Control systems for sailing vessels

Abstract

An improved control system for a sailing vessel for controlling the position of the sail and the rudder, and affixed to a slidable seat apparatus. A movement of the seat apparatus does not alter the position of the sail or the rudder. A ballast control, steering control and sail control are located on the slidable seat apparatus. The slidable seat apparatus provides a ballast control means using the helmsperson's weight and the seat itself as movable ballast. Furthermore, the steering control and the sail controls are mounted to the movable seat and are operable independently and simultaneously with the movement of the seat. A base provides a base connection means for the seat, and in the case of a multi-hull embodiment of the sailboat, the base is substantially in the form of a scissoring “X” shape. The scissoring base functions as both a connecting means and a means to adjust the distance between the hulls for operation or storage. The connection of the scissoring base to the hulls provides a longitudinal adjustment of the entire control apparatus relative to the hulls.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.