Wayback Machine 1933; Vertical Rotors Move Ship in Lightest Winds
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 11. 8.07
There have been TreeHugger posts on modern versions of this and other modern sailing designs, and it looks similar to Jacques Cousteau's Alcyone . Way back in 1933 aeronautical engineer Laurence Lesh put vertical wings on boats that can sail directly into the wind. "Once the pointed, vertical wings of the Lesh boat begin spinning, they keep on until the wind dies down or the brakes are applied. The lightest of breezes, tests have shown, will start them whirling and move the ship." It is another demonstration of the magnus effect, first seen on TreeHugger with the Magenn air rotor. ::Modern Mechanix
Looks like a great idea for sailor - and then from 70 years ago, I wonder if any sail manufaccturers have tried it for real. Sounds like a cool idea.
i wonder if it didn't work commercially because sailors like their sails?
One nice thing about sails is they can be reefed or even fully lowered in bad weather.
Hate to get caught in the weather and only option is to run and TRY to maintain control.