High-Speed Sailing

While the water is our greatest asset it is also our greatest liability. Viewed from a distance it is seen to be "dead flat" and a near perfect transportation medium. However, up close it can be quite different as wind generated waves enturbulate the surface, sometimes making it one of the most difficult transport mediums. One solution would be to increase our craft's size until it dwarfs the waves, but this would only be practical for a floating city. Whereas motorized vessels do best in calm conditions, wind powered craft don't move when it's calm, but the powering wind also kicks up the sea surface.

I have been looking for solutions to this problem for some time. For powered vessels, it appears that surface effect craft are potentially one of the best solutions, in which the craft are flown a few feet above the surface (and any waves) getting extra lift and efficiency by flying close to the surface. Whether we can apply this principle to wind powered craft remains to be seen, although note that Sailrocket has done some pioneering work on this with their flip. Don't forget that in order to sail, we need a hydrofoil hooking the water allowing for the wind/water "squeeze" that propels our craft. (Refer to my earlier posts on this if needed.)

Planing surfaces have been the most successful for high speed sailing so far, but require a smooth surface to avoid pounding. Hydrofoils are a close second but a bit more complex. I have had success with a tunnel hull and have been looking for other ways to move across the surface at high-speed, particularly off-shore where the surface is rougher.

Bob