A New Kind of Sail on the Horizon?

[barnakiel]

I mean it. I like it too.

Someone has to push forward such 'crazy' ideas. Otherwise we would still be sailing wooden hulls with cotton canvas.

b.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Cavalier MK2

There are some challenging practical problems it would be interesting to hear about. Can you imagine trying to find a leak? Say a few pin holes left by that bird that roosted on the furled sail while you were docked. There doesn't seem to be a provision for going aloft and swinging around with some duct tape. If it could be deployed horizontally you could find the perforations by following the bubbles in the water.

It is an interesting idea but I think it is most practical for smaller beach boats and trailerables where the mast is a challenge. I'm surprised Hobie hasn't called this guy.

I'm not a fan of the fan though. For me the attraction of using the wind is not needing another power source. It is possible with solar panels and batteries to keep the power self generating but it winds up being an expensive and complicated solution to the simple problem of harnessing the wind. It is fun to see people innovate and it is a interesting concept.

One or two scuba tanks?

[Cavalier MK2]

Originally Posted by Don C L

One or two scuba tanks?

Unless it is a rebreather you might as well snorkle and take passes holding your breath because those exhale bubbles are going to get in the way of finding the leak spots.