A variable trimaran that uses natural power has an outer hull, which is capable of ensuring stability with respect to a center hull in the middle thereof. The variable trimaran can be selectively expanded and contracted in the horizontal and vertical directions thereof. The variable trimaran includes a sail unit, which uses wind power, and a solar power generation unit so as to enable efficient long-term sailing without the use of fossil fuel. To this end, a horizontal and vertical adjustment units are provided for adjusting the position of the outer hull, and the solar power generation unit and the wind power sailing unit are used such that the position of the outer hull can be freely adjusted with respect to the center hull and efficient long-term sailing is enabled without the supply of an oil energy source due to the use of sunlight and wind power as power sources.

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.

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.

A pitot tube cover for a pitot tube operable to determine a speed of an aircraft based on an airstream impinging on the pitot tube. The pitot tube cover has a body and a sail extending from the body. The body has a top surface opposite a bottom surface, an elongate cavity and a slot extending from the top surface to the elongate cavity, the elongate cavity sized to receive the pitot tube and the slot having a width narrower than a diameter of the pitot tube to provide a retaining force which retains the body on the pitot tube after the pitot tube is received by the elongate cavity. The sail includes a first substantially planar sail surface and a second substantially planar sail surface extending from the first sail surface distally to the body.

A sailing vessel is disclosed which comprises a hull, a keel depending from the hull and a mast. A ballast bulb is provided at the lower end of the keel. A first control mechanisms is provided for rotating the ballast bulb about a transverse axis to change the angle of attack of the bulb. A second control mechanism is provided for rotating the bulb about a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

A sailing vessel is disclosed which comprises a hull, a keel depending from the hull and a mast. A ballast bulb is provided at the lower end of the keel. A first control mechanisms is provided for rotating the ballast bulb about a transverse axis to change the angle of attack of the bulb. A second control mechanism is provided for rotating the bulb about a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

A monitor device includes a memory, a hardware mount configured to attach to a rigging member, a motion sensor configured to detect a first motion characteristic of the rigging member, and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the motion sensor. The processor is configured to receive the first motion characteristic from the motion sensor. The processor is further configured to send the first motion characteristic to a controller. The controller is configured to receive a second motion characteristic generate an output for a display based on the first motion characteristic and the second motion characteristic.

A rigging for a wind-propelled vessel includes: a rotating airfoil-shaped mast; a sail movably coupled to a trailing edge of the airfoil-shaped mast and configured to be hoisted or lowered along the airfoil-shaped mast; a swiveling masthead coupled to a top section of the airfoil-shaped mast; and a plurality of stays supporting the airfoil-shaped mast, each stay having a first end connected to the swiveling masthead and a second end connected to a hull of the vessel.

A keel canting mechanism for a sailing vessel having a hull, a keel and a mast is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a worm gear co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the vessel about which the keel rotates during a canting movement. There is a double enveloping worm in mesh with the worm gear and means for driving the worm. The worm gear is fast with the keel and, when rotated by the worm, displaces the keel through a canting movement. The gear has a plurality of holes in it into which pins can be inserted to lock the gear, and hence the keel, in the position to which it has been moved by the worm.

A monitor device includes a memory, a hardware mount configured to attach to a rigging member, a motion sensor configured to detect a first motion characteristic of the rigging member, and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the motion sensor. The processor is configured to receive the first motion characteristic from the motion sensor. The processor is further configured to send the first motion characteristic to a controller. The controller is configured to receive a second motion characteristic generate an output for a display based on the first motion characteristic and the second motion characteristic.