Can You Automate the Sailing Process?

[Sam Plan B]

How do you electronically coil a line? How do you electronically unsnag a sheet on a sort tack? How do you electronically restich a ripped sail seam? How do you electronically take a reef? Just wondering.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

How do you electronically coil a line? How do you electronically unsnag a sheet on a sort tack? How do you electronically restich a ripped sail seam? How do you electronically take a reef? Just wondering.

what never heard of email and texting?

[Sam Plan B]

Texting? Is that a new term for writing a letter? I would not have power winches on my boat. I think they could rip someting apart with the push of a button but self tailing winches are on my to-buy list.

[George Hoskins]

For the full simulated experience try standing under a cold shower while you tear up $10 notes!

More fun with a friend than a computer!

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

How do you electronically coil a line? How do you electronically unsnag a sheet on a sort tack? How do you electronically restich a ripped sail seam? How do you electronically take a reef? Just wondering.

This is how you electrically handle lines.........
Harken: Captive Reel Winch
I like the idea, but will never be able to afford the boat that uses it.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I like sailing...............

Who keeps watch to prevent this thing from running over those of us who like sailing?

I guess you do.

[zeehag]

who keeps watch? seems would still need someone in cockpit to watch out for the boats coming at ye.....

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by zeehag

who keeps watch? seems would still need someone in cockpit to watch out for the boats coming at ye.....

I think the answer to this is on the computer! ...a virtual watch and a virtual helm. With all the money saved you could jump on the 747 to that distant island! After all, sailing is not an economical means to get from one place to another.......right?

[Cheechako]

Ahhh yes......... virtual sailing! Why go to all that trouble... Just stand in the shower watching a sailing video. Every hour throw $100 out the window!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by zeehag

who keeps watch? seems would still need someone in cockpit to watch out for the boats coming at ye.....

Nah, the odds are really low (try being found in a liferaft with no communication) besides, many others arent watching either!

[zeehag]

with all this automation WHY GO SAILING---- just as easy to motor in a megamotoryacht with helo, and sans sticks to get in the way of your partying..

[forsailbyowner]

LMAO.... Its funny people who are saying !!!!why do it!!!! I think back to my early days of sailing when we travelled constantly plotting my estimated and observed position , hand steering the tiller in shifts through all hours of the night, then think about now and how automated my sailing has become. I point and click my destination, press a button on my autopilot and all I have to do is an occasional sail trim. Were already automated so much its amazing. The ground tackle detail that used to be the worst on boat is now flicking a switch and watching the anchor chain feed. LMAO were already robot sailing.

[capn_billl]

Originally Posted by forsailbyowner

LMAO.... Its funny people who are saying !!!!why do it!!!! I think back to my early days of sailing when we travelled constantly plotting my estimated and observed position , hand steering the tiller in shifts through all hours of the night, then think about now and how automated my sailing has become. I point and click my destination, press a button on my autopilot and all I have to do is an occasional sail trim. Were already automated so much its amazing. The ground tackle detail that used to be the worst on boat is now flicking a switch and watching the anchor chain feed. LMAO were already robot sailing.

Yeah, that ship has already left the dock.


As far as automating sailing, YES we can.

I work in a factory automation dept. and have penciled in on a napkin what would be required to completly automate the sailing process.

The parts are all there, all you need is someone with a big checkbook to make it work.

[duncan_m]

Sailing is already automated 100%. It's delegation..

As the captain, I take a comfortable position in the cockpit and make sure that the crew are doing everything..

[nobrainsatoll]

DynaRig MotorSailer

I see your point. You can sail a larger ship which usually would need a larger crew without having the expense of a crew. This would also allow more cargo area and longer stays out. I was thinking of this also. Although I do not think the comments below reflect the understanding of what it would be used for. One would not have to automate the navigation aspect just the sails if that's what floats your boat. Nor would one have to leave off manning the watch. I think it would be done easily although with some commitment in respects to financing the project. I could see a great benefit for the handicapped or less-abled people who would love to sail and cannot. It may be possible to retro fit a system into an existing boat. Dynarig's are one solution. I am sure their are others.