Propulsion apparatus for an aquatic vessel comprises an aerodynamic body which extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends and in a transverse direction between a leading edge and trailing edge. The aerodynamic body has one or more external wind-receiving surfaces which extend between the leading edge and the trailing edge, thereby defining an aerodynamic profile of the aerodynamic body in cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The propulsion apparatus further comprises at least one air vent and at least one air flow generator configured to expel air through the at least one air vent. The at least one air vent and/or the at least one air flow generator are configured to direct expelled air across at least a portion of the one or more or more external wind-receiving surfaces.

The invention relates to boat building and can be used in the building and modification of sea-going high-speed keeled monohull sailboats or sail and motor boats with a high sail power to weight ratio, where a single, narrow, wave-penetrating displacement hull is used. To provide for the stable controlled movement of a keeled monohull sailboat or sail and motor boat in wave penetration mode, i.e. in a low wave/hydrodynamic resistance displacement mode, both when heeling and when upright (at the same time effectively counteracting heeling and rocking on all courses), and to provide for the damping of the energy of a broken wave and also for the ability of the boat to self-right to an even keel from a “sail-on-water” position, a stabilized hull for a keeled monohull sailboat or sail and motor boat is configured with an overall width of not more than 50% of the length of the hull and has, in the bottom part thereof, a vertically oriented narrow section (4) of low wave/hydrodynamic resistance, which runs longitudinally along the full length of the boat, is symmetrical about the centreline thereof and has a displacement segment (5) comprising a keel (8) with a heavy bulb, wherein the displacement of the segment is equal to the full unladen weight of the boat. The hull further comprises two narrow longitudinally oriented sponsons (6 and 7), arranged symmetrically in relation to the centreline of the boat, which do not bear the weight of the boat and which have a streamlined shape of low wave/hydrodynamic resistance. Said sponsons are situated above the waterline at the maximum width of the hull, forming two tunnel cavities (10) above the waterline to dampen the energy of a wave broken by the bow and the sponsons.

In order to provide a rigid sail or aerofoil sail which has a lower overall weight, is cost-effective to manufacture and does not affect the passing under bridges, power lines or similar structures arranged over busy waters, in the case of a rigid sail for vessels, in particular, for large ships, such as bulk carriers, tankers, car transporters or bulkers, comprising a mast and a first aerofoil wing body mounted on the mast with a base and a head, wherein the mast is inserted through the base into the first aerofoil wing body and is arranged within the first aerofoil wing body, it is proposed that the mast, starting from the base, does not extend beyond a maximum height of the first aerofoil wing body, in particular, less than 75% of the maximum height.

A rigging hose housing is provided to couple a rigging hose to a marine vessel. The rigging hose housing includes a radial mounting plate; an outer cylindrical wall extending perpendicularly from the radial mounting plate a first height above a bottom surface of the radial mounting plate; an inner cylindrical wall extending perpendicularly from the radial mounting plate a second height above the bottom surface of the radial mounting plate; and a gutter formed between the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall. The gutter terminates in a drain hole formed in the outer cylindrical wall. The drain hole is configured to permit the expulsion of fluid collected in the gutter from the rigging hose housing.

In order to be able to determine with precision the location of the stagnation point at different zones along the leading edge of an aerodynamic profile, a system comprises rows of pressure sensors distributed on either side of the leading edge and forming, virtually, patterns that are spaced apart from one another in the form of simple polygonal lines, and a computer connected to the pressure sensors. The computer determines, along each of the patterns, a respective stagnation point position that is defined by a curved abscissa for which a pressure interpolated on the basis of pressure measurements provided by the pressure sensors of the corresponding row is at a maximum, and by an altitude evaluated on the basis of respective altitude data from the pressure sensors of the corresponding row.

In order to be able to determine with precision the location of the stagnation point at different zones along the leading edge of an aerodynamic profile, a system comprises rows of pressure sensors distributed on either side of the leading edge and forming, virtually, patterns that are spaced apart from one another in the form of simple polygonal lines, and a computer connected to the pressure sensors. The computer determines, along each of the patterns, a respective stagnation point position that is defined by a curved abscissa for which a pressure interpolated on the basis of pressure measurements provided by the pressure sensors of the corresponding row is at a maximum, and by an altitude evaluated on the basis of respective altitude data from the pressure sensors of the corresponding row.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sailing vessel that can substantially obviate the heeling problem experienced by classical sailboats. During navigation, the sailing vessel is driven forward by an aerodynamic force exerted by wind on the sail, and balanced by a hydrodynamic force exerted by water on a float on the stern of the sailing vessel, the aerodynamic force and the hydrodynamic force being parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sailing vessel.

The instant invention describes devices and methods of measuring the differential air pressure at numerous representative points across the surface of the sail or sails and providing visual feedback of areas of ideal laminar flow and areas of less than optimal airflow with a calculation of thrust and providing an indication the maximal differential airflow and thrust. The invention utilizes an array of sensors that detect minute variations in barometric pressure and other data on each side of the sail surface. These sensors are connected together to form a network or net across the sail. This connection can be physical, using wires, or it may be wireless, using for example, but certainly not being limited to, Bluetooth LE 5.0 or other wireless topologies or technologies. This can be extended over multiple sails and monitor not only the sail but the interaction of the sails. Finally it can utilize a combination of wired and wireless connections to fit individual situations and can couple with existing terrestrial and satellite ship networks.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A longitudinally tapered wheel spoke having a thin aerodynamic cross-sectional profile proximate to the wheel rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub, with the tapered section optimized to minimize drag against a combined headwind and crosswind impinging upon the primary vehicle-drag-inducing uppermost region of the wheel assembly.