The invention pertains to a Pacific prao-type amphidromic multihull vessel (100), comprising a hull (101) and a float (102) parallel to the hull, the float and the hull being linked by a beam (130) the hull carrying a Flettner-type rotary rigging (111, 112) capable of producing a thrust perpendicular to both its spinning axis (110) and a wind direction (180), that in absence of wind is heeled by an angle ? toward the float. The invention also pertains to a system implementing such a vessel for collecting windpower into a storage battery housed in the float as well as a method for boarding and disembarking such a battery.

The invention pertains to a Pacific prao-type amphidromic multihull vessel (100), comprising a hull (101) and a float (102) parallel to the hull, the float and the hull being linked by a beam (130) the hull carrying a Flettner-type rotary rigging (111, 112) capable of producing a thrust perpendicular to both its spinning axis (110) and a wind direction (180), that in absence of wind is heeled by an angle ? toward the float. The invention also pertains to a system implementing such a vessel for collecting windpower into a storage battery housed in the float as well as a method for boarding and disembarking such a battery.

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2.

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2.

A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors and a drive arrangement for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The rates of rotations may, for example, be varied as functions of the measured apparent wind speeds and a direction of travel of the aquatic vessel. Moreover, the control arrangement includes a user-operable control for adjusting propulsion provided by the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The control arrangement is operable to control the drive arrangement to vary a drive applied to rotate one or more Magnus-type rotors from the plurality of Magnus-type rotors.

A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors and a drive arrangement for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The rates of rotations may, for example, be varied as functions of the measured apparent wind speeds and a direction of travel of the aquatic vessel. Moreover, the control arrangement includes a user-operable control for adjusting propulsion provided by the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The control arrangement is operable to control the drive arrangement to vary a drive applied to rotate one or more Magnus-type rotors from the plurality of Magnus-type rotors.

Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.

Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.