The Parasailor and Parasail are patented and trademarked variants of a spinnaker sail for yachts. They were designed for cruising couples and short-handed crews and are considered to be easy to handle and well tempered.[1] These sails make it possible to use one sail as spinnaker and Gennaker. These sails can be used between 70 and 180 degrees to the wind. Relieving the pressure on the bow and the stabilizing effect of the Parasailor and Parasail improve the effect of the rudder and decrease the rudder throws needed.[2]
The Parasailor has a double-layer wing which inflates as the wind fills the sail. This acts like a soft batten, holding the sail out and actively re-opening the collapsed leech. The wing generates a lift that raises the bow of the boat, and also ensures that there is no loss of propulsion. Thanks to this lift, any yawing by the boat is prevented, making a much more comfortable ride. Even if the Parasailor has collapsed after a sudden strong wind shift, the spreading movement of the wing supports the re-opening once the wind has shifted back again.[3]
- ^ "ISTEC Parasailor". Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ "Parasailor". Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ "Parasailor: An Agreeable Companion". Retrieved 23 August 2011.