally spaced from the mast end. The mast payload bay is provided at the mast end, and is configured for supporting a payload. The mast arm is mounted to the support base via the mast mounting portion, and the mast arm is selectively deployable with respect to the support base at least between a retracted configuration, in which the mast end is at a first spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, and an extended configuration, in which the mast end is at a second spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, the second spacing being greater than the first spacing. The mast system is configured for operating in a marine environment.

Mast systems are provided for use with an underwater vehicle. In one example the mast system includes a support base, a mast arm and a mast payload bay. The support base defines a base axis. The mast arm defines a longitudinal axis, and has a free longitudinal mast end and a mast mounting portion longitudinally spaced from the mast end. The mast payload bay is provided at the mast end, and is configured for supporting a payload. The mast arm is mounted to the support base via the mast mounting portion, and the mast arm is selectively deployable with respect to the support base at least between a retracted configuration, in which the mast end is at a first spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, and an extended configuration, in which the mast end is at a second spacing with respect to the mast mounting portion, the second spacing being greater than the first spacing. The mast system is configured for operating in a marine environment.

Disclosed, as a device for correcting the horizontality of the small ship according to the present invention, is a device for controlling the horizontality of a small ship by using a variable mast, the device comprising: a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the small ship; a position adjustment unit formed such that at least a portion thereof can move in the horizontal direction on the deck of the small ship, and having a separate mast loaded on an upper part thereof to support the mast such that the mast is located at a predetermined height or higher; and a horizontality control unit for correcting the center of gravity of the small ship by adjusting a position of the mast through the position adjustment unit in correspondence to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensing unit.

Disclosed, as a device for correcting the horizontality of the small ship according to the present invention, is a device for controlling the horizontality of a small ship by using a variable mast, the device comprising: a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the small ship; a position adjustment unit formed such that at least a portion thereof can move in the horizontal direction on the deck of the small ship, and having a separate mast loaded on an upper part thereof to support the mast such that the mast is located at a predetermined height or higher; and a horizontality control unit for correcting the center of gravity of the small ship by adjusting a position of the mast through the position adjustment unit in correspondence to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensing unit.

A rigging comprises a mast controllably about a longitudinal axis; a flexible sail comprising a starboard and port flexible sail portions; a plurality of elongated battens which extend a luff and a leach of sail portions; each batten is pivotally connected to a respective outermost part of the respective side of the mast. Rotation of the mast causes the battens connected to one of the sail portions to be compressed along their length and causes the battens connected of the other sail portions to be tensioned along their length so as to change the shape of an aerofoil formed by the sail.