One embodiment of a deployable structural system having sandwich-like shell stiffness and strength properties constructed of an outer elastic sheet (11) and an inner elastic sheet (12) connected by a plurality of parallel elongated substantially rigid webs (13) wherein hinges (14) constitute the connections. The hinge connection spacing dimensions on the inner and outer elastic sheets are differing such that the resulting assemblage may be elastically bent into a compact cylindrical configuration. Deployment is achieved through reversal of the bending process and application of sufficient external supports such that the deployed configuration is statically stable. Additional embodiments are described.

A portable sail for use with a paddle and paddle board, where one edge of the sail has a fastening portion that is reversibly affixed along the length of the paddle, while the opposite end of the sail is held by the user via a cord or handle. With paddle held upright on the surface of the paddle board with one hand, and controlling the end of the sail with the other hand, a user can capture the wind and propel the paddle board through the water. The rate of propulsion can be adjusted by partially wrapping the sail around the paddle to reduce the sail area exposed to the wind. Furthermore, the sail can be entirely wrapped around the paddle so the paddle can be used to manually propel the paddle board in the traditional manner.

A substantially hollow wingsail is configured to enable electrical components to be situated within the wingsail. In particular, the wingsail may be configured to contain the solar panels used to power the other electrical components of the vessel, as well as other items that are conventionally situated on the exterior of the vessel, such as antennas, navigation lights, and so on. The surface of the wingsail may include transparent or translucent areas to provide light to the solar panels, as well as optical and electromagnetic reflective areas within the wingsail to enhance the performance of the solar panels and antennas. The wingsail may also include an internal light that illuminates the translucent areas of the wingsail for enhanced visibility to other vessels.

A laminate (1) delimited by at least a protective skin (30) and provided internally with reinforcing means (10) comprising a plurality of traction members (12, 20) arranged according to lines (L) traced in a given manner; at least one plastic matrix (M) shaped so as to stably embody each traction member (12, 20) to maintain it, under load, stably arranged point to point just as the corresponding line (L).

A laminate (1) delimited by at least a protective skin (30) and provided internally with reinforcing means (10) comprising a plurality of traction members (12, 20) arranged according to lines (L) traced in a given manner; at least one plastic matrix (M) shaped so as to stably embody each traction member (12, 20) to maintain it, under load, stably arranged point to point just as the corresponding line (L).

The present disclosure is directed generally toward sailing vessels. One example is a catamaran with one or more pivoting masts per hull member, which may pivot from a generally perpendicular upright position, to a generally flat stowed position toward the bow of the hulls. The masts are capable of sustaining a plurality of sails, which may travel 180 degrees with respect to the hulls.

The present disclosure is directed generally toward sailing vessels. One example is a catamaran with one or more pivoting masts per hull member, which may pivot from a generally perpendicular upright position, to a generally flat stowed position toward the bow of the hulls. The masts are capable of sustaining a plurality of sails, which may travel 180 degrees with respect to the hulls.

A hand-held wing is configured to include an inflatable leading edge from which a substantially rigid boom extends which is configured to be held by the user to guide the wing, with the leading edge being configured to extend about V-shaped or U-shaped upwards (away from the surfer) in the direction of approach.

A hand-held wing is configured to include an inflatable leading edge from which a substantially rigid boom extends which is configured to be held by the user to guide the wing, with the leading edge being configured to extend about V-shaped or U-shaped upwards (away from the surfer) in the direction of approach.

Provided is a radar and communications enhanced sail for a sailboat, sail ship, or sail drone. The sail includes a first sail section comprising an active communication system, a second sail section comprising a passive communication system, or a combination thereof. The active communication system includes an antenna array (transceiver) and a software-defined radio (SDR), while the passive communication system comprises a reflective panel or sections and/or array of reflector panels or sections. The active system utilizes its SDR and transceiver to communicate back and forth with an onshore SDR and transceiver to provide information as necessary. The passive system receives a radar signal via the reflective material on the sail and reflects the signal back at the radar, which produces a radar cross section indicating that there is an object (in this case the sailboat) in the ocean.