A wind paddle sail assembly includes a sail having stiffened upper and lower ends and a paddle or pole having an upper fixed end and a lower portion with a lower free end. A fastener fastens the upper fixed end of the paddle or pole to the upper end of the sail. A downhaul strap fastens the lower end of the sail to the lower portion of the paddle or pole for adjusting tension in the sail. A method for operating a wind paddle sail assembly is also provided.

A process of printing an image or images on the sails of a watercraft or other wind powered vessel without altering or compromising the efficacy of the sails is described. The process employs a method of printing large-scale, single or multiple panel, continuous, high-resolution photographic and graphic images on sails. The dynamics and curvatures of a sail are integrated into manufacturing process when employed for sails, though the process may be applied to any large-scaled fabric print. The process of the present invention produces printed sails providing for the highest resolution photographic, art, and graphic printing with virtually no weight gain, nor effect on the sail's original performance. Modern equipment is employed to achieve printing of realistic, high quality images directly on to the fabric of sails without compromising flexibility or durability, as well as without infringing on the speed and agility of the sailing craft.

A sail boat propulsion and stabilisation system. The system uses a device to substantially increase the performance of sail or motor boats by reducing the displacement to increase speed and comfort during sailing, due to its light weight and dynamics. The system comprises a control panel connected to a hydraulic group which actuates the device. The device is provided with a keel wing and a counterbalance or lift wing joined by a bulb, a cylindrical actuator for the counterbalance and lift wing, a hydraulic rotary actuator for hoisting the assembly, an articulation shaft, and a tilting shaft for the assembly which is coupled to the broadside or to the mounting base beside sensors of the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing. The hydraulic group and the cylindrical hydraulic actuator are optionally replaced by a cylindrical electric actuator connected to the control panel and acting upon the counterbalance wing.

An automatic wing control mechanism for sailing vessels is described. The automatic wing control mechanism adjusts a wing orientation with respect to the apparent wind to optimize its efficiency.

Various embodiments of a submerged submersible sailing vessel are disclosed. Such a submerged sailing vessel may comprise a submersible hull assembly, a keel coupled to and extending upwards from hull assembly towards a water surface, and a wind-catching assembly coupled to and extending upwards into the air from the keel for propelling the submerged sailing vessel. The hull assembly and the keel are submerged below the water surface as the vessel is propelled by the wind-catching assembly above the water surface.

Various embodiments of a submerged submersible sailing vessel are disclosed. Such a submerged sailing vessel may comprise a submersible hull assembly, a keel coupled to and extending upwards from hull assembly towards a water surface, and a wind-catching assembly coupled to and extending upwards into the air from the keel for propelling the submerged sailing vessel. The hull assembly and the keel are submerged below the water surface as the vessel is propelled by the wind-catching assembly above the water surface.

The present invention discloses a system for measuring pressure on a sail comprising: a) at least one pressure electronic scanner; b) at least one pressure sensor positioned on the sail; c) pneumatic means for connecting said at least one pressure scanner to said at least one pressure sensor positioned on the sail, wherein said connecting means is a pressure strip.

A simplified sailing rig is disclosed that is easier to operate and maintain than the conventional Bermuda rig. The entire rig can be rotated under manual or electric control to achieve the optimum angle of attack into the wind.

A steering device notably for a recreational catamaran of the type propelled by at least one sail, the steering position facing the direction of travel, comprising two floats provided with two port and starboard rudder blades, rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis. The steering device includes directional members of a port and starboard control horn at the rudder blade head, an arrangement for moving cables with a pivoting steering lever with a foot and two outer and inner control cables, as a closed circuit.

A steering device notably for a recreational catamaran of the type propelled by at least one sail, the steering position facing the direction of travel, comprising two floats provided with two port and starboard rudder blades, rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis. The steering device includes directional members of a port and starboard control horn at the rudder blade head, an arrangement for moving cables with a pivoting steering lever with a foot and two outer and inner control cables, as a closed circuit.