wingsail
Sign in to saveAlso known as rigid sail, twin-skin sail, double skin sail
thumb|BMW Oracle Racing USA 17 (yacht)|USA 17 from the [[2010 America's Cup, with a rigid mainsail wingsail, and a conventional jib at the fore]] right|thumb|Forces on a wing (green = lift, red = drag).
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- Wings (sailing)
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6 sectionsContents
- Introduction
- Camber adjustment
- Comparison with conventional sailing rigs
- Points of sail
- References
- External links
thumb|BMW Oracle Racing USA 17 (yacht)|USA 17 from the [[2010 America's Cup, with a rigid mainsail wingsail, and a conventional jib at the fore]] right|thumb|Forces on a wing (green = lift, red = drag).
A wingsail, twin-skin sail or double skin sail is a variable-camber aerodynamic structure that is fitted to a marine vessel in place of conventional sails. Wingsails are analogous to airplane wings, except that they are designed to provide lift on either side to accommodate being on either tack. Whereas wings adjust camber with flaps, wingsails adjust camber with a flexible or jointed structure (for hard wingsails). Wingsails are typically mounted on an unstayed spar—often made of carbon fiber for lightness and strength. The geometry of wingsails provides more lift, and a better lift-to-drag ratio, than traditional sails. Wingsails are more complex and expensive than conventional sails.