kitesail
A kitesail is a propulsion rig for a boat or other vehicle that uses a controllable kite as the source of power instead of, or in addition to, conventional fabric sails. The kite is flown on a tether from the vessel and converts wind energy into forward force through its lift and drag. By adjusting the kite’s altitude, angle of attack, and line tension, a crew can control speed and direction, with the vessel effectively steered by the kite’s position and the vessel’s steering inputs.
Design and components commonly include a kite (often a parafoil, leading-edge inflatable, or other traction kite),
Operation typically involves launching the kite to a safe height and then using the control system to
Applications include sport sailing and experimental kite-powered boats, where a kite can significantly increase drive in