How the Wing Works
GALLERY | Click images to enlarge
Ken Fry has released a fascinating new video on how his solid wing sail works.
This video describes how the wing on Wing and a Pair works. It shows how it is very much like an airplane wing, and provides the details on airfoil type, the function of flaps and slats, and how the wing’s lift is generated and controlled.
The boat does not rely on computers, powered servos or any such folderol (Take note America’s Cup). All control is accomplished by moving two levers in the boat’s cockpit, which mechanically move the control surfaces.
Hat tip to Small Craft Advisor for the link.
Interesting, particularly the references to Zenith STOL
aircraft.and their website information.
It goes along way to explaining why a Bermudan rig works so
well on yachts, relatively speaking, if you can see a jib working
as a “slat”. The apparent AoA for the sails working together is
much greater to get more lift than they are separate, for the same
amount of drag.
Still not convinced that a solid wing sail is the most practical and
efficient rig.overall.