Soft, double mainsail improves performance

[Scotty Kiwi]

Quote from Article:

".... design geniuses are at it again, producing a ground-breaking soft wingsail for the revolutionary foiling monohull to be used in the next America's Cup.

And they have proven true to their edict to produce state-of-the-art technology that can trickle down to the average yachtie."


https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-...t-americas-cup

In summary it's a "D" section mast, curved surface facing forward, with two main sails, two mast tracks, one off each rear flat corner of the "D".

To my layman's mind the efficiency improvement, once developed, will mean cruisers can achieve the same power from smaller sails. Easier rig to handle.

I wonder if the intellectual property will be protected? I think it wont be, so in a few years, some of us will be getting these mast and sail designs from our local but up with the play rigger/sail maker.

Probably more applicable to multihulls though, eh?