Abstract

A propulsion system for a boat comprises a plurality of aerofoils connected to a main mast. At least one of the aerofoils is a displaceable aerofoil adapted to be displaced along the main mast between an open position and a closed position. When the displaceable aerofoil is in its open position the aerofoils together form a sail of open sail area. When the displaceable aerofoil is in its closed position at least some of the aerofoils overlap to form a sail of closed sail area, the closed sail area being less than the open sail area. The propulsion system can include a displacement mechanism to displace the displaceable aerofoil between its open and closed positions; at least one of the aerofoils having a solar panel thereon; and/or a stub mast extending along and free to rotate about a stub axis and connected to the main mast by a stub pivot.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 21/17 - Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the vessels being motor-driven by electric motor
• F24S 50/60 - Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors responsive to wind
• F24S 30/452 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes with vertical primary axis
• B63H 9/061 - Rigid sailsAerofoil sails
• B63H 9/069 - Kite-sails for vessels
• B63B 15/00 - SuperstructuresArrangements or adaptations of masts
• B63H 9/10 - SparsRunning rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
• F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
• B63J 3/00 - Driving of auxiliaries