Patent ID: 6675735
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: B63B,B63H

Abstract:
A wind powered sailing craft comprising:a hydrofoil assembly; an aerofoil assembly; a rigid beam; and a hull connected to the rigid beam wherein, the hydrofoil assembly and the aerofoil assembly, are located at opposite ends of the rigid beam and the hull is separate and displaced from both the hydrofoil assembly and the aerofoil assembly, and wherein during use, the aerofoil assembly is displaced either partially or fully downwind with respect to the hydrofoil assembly and wherein a line of action of a resultant force of the aerofoil assembly and a line of action of a resultant force of the hydrofoil assembly pass approximately through a common point located on a vertical line through the center of gravity of the craft, said resultant forces of the hydrofoil and aerofoil assemblies both being directed away from said common point, said resultant forces of the hydrofoil and aerofoil assemblies having horizontal components which are substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, said resultant force of the aerofoil assembly having a vertical component which is directed upwards, said resultant force of the hydrofoil assembly having a vertical component which may vary continuously between an upwards and downwards direction and wherein the sum of the vertical components of said resultant forces of the hydrofoil and aerofoil assemblies is directed upwards and is substantially equal in magnitude to the weight of the craft.