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A comment on Launch HN: OutSail (YC W23) – Wingsails to reduce cargo ship fuel consumption. Parent comment

Re:Launch HN: OutSail (YC W23) – Wingsails to reduce cargo s... by RhodesianHunter on Monday April 03, 2023 @02:28PM (#35428947)
This is clearly intended to supplement, not replace, the ship's existing power source.

You would fold these down rather than trying to ride out a swell with them up. They go out of they way to clarify how easily these can be furled and unfurled.

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Re:Launch HN: OutSail (YC W23) – Wingsails to reduce cargo s... by goosinmouse on Monday April 03, 2023 @02:48PM (#35429275)
Im no engineer but this is what i thought too. Just automatically fold the sails when gusts reach above a certain threshold. Shouldn't be too hard, right?
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Re:Launch HN: OutSail (YC W23) – Wingsails to reduce cargo s... by nickff on Monday April 03, 2023 @02:54PM (#35429392)
This may be more challenging than you think; depending on how you 'fold' the sails, you may end up with enough 'windage' 'aloft' to over-stress the connections anyway. They'll likely be forced to bring the wing down completely, which will either make the wings small or expensive.
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Re:Launch HN: OutSail (YC W23) – Wingsails to reduce cargo s... by Turskarama on Monday April 03, 2023 @10:16PM (#35434120)
I believe the design is to roll them up like a measuring tape.
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