Wingsail

BMW Oracle Racing USA 17 from the 2010 America's Cup, with a rigid mainsail wingsail, and a conventional jib at the fore
Forces on a wing (green = lift, red = drag).

A wingsail, twin-skin sail[1] or double skin sail[2] is a variable-camber aerodynamic structure that is fitted to a marine vessel in place of conventional sails. Wingsails are analogous to airplane wings, except that they are designed to provide lift on either side to accommodate being on either tack. Whereas wings adjust camber with flaps, wingsails adjust camber with a flexible or jointed structure (for hard wingsails). Wingsails are typically mounted on an unstayed spar—often made of carbon fiber for lightness and strength. The geometry of wingsails provides more lift, and a better lift-to-drag ratio, than traditional sails. Wingsails are more complex and expensive than conventional sails.[3]

  1. ^ Reed, Dave (August 27, 2019). "Intel on the AC75's Twin-Skin Main". Sailing World. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
  2. ^ Griffin, Jack (August 27, 2018). "AC75 Double Luff Mainsail". www.sail-world.com. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
  3. ^ Nielsen, Peter (May 14, 2014). "Have Wingsails Gone Mainstream?". Sail. Retrieved 2015-01-24.