Wind propulsion unit and vessel comprising such a unit

A vessel comprising at least one wind propulsion unit that is elongate in a vertical direction when in an operating position comprising propulsive elements and a mast, and further comprising, in combination with at least one wind propulsion unit, a tilting device comprising a base that is rigidly attached to a proximal region of the mast, which tilting device rotates on a generally horizontal main axis on a support element attached to a deck of the vessel, a tilt control device capable of causing said base to rotate relative to said support element, which tilt control device comprises at least one first actuator capable of generating a linear force in a horizontal direction and a redirection element connecting said actuator to said base in order to exert a force on the base in a first region thereof located at a distance from said generally horizontal main axis, and a locking device for locking said base to said support element, which locking device comprises at least one second actuator that is capable of exerting, in a second region of the base distant from the first region in a direction transverse to said generally horizontal main axis, a retaining force in said vertical direction, said at least one wind propulsion unit being movable, by virtue of said one or more first actuators, between an inactive position, wherein said at least one wind propulsion unit extends along the deck of the vessel and an active erect position, the locking device being capable of contributing to holding said at least one wind propulsion unit in the active erect position thereof.