Windsurfing catamaran with dynamic shock dampened rig centering keel and hull support

摘要

A self-stabilizing catamaran wing assembly for a windsurfing catamaran that provides all the sailing characteristics and benefits of a windsurfer, yet allows operation even by sailors with physical limitations. In such a wing assembly, the wing or sail is automatically moved to the correct position by using counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to the central mast structure of the catamaran. The central keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing structure of the catamaran when the wing is moved off center by the wind. The keel also rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to the water flow that approaches the keel from the direction the catamaran is headed toward, guided by dagger-boards and rudders on the hulls. The force of the water on the keel offsets the force of the wind against the sails and automatically pushes the keel and mast structure back towards a stable upright position. This increases the dynamic stability of the catamaran while simultaneously increasing lift and driving force to increase the speed of the catamaran. The central platform in the catamaran provides hinged struts and shock absorbers between the rear end of the central platform and planing hulls to support and protect the rig and hulls. This allows the hulls to independently conform to wave surfaces instead of plowing through them. It also prevents the hulls from transmitting violent wave impact movement to the sail rig, thereby maintaining the rig favorably oriented to the wind. It also reduces impact damage to the rig, deck and hulls that over time may cause hull failure or other damage, while providing a smooth ride for the sailor(s). Also, by maintaining the hull surface in proper relationship with the water surface, the hinged struts and rear shock absorbers reduce water drag and the braking effect of repeated hull impacts with water thereby resulting in a further increase in catamaran speed.