Wingit: Kite as emergency rig - the future for more safety on long journeys?
Michael Rinck
· 19.12.2023
The Wingit from Kite-Boat-Systems is a drive system based on an automated kite. The manufacturer advertises it as a green auxiliary drive for motor yachts or an emergency rig for sailing boats. The wing receives a particularly large amount of wind at a height of between 25 and 150 metres. This is said to achieve ten times the propulsion with the same surface area compared to a conventional sail. The kite can therefore be much smaller than conventional sails. A kite measuring ten square metres is therefore equivalent to 100 square metres of sail area.
It is attached to a mast stub or any fixed point on deck. The trim lines are automatically controlled by the WingCommander RC so that the wing constantly describes flight curves in the shape of a figure of eight. In this way, it always remains in front of the yacht and generates maximum pressure. You can also steer it yourself, but this is not necessary.
The manufacturer has different target groups in mind, including motor yachts on long voyages. The system can save a lot of diesel here. This should make travelling cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Electric boats can increase their range with Wingit. Sailing yachts should also benefit from the system. As an emergency rig, the system should be quickly ready for use and bring the casualty safely to their destination. Wingit requires a power supply. The price is quoted from 22,000 euros, but a customised offer must be obtained.
More information at www.kite-boat.com.
Wingit from Kite-Boat-Systems in a short video clip:
Are kites the future of sailing and shipping?
Kites are also increasingly being used in other areas of sailing and shipping. Among other things, a Swiss team has been working on a high-tech sailing yacht since 2018 that is designed solely to break the speed record under sail. "SP80" has to break an incredible 65.45 knots to achieve this goal. But the record hunters want even more: not only do they want to set a new record, they also want to beat the old record by a whopping 15 knots. In addition to the special foils, the propulsion source used will also be revolutionary and decisive for the leap in speed. Instead of a normal rig like that of the previous record holder, the "SP80" has a kite that not only offers more safety, but also has the potential for speeds in excess of 80 knots.
The technologies used in shipping with kites are more similar to the Wingit system for cruising yachts. The primary aim here is to reduce fuel consumption and improve the environmental footprint of large vessels. Several ships are already equipped with the Airseas Airwing system. This is a 1,000 square metre kite that flies dynamically at a height of 200 metres in front of the bow. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 10 to 40 per cent. However, classic-looking wing rigs play at least as big a role in the development of wind propulsion systems for freighters.
