How do you reef the wingsail? There is no need to reef , even in high winds. "Reefing" is done by moving the tail control more towards neutral, until the desired amount of power is reached.
Wingmasts can be difficult in high winds, how much more with a wing sail? Actually much less, because the tail keeps the wingsail pointing towards the wind. There is much less drag too (around 10% ) as the wingsail is streamlined.
How well do they work in light wind. Brilliantly Unlike a sail , a wingsail has its shape all the time. We have been able to sail 100 meters up to , past and back again to a conventional cat (and from a safe distance offering a tow
) who later admitted that "he hadn't moved an inch".
Wingsails are very efficient going upwind and even downwind as well. This is because when going downwind the apparent wind
moves to one side or the other and the boat can "tack" downwind.
This prototype is ready for sale. Has the choice between a 57sqft or 69sqft wing, wing control on the tiller handle, 1 person 10-12 min set up and launch and a dream to sail even in the lightest conditions,yet stable in high winds and gusts.
Please use the links below
more on the Leisure 16T, 16ft tri
building the Leisure 16C, 16ft cat.
48ft cat with 4 wings, model stage.
An article written on the 16T and about the real reason for sailing.
The wingsail.
Wingsails are not new inventions and have been around for at least 50 years.
They have had many variations including:
fold out hinged
solid and flexible
The junk rig is a very clever design. When going downwind the rig can be opened out to double the wind catching area.
The hinged was used in the Walker wingsailer. This system proved itself in Atlantic crossings and was computer controlled thru hydraulics.
This solid rig is very visually appealing. Possibly though, it would lose too much with the aileron in the wing.
This flexible design was our attempt to get over losses caused by the hinge system. The gained efficiency is probably lost with extra weight and engineering.
We have found the use of computers is not required in our rigs as the rig will constantly follow the apparent wind to the desired setting, weathervaning when hit by gusts, because of the tail.
Our solution to the problems in some of these rigs was to make a "solid" type frame, covered in nylon for smaller systems, but have the tail mounted back from the wing. This cuts back on parasitic losses, makes for easier control using cables and linkages instead of computers.
Our wings are designed to be "general Purpose" too, so that they have good performance at all wind speeds.
Other advantages of the Flexywing system with the tail mounted behind the wing are ;
Our designs are based on simplicity, ease of sailing (and getting to the water), cost effectiveness and fun. Being some of the simplest boats to sail means you can enjoy being out there with the bonus that the wing will guide you in changeable conditions.
Yet to come;
3.6mtr (12ft) cat, 32sqft nylon covered "solid" wing using 2 outrigger floats from T16.
centreframe and wing available separately.
4.8mtr (16ft) cat, uses 2 LS T16 hulls, Can have 1 (camper cruiser) or 2 ( sport) 57 or 69 sqft wingsails
9.6 mtr (32ft) trailerable tri, 15.12 sqm (168 sq ft) flexywing, 7.2 mtr beam
9.6mtr trailerable cat, 2x 15.12sqm (168 sq ft) flexywings (total 336sq ft).
50ft cat, 2x 220 sq ft and 2x 162sqft wingsails, 2x king staterooms, 2x queen, 3.6 mtr galley (2.4 mtr headroom), 340sq ft salon.
Please note these designs are subject to change without notice
About us We are located in Warialda NSW , Australia. Our goal is to foster public interest in wingsails. Other interests are in WIG (wing in ground effect) hydrofoils and also in an Asian style of motor boats.
Leisuresailer 16t 
LS16 cruiser cat
Automatic tracking of apparent wind, especially in light conditions
Safety by the weathervaning of the wing when hit by "bullets" of high wind.
Easy to use with 1 control for tail setting
Reverse has as much power as forward.
"Neutral" position for even extended parking. We have left the boat unattended for four days in high wind with no problems.
Durability is assured from all aluminium and ripstop nylon construction.
Easy to erect the wing with simple boat winch.
"No fuss" gybing as the wing can freely rotate thru 360 deg.
No electrics or computers needed for control.
Available with wing and rudder controls on the one handle for disabled sailors.
Leisure sailer Kiddy Kat
Leisure sailer C16 Now built.
Leisure sailer T32
Leisure sailer C32
Leisure sailer CQ50
Other plans include 66ft cat with 6 wings for commercial use.
In years to come we believe that commercial shipping could use wingsails for 30-50 % cost saving .