An elevated sailing apparatus that extracts traction power from the wind.
It operates without the heeling moment (typical of conventional
sailboats), which constrains the design and limits the power that can be
used. A wing or sail is attached beneath a streamlined blimp with
aerodynamic stabilizers that keep both the blimp and the wing (or sail)
directed into the wind. The blimp is directed into the wind for minimum
drag. The wing (or sail) is directed into the wind for a desired angle of
attack. The apparatus is tilted so that a combination of dynamic lift and
lateral propulsive force is generated in addition to the static lift
generated by the blimp. A single tether transfers these aerodynamic
forces to a boat or other vehicle. Conventional electronically operated
automatic and remote control systems can be used to adjust the tilt and
to tack the apparatus.