Adjustable-Shape wing sails

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by 556Geoff, Oct 31, 2007.

  1. 556Geoff
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    Location: USA/Midwest

    556Geoff Junior Member

    I'm interested in anyones experience with the Chinese Dragon Wing type of adjustable wing sails. I'm planning on building a concept rig for some small ice boats this winter. The concept is attractive because of the large wind ranges these boats operate under (four to six times the true wind). Ice and land sailors don't have the dynamics of waves kicking the rig around and these boats would be a stable flatform for some interesting trials.
     
  2. Petros
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Arlington, WA-USA

    Petros Senior Member

    I do not have any direct experience with these rigs, but I have been reading about them and have been doodling something to build along these lines. I want to build one to put on my 14 foot sloop or to build a cat to put it on to try it out.

    Are you referring to what they call a modified junk rig? They appear to have the advantage to be able to control the twist since each "batten" has its own sheetlet. They also do not have a main boom and I suspect the stress on the fabric is less since you do not have to pull so hard on the corners to control the shape. Also with the battens there are no larger areas of fabric to flap and flutter in the wind.

    I am thinking of a modified junk that I can control both the twist and the camber of the sail at every point along the full height of the mast. I suspect it should work well for land sailing.
     
  3. 556Geoff
    Joined: Mar 2007
    Posts: 20
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    Location: USA/Midwest

    556Geoff Junior Member

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