Shipping

Sails on computer

COMPUTERIZED, mechanised sails facilitate the passage of the four-masted Windsong as it cruises in the waters around Tahiti.

A jib-rigged schooner, Windsong

has Marconi-type (triangular) sails which can be furled around a forestay in two minutes. Partial furling (reefing) can be done even more quickly.

As the wind direction changes, and as the wind increases or decrease in strength, the ship’s computer records these inputs, as well as the direction of the vessel, and sends out commands ad justing the amount of sail, and the stand (angle) of the booms. Hydraulic winches carry out the computer’s commands, eli minating the traditional need for dozens of sailors to climb into the rigging to trim the sails.

The system is complete with an over ride mechanism which allows the captain to adjust the sails mechanically according to his judgment. And if there is no wind at all, a variable that stumps even the smartest computer, there are three diesel-electric engines which can power the vessel. As further refinements, the

ship’s propellers have adjustable pitch so

that the direction of the spin does not need to be changed (a noisy process) to change from forward to reverse, or vice versa.

Windsong also comes with computer assisted anti-heeling tanks which keeps the tipping angle down to six degrees; these tanks, on either side of the vessel, are fed by pumps which move seawater from side to side to counter the heeling.

Wind Song: sailing on computer aid