“A-shaped” mast sailing yacht: Technological solution for easy navigation

Abstract

Most of the modern sailboats are armed with a sloop sail plan. This type of plan has some aerodynamic and operational drawbacks. The central mast position and its equipment create vortices on the sails (decreasing the efficiency) and, in particular, considerably reduce the habitability of both the deck and interior. In this paper we present a solution to this problems through the concept of a 35 ft yacht armed with a “simplified sail plan”. It is an “A-shaped” mast placed in the stern area of the yacht that has been considered in single jib and double jib configuration. This sail plan represents an opportunity of great interest for a Design for All approach, because it follows some of it fundamental principles, for example: to enable prehensility, to require minimal efforts and ability to the users, to use of technological solution (also innovative) to meet the requirements and skills of the user, etc.