GOODS & SERVICES: New Ideas, Aug. 27, 1956

GOODS & SERVICES

Faster Sail. An experimental rectangular sail on a U-shaped rig (see cut) adds speed and helps prevent boats from tipping, says its inventor, General Electric Co. Engineer Burnice D. Bedford. The new shape spills wind underneath the sail rather than over it, causing a "lifting" effect. It measures 120 sq. ft. v. 72 sq. ft. for a triangular sail on the same boat; with its rig it weighs 78 lbs. v. a conventional sail's 25-30 lbs. Bedford hopes to reduce the weight, patent and market a still better sail within a year.

"Plastic...

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