An integral sail to generate a propulsion following a thrust from the wind has an integral layered structure delimited externally by a first external layer and by a second external layer, both made with a smooth layer of thin and continuous film of flexible material. Furthermore, to each of said first external layer and second external layer at least a layer of parallel fibers, adjacent to each other, is associated internally with respect to the layered structure. The whole is made solid by means of at least a layer of thermofusible glue, disposed inside the external layers and in coordination with the corresponding layers of parallel fibers.

A process of printing an image or images on the sails of a watercraft or other wind powered objects 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 wind-catching fabrics. The dynamics and curvatures of a sail are integrated into the 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.

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 structural system having sandwich-like shell stiffness and strength properties is constructed of an outer elastic sheet and an inner elastic sheet connected by a number of substantially rigid webs wherein hinges constitute the connections. The hinge connection spacing dimensions on the inner and outer elastic sheets differ 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 restraints such that the deployed configuration is structurally stable. Additional application embodiments are described.

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 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.

There is disclosed a sail for producing propulsive power or lift in a fluid, where the sail comprises a first layer and a second layer where the first layer and the second layer are connected along at least one corresponding side, and the first layer and the second layer define a cross-sectional shape of the sail substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the sail. The shape of the first layer is adjustable and/or the shape of the second layer is adjustable such that the cross-sectional shape of the sail is adjustable. There is also disclosed a vessel or a sailboat comprising such a sail.

A hybrid ship which supplementally uses a wind-powered propulsive force in addition to a main engine and a propulsion device driven by the main engine, includes: a tower which includes an accommodation area provided at a stern section and a bridge served as a navigating and maneuvering workstation and provided above the accommodation area, wherein a sail, which is retractable to be stored in each side wall of the accommodation area and which is laterally deployable, is disposed in an airspace, which is located lateral to the accommodation area in the tower, below a height position of a floor surface of the bridge and above a deck.

Boat sail of the membrane sail type consisting of two transparent plastic sheets between which are laid at least one network of reinforcing fibers, photovoltaic films and battens (8), featuring at least one zone (9) free of battens (8) and photovoltaic films, in the shape of a curvilinear triangle.

Boat sail of the membrane sail type consisting of two transparent plastic sheets between which are laid at least one network of reinforcing fibers, photovoltaic films and battens (8), featuring at least one zone (9) free of battens (8) and photovoltaic films, in the shape of a curvilinear triangle.