Patent 10,232,912 covers a novel sailboat rig. The improved rig has two sails in the shape of tapered tubes encircling masts in an A-frame configuration. The sails swing pendulum-like either towards or away from the bow. They alternate between serving the role of a jib (with sail-area forward of a mast), and the role of a mainsail (with sail-area behind a mast). Since the jib doesn't have to tack around the mast and shrouds, flogging is reduced. The triangular A-frame with a wide base provides a stable shape. Tubular sails resist twist since round shapes provide strength in torsion.
The same set of sails on the same masts may also be deployed for use in high winds, running downwind, heaving-to, and running before a storm. The Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz 3D-printed a scale model that demonstrates its operation. Eight photos (scroll down) show the rig deployed on various points of sail, as described in the patent specification. Click red link to view the patent:
Patent 10,232,912 Rig for Sailboat
Download a 3D-view of Patented Rig
