GB700771A - Improvements in or relating to sailing craft - Google Patents

Abstract

700,771. Sailing craft FAWCETT, H. W. Feb. 22, 1952 [March 7, 1951; May 18, 1951; May 18, 1951; Nov. 5, 1951], Nos. 5572/51, 11701/51, 11702/51 and 25874/51. Classes 113(2), 114 and 115 In a sailing craft comprising at least two hulls H<SP>1</SP>, H<SP>2</SP>, and at least one collapsible bridge structure interconnecting the hulls, a flexible connection between each end of the bridge structure and the hull permits limited pitching movement of one hull independently of the movement of others. The bridge structure comprises girder members 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7; is of the lazy tongs type; is held expanded by wires 20, 21, 22, 23, and is collapsed by removing hinge members 8 and 9. Each hinge 5 of the structure is rigdly mounted on a plate 15 having stirrups 16 in which a bar 17 secured to the hull can move to a limited extent. A stub axle 18 on the hull extends through an aperture 19 in the plate 15 of such a size as to permit limited movement of the axle in the aperture. The structure supports a cabin 14 which carries a buoyant streamlined keel 35. Masts M<SP>1</SP>, M<SP>2</SP> and booms B<SP>1</SP>, B<SP>2</SP> carry triangular sails inclined so that the lines of action of the fore and aft wind forces intersect at X and the athwartship forces at B, the forces then having no effect on the trim or list of the craft. The masts may be mounted so as to have a limited movement which is restrained by spring members 29. Each hull is provided with a member 28 for resisting athwartship forces. The booms may carry hydroplanes 63. Each hull has a plurality of planing surfaces 30 with a free flooding double bottom 40 having a vent 41 and a hole 42 so that at low speeds the double bottom is filled with water and adds to the stability of the craft whereas at high speeds the double bottoms are lifted above the water level and water contained therein drains away through the holes. A buoyant stem portion 31 is hinged at 32 and controls the flow of water from the stern. Wedge-shaped floats 45 may be hinged at 46 to the steps of the planing surfaces to produce a similar effect to that of the stern portion 31, a vent 47 being provided to avoid the formation of a vacuum.