For a long time, the project has been maturing in Jean-Luc Hauser's brain. But since 2012, he has been really developing the idea of creating a wing-shaped inflatable sail. This prototypist technician works in the Nantes region. He has enjoyed sailing for many years and has been interested in wings since 1990.
Already a prototype is sailing
For his SeaWit project, he took the next step by forming a group of 4 people who allowed him to finalize the concept: the WIT 3D (for Wing In Textile or fabric wing). It is a waterproof inflatable wing without rigid reinforcement. Inflated at very low pressure (40 Mb), it holds in place without a batten. It is mounted on a self-supporting mast.
Today a first prototype has just sailed in August 2018 on an Optimist. Due to lack of wind, the first tests do not really speak for themselves. Further tests are expected soon. The concept has yet to be finalized, but the sail exists...
An inflatable wing mounted on a mast
It is a 3-part sail: the inflatable leading edge, the sheath for the mast and finally the inflatable trailing edge. Small bitches under the sail are there to make the profile asymmetrical (create a hollow in the sail by orienting the leading edge) and especially to make this profile reversible (once the transfer has been made).
This sail, which has a Naca profile (profile 0012), consists of 2 panels positioned one above the other. These are defined by the width of the fabric strips available to make the sail. They inflate separately, so you could imagine reducing the sail by deflating one in two.
Advantages of the wing
The advantages of this type of wing are many. The shape of the thick sail is more efficient than a flat sail. Its ease of use is also interesting for learning in sailing schools for example. The lightness of the whole is also retained (the prototype is less heavy than a classic Optimist rig). Finally, for light sailing, this inflatable rig offers a reserve of buoyancy in the event of desalination.
Among the disadvantages, it is important to note the risk of a puncture of the sail although it can be easily repaired due to the low pressure required. But it is also the problem of aesthetics that may pose a problem when it comes to this type of sail...
For whom? For whom?
For the moment, the collective is thinking above all of new sailors, especially in sailing schools. Thus the rigging could be used on monohulls or light sail catamarans. But it will also be possible to develop this sail on larger rigs for cruising, for example. Obviously, this type of sail will work better on cat-boat type rigs, without headsail, but it can also be adapted on guyed masts if necessary.
In terms of price, it should be at the same price as a classic regatta sail. So not a price too unaffordable.
What about tomorrow?
Today the prototype is operational. It is expected to be out at sea in September 2018 with more wind to validate its operation. But it remains a prototype with its defects and lack of finish. But the basics for launching a pre-series are there. The collective is currently looking for partners to offer marketable products for May 2019. This inflatable wing has already received a prize from the Nina competition (Nautical Innovation & Novelty Awards) for the Pays de la Loire region. A good idea to follow...
