Launch and retrieval arrangement for an aerodynamic profile element and an aerodynamic profile element

A launch and retrieval arrangement for a profile element,

• wherein the profile element comprises (a) an upper flexible layer which extends in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction, (b) a lower flexible layer which extends parallel to the upper layer and which is connected to the upper layer by a plurality of webs extending in the depthwise direction of the profile element, (c) an air-filled internal space between the upper and lower layers, (d) at least one air intake opening for supplying air to the internal space, said opening being arranged between two mutually parallel leading edges of the upper and lower layers, (e) a plurality of pulling lines which are fixed with a first end to spaced locations on the profile element and which are connected with a second end to a pulling cable, (f) a plurality of reefing lines which are fixed at a first end to the layers and/or webs and which are adapted to reduce or increase the size of the profile element by reefing or unreefing the upper and lower layers, and (g) a bar element extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile element to stabilise the aerodynamic profile, wherein the bar element is fixed to the upper and/or lower layer, and/or to a web, and at the bar element at least one of the reefing lines has a first reefing line portion, which extends in the transverse direction of the profile element of the upper or lower layer, respectively, from the fixing point at the first end, and a second reefing line portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction, and
• wherein the launch and retrieval arrangement comprises a mast, to the upper end of which is fixed a mast head, and a coupling device which is arranged at the mast head and which is rotatable about a vertical axis for coupling the leading end of the bar element to the mast head, wherein the coupling device includes a receiving space which is delimited by two vertically extending side walls, and in which the leading end of the bar element can be received and which is delimited towards a first horizontal side by an abutment wall and towards a second horizontal side which is in opposite relationship thereto and upwardly is open for the introduction of the leading end of the bar element from the side or above.

A drive arrangement for a watercraft including a profile element and a launch and retrieval arrangement,

• wherein the profile element comprises (a) an upper flexible layer which extends in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction, (b) a lower flexible layer which extends parallel to the upper layer and which is connected to the upper layer by a plurality of webs extending in the depthwise direction of the profile element, (c) an air-filled internal space between the upper and lower layers, (d) at least one air intake opening for supplying air to the internal space, said opening being arranged between two mutually parallel leading edges of the upper and lower layers, (e) a plurality of pulling lines which are fixed with a first end to spaced locations on the profile element and which are connected with a second end to a pulling cable, (f) a plurality of reefing lines which are fixed at a first end to the layers and/or webs and which are adapted to reduce or increase the size of the profile element by reefing or unreefing the upper and lower layers, and (g) a bar element extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile element to stabilise the aerodynamic profile, wherein the bar element is fixed to the upper and/or lower layer, and/or to a web, and at the bar element at least one of the reefing lines has a first reefing line portion, which extends in the transverse direction of the profile element of the upper or lower layer, respectively, from the fixing point at the first end, and a second reefing line portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction;
• wherein the launch and retrieval arrangement comprises a mast, to the upper end of which is fixed a mast head, and a coupling device which is arranged at the mast head and which is rotatable about a vertical axis for coupling the leading end of the bar element to the mast head, wherein the coupling device includes a receiving space which is delimited by two vertically extending side walls, and in which the leading end of the bar element can be received and which is delimited towards a first horizontal side by an abutment wall and towards a second horizontal side which is in opposite relationship thereto and upwardly is open for the introduction of the leading end of the bar element from the side or above;
• and
• wherein the mast is arranged in the bow region of the watercraft and the pulling cable is pivoted to a hauling point in the bow region of the watercraft, which in the direction of travel is arranged approximately a third of the length of the profile element in front of the mast.