Sunreef Yachts has introduced the Sunreef Wing, an automated wing-sail system it plans to bring to its sailing catamaran range, combining wind propulsion with coordinated onboard energy management.
The shipyard says the technology is intended to reduce sail-handling demands and make sailing more accessible to owners and crews.
In its announcement, Sunreef said its aim was to make sailing ‘easier, more intuitive and more efficient’.
The system uses a self-supported wing capable of rotating through 360 degrees that adjusts its position to changing wind conditions.
Adaptive camber control alters the wing’s profile in real time to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The wing can also be raised at anchor with the wind coming from behind.
Hoisting and lowering are both hands-free, reducing the operations normally required to handle sails.
Reduced crew workload
The company says the design has fewer moving parts and less equipment than a conventional rig, with reduced crew workload among its intended benefits.
According to Sunreef, the wing generates 50% more lift and 40% more propulsive force than a conventional sail of the same area ‘in optimal apparent wind conditions’.
The shipyard also claims improved upwind performance compared with a traditional sail arrangement. The wing can also harness apparent wind while the yacht is motoring.
An AI-assisted control system analyses sailing conditions and coordinates the wing, rudders and propulsion, aiming to optimise operation with minimal crew input.
Energy-management
Controls include voice commands, while integrated safety systems are designed to keep those on board informed and in control.
The wing also forms part of Sunreef’s wider energy-management approach.
An AI-based system coordinates the engines, wing, hydrogeneration and solar power, balancing energy flows across the yacht.
Future sailing catamarans are intended to combine the wing with hydrogeneration and Sunreef’s solar skin, solar panels integrated into the composite structure.
Sunreef plans to extend the technology across its sailing range, but model-specific rollout details have yet to be announced.
