Mast arrangement for a foil board

Abstract

A mast arrangement (10) attachable to a watercraft board (11) has an elongate mast (12) with a cavity (18) for housing power source (20) and / or controller (22). Antenna(e) (28) operatively connect(s) to the controller to receive a signal from a rider controller (29). Antenna(e) extending into the board underside without requiring cabling external of the mast (10) reduces risk of poor signal connection and / or component failure from poor electrical connection by external cabling and water ingress / corrosion. A top plate or cover (32) projection portion (30) can project into a recess (26) in the underside (11.1) of the board. A portion of the mast (12) around a cavity (18) can bulge (19) outward enabling battery weight to be inline with or forward of the mast / centreline aids balance and manoeuvrability for the rider by keeping the centre of gravity close to the centre of lift of the main foil.

Description

MAST ARRANGEMENT FOR A FOIL BOARDTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of personal watercraft, such as electrically powered hydrofoil boards e.g. for surfing, wing foiling, downwinding, kiteboarding, and wakeboarding.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydrofoil boards or ‘foil boards’ / ’foilboards’ allows the rider and board to lift above the surface of the water during forward propulsion. This action reduces drag on the board and enables faster speeds and increased manoeuvrability in a wide range of water and weather conditions.

[0003] Such foilboards include the board for supporting the rider, a mast depending from the underside of the board into the water, and a hydrofoil attached to a lower end of the mast.

[0004] Akin to an aircraft wing in air generating lift, forward momentum creates a pressure differential across the hydrofoil, causing the water to push up on the foil, thereby generating lift, causing the board and rider to lift out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for the increased forward speed. A remote controller can be used to control propeller rpm and therefore forward speed.

[0005] Forward momentum to generate lift may be achieved via propulsion added to the system, via one or more of the following: a.) physical input from the rider, for instance, using a hand-held paddle; b.) input from the environment, for instance, being pushed by a wave, or from wind energy harnessed by a hand-held kite or inflatable wing; c.) a motor driven propeller, mounted on the mast, board or hydrofoil.

[0006] There are considerable challenges encountered with each of the aforementioned methods of achieving lift. Both physical input from the rider andphysical input from the environment require significant physical strength, athleticism, perseverance, and aptitude to learn and master. Accordingly, foiling in such “unpowered” format implicitly carries barriers to entry and requirements for able-bodiedness. The addition of motor-driven propulsion removes these barriers, making foiling for sport and recreation more accessible to a broader audience.

[0007] In the case of a motor driven propeller format, assembling the hydrofoil, motor, mast, battery pack and board together at the waterside location prior to use can be troublesome and take considerable time, with the risk of losing components, not having the correct tools for assembly or missing water conditions or event start times due to the inherent delays associated with lengthy assembling of the various components. Such assemblies require multiple components to be put together at the waterside location, making for complex systems, reducing reliability and not optimising for drag or weight reduction for an enjoyable rider experience.

[0008] Attempts have been made to simplify the assembly process for the motor driven propeller format. One example is disclosed in AU 2017268537A1 which discloses a module for attaching by an attachment plate to an upper end of a mast for a foil board. The module houses a controller to control power to a motor driven propeller mounted at the lower, hydrofoil, end of the mast. The module is configured to plug into the underside of the board and connect electrically via a power lead to a battery housed in the board. The need for external power connection and assembly of the module to the mast and board increases time taken to be ready to deploy the foilboard in the water and increases the risk of water ingress or poor power connection via the external power lead.

[0009] The present invention has been developed in the light of the aforementioned background.

[0010] One or more forms of the present invention proposes at least one alternative, or one or more useful alternative approaches, to alleviating one or more problems associated with foil boards / foil boarding.SUMMARY

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mast arrangement for removable attachment to a watercraft board. The mast arrangement may include: a mast configured to be disposed, in use, in water, the mast having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for direct or indirect attachment to the board. The mast may include at least one cavity at, adjacent or toward the first end. The least one cavity may be configured to house at least one of a power source and a controller, and / or the mast may include at least one projection portion configured to project into an underside of the board when the mast arrangement is mounted thereto, the at least one projection portion including or housing at least one antenna for communication with a remote controller above.

[0012] Alternatively, or in addition, embodiments may include the at least one cavity including a flood cavity or chamber configured to at least partially fill with water when submerged and to release water when not submerged (such as when above the water surface during lift by the foil. The flood cavity / chamber may be configured to free drain when the board sufficiently lifts above the water surface.

[0013] Embodiments may include the mast having predominantly a one-piece structure including the at least one cavity integral therein.

[0014] A portion of the mast around the at least one cavity may bulge outward relative to a contiguous elongate portion of the mast extending towards the second end. The bulge is preferably three dimensional providing a flaring / widening at the upper / first end of the mast relative to a lower portion of the mast being elongate extending towards the foil / second end thereof.

[0015] Embodiments of the mast arrangement may include at least one cover configured to sealably close the at least one cavity at, adjacent or toward the first end of the mast.

[0016] The at least one cover may be provided to cover access to the power source, such as at least one power source chamber for housing the power source, such as at least one battery.

[0017] The at least one cavity may include the power source chamber. The power source chamber may be within the at least one cavity, such as having at least one power source chamber wall within the at least one cavity or the at least one cavity defines the power source chamber.

[0018] The power source may be removable and / or replaceable. The power source may include at least one battery, such as at least one interchangeable battery configured to be removably replaceable in / from the power source chamber.

[0019] The at least one cover may include the at least one projection portion. The at least one cover may include multiple spaced said projection portions, such a parallel or laterally spaced projection portions.

[0020] The at least one projection portion may be integral with the respective cover or separately mounted and sealingly attached thereto, such as by bonding or fastening.

[0021] Embodiments may include the at least one projection portion configured to be received, in use, into one or more slots of a slot / f in box mounted in / to the underside of the board.

[0022] Embodiments may include the mast having the at least one cavity at or toward the first end housing, in use, at least one of a power source and a controller; and the at least one projection having or housing the at least one antenna for communication with a remote controller above.

[0023] Embodiments may include a motor mount portion integral to the mast, the motor mount portion configured to receivably support a motor housing thereto. The motor mount portion may be at least partially hollow having at least one motor mount portion cavity. The at least one motor mount portion cavity may be contiguous with the at least one cavity.

[0024] Embodiment may include at least one of: at least one power port or at least one data port, or at least one power port and at least one data port. The at least one power port and / or the at least one data port may be provided in a portion of the first end of the mast.

[0025] Embodiments may include a power control switch, such as at least one on-off switch, which may include a physical manually operated control switch or remotely controlled, such as a magnetic switch, reed switch or wirelessly controlled switch, such as by Bluetooth or other short-range wireless protocol.

[0026] The at least one power port may be connected internally of the mast to the power source and / or the at least one data port may be connected internally of the mast to the controller and / or the battery.

[0027] The at least one power port and / or the at least one data port may respectively be operatively connected to the respective power source and the controller via cabling within the at least one cavity.

[0028] Embodiment include the mast having a structure predominantly of composite material or metal, or a combination thereof. The composite material may predominantly be or include carbon fibre or other carbon-based composite material. The metal may be or include predominantly aluminium or aluminium alloy, titanium, stainless steel, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0029] The controller may be thermally connected to a heat sink either contained within the at least one cavity or projecting through the mast into the water.

[0030] Embodiment may include at least one hydrofoil fin permanently attached or removably attachable / attached at or adjacent the second end of the mast, the second end being distal from the first end and disposed, in use, lower in the water than the first end.

[0031] Embodiments may include forward biased weight of the power source within the mast. For example, weight of the power source can be biased forward, such as by having a larger portion of the power source forward of a centreline of the mast or centre of lift of the main foil. Having the power source weight balance forward of the centreline can aid balance in response to the forward thrust imparted by the propeller or jet (such as a waterjet) from behind the centreline during foiling. The water jet may include a jet outlet nozzle, which may be directionally controllable, such as controlled by the user.

[0032] The power source may include one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable within the mast (such as via the power port) or may be removable (interchangeable).

[0033] Embodiments may include a power source chamber provided within the mast to receive the power source and / or a power source holder. The power source and / or the power source holder may be slidably engageable within the power source chamber. The power source chamber may part of the at least one cavity or a separate chamber configured for the power source. The power source holder may be is configured to retain / support at least one power source, such as at least one battery.

[0034] The at least one projection portion may include at least part of the first end of the mast configured to be at least partially received / housed within therecess in the underside of the board. All or part of the bulge / housing may be recessed into the board e.g. via a cavity in the underside of the board.Embodiments may include a mast arrangement for removable attachment to a watercraft board, the mast arrangement including: a mast configured to be disposed, in use, in water, the mast having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for direct or indirect attachment to the board, the mast including: at least one cavity at or toward the first end configured to house at least one of a power source and a controller; wherein the first end of the mast includes a portion configured to be received into a recess in an underside of the board.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] One or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to at least some of the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a lower perspective view of a mast arrangement according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an upper perspective view of a mast arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a vertical side sectional view of a mast arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of a mast arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figures 5A to 5C show features of a replaceable power source arrangement according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of forward weight distribution for a mast arrangement according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented.

[0044] It will be readily understood that the aspects / embodiments of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mast arrangement 10 configured to removably attach to a board 11 , such as a watercraft board e.g. surfboard, foilboard, kiteboard etc.

[0046] Embodiments include an elongate mast 12 with a first end 14 and a second end 16, the first end configured for direct or indirect attachment to the board.

[0047] Embodiments include at least one cavity 18 in the mast at or toward the first end configured to house at least one of a power source 20 and / or a controller 22. The at least one cavity may be a single cavity, and may have one or more compartment dividers therein. The at least one cavity may include multiple cavities, which may have internal passage connection therebetween within the mast, such as for cabling.

[0048] The mast 12 of the mast arrangement can have a one-piece body 12.1 with the at least one cavity 18 integral within the body 12.1.

[0049] The mast can include a foot portion 24 at the second end 16, the foot portion configured to support the hydrofoil when attached thereto.

[0050] At least one antenna 28 can operatively connect to the controller 22. The at least one antenna 28 may be configured to receive a signal from a handheld controller 29 used by the rider.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the at least one antenna 28 within the board and operatively connected to the controller within the mast without requiring cabling / connection external of the mast 10 advantageously reduces the risk of poor signal connection and reduces the risk of component failure due to poor electrical connection otherwise associated with external cabling and water ingress or corrosion.

[0052] At least one projection portion 30, such as a at least one projection of a top plate or cover 32 attached to or forming part of the mast body 12, can project into a recess 26 in the underside 11.1 of the board 11 . For example, the at least one recess in the underside of the board may include one or more fin boxes / rails or other internal attachment points within the underside of the board.

[0053] The at least one projection 30 can house at least one respective antenna. It will be appreciated that more than one antenna 28 can be provided and / or more than one said projection portion 30.

[0054] Having the at least one antenna 28 as part of the mast arrangement provides for electrical connection within the mast without needing external leads or seals to other external components.

[0055] The at least one antenna 28 can be operatively in communication with the controller 22, such as to convey received control signals from a remote speed controller 29 operated by the rider, such as manually by hand or foot or other user manual manipulation.

[0056] A portion of the mast 12 at the first end 14 around the at least one cavity 18 may bulge 19 outward relative to an elongate portion 13 of the mastextending towards the second end. For example, instead of the mast being relatively straight from one end to the other as seen in known masts for foilboards, embodiments of the present invention include a widened / bulged first end 14.1 enabling therein the at least one cavity for housing the power source, such as a battery, and / or the controller.

[0057] For example, the first end 14 may be wider / deeper along a front to rear axis FR than broader laterally across the front to rear axis FR (see, for example, Figure 4) and deeper front to rear than the elongate mast section 13, which characteristics can aid hydrodynamic performance for the mast at low speeds before the board rises out of the water. Once the board rises out of the water with sufficient forward momentum to generate lift from the foil(s) at or towards the second end 16 of the mast 12, the broader, bulge 19, first end 14 of the mast 12 is out of the water and no significant drag is experienced by the rider.

[0058] Having the weight of the battery and other components close to the underside 11.1 of the board 11 can aid balance and manoeuvrability by keeping the centre of gravity low, such as compared to a battery pack mounted on top of the board adjacent the rider increasing the height of centre of gravity.

[0059] Having the weight of the battery and other components largely inline with or just forward of the mast can aid balance and manoeuvrability for the rider, such as by keeping the centre of gravity of the assembly close to the centre of lift of the main foil.

[0060] For example, weight of the power source 20 can be biased forward, such as by having a larger portion of the power source forward of a centreline of the mast or centre of lift of the main foil.

[0061] Having the power source weight balance forward of the centreline can aid balance in response to the forward thrust imparted by the propeller or jet from behind the centreline during foiling.

[0062] The power source 20 may include one or more batteries 20.1 , which may be rechargeable within the mast (such as via the power port 34) or may be removable (interchangeable).

[0063] A power source chamber 21 may be provided within the mast to receive the power source and / or a power source holder 21.1 , such as a removable support / frame 21.1. The removable support / frame may be slidably engageable within the power source chamber. The power source chamber may be part of the at least one cavity or may be a separate chamber configured for the power source.

[0064] The power source holder 21.1 may be configured to retain at least one power source 20.1 , such as at least one battery. For example, one or more batteries may be put into the power source holder, which may then be slid into the power source chamber 21. The power source (such as one or more batteries) may make electrical contact with each other and / or the power source holder and / or the power source chamber, when slid into place. The electrical contact may be to the controller. It will be appreciated that the first end 14 may include multiple cavities, such as having the battery housed in one cavity and the controller is housed in another, with connection facilitation between the two (such as a passage).

[0065] The mast may include a first cover 32 at the first end. Preferably the first cover 32 is configured to sealably close an open end of the at least one cavity 18. Alternatively, or in addition, the mast may include the first cover, or another cover, to cover access to a power source chamber 21 , such as a battery chamber / housing.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the power source, such as one or more batteries, can be interchangeable with each other and / or with other batteries. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source can be selected from a variety of different size / capacity power sources, such as larger or smaller capacity batteriesor physical size of batteries. The power source holder and / or the power source chamber can be configured to receive the respective size / capacity selection of battery / batteries for a desired application of the mast arrangement, such as larger / higher capacity batteries for power and duration or lower capacity batteries for reduced weight and manoeuvrability.

[0067] Alternatively, or in addition, the first end 14 of the mast 12 may include a second cover 32.1 , which may be within a periphery 33 of the first cover. The at least one projection portion 30 for housing the respective at least one antenna 28 may be provided on the second cover 32.1.

[0068] The mast 12 may support a motor 42 configured to drive a propeller 44. Alternatively, the mast may support a jet propulsion means, such as a water jet, preferably electrically driven by a battery powered waterjet pump supplying water under pressure to at least one nozzle, for waterjet propulsion. The mast 12 can include a motor or jet (e.g. waterjet) mount portion 40. The motor mount portion 40 may be integrally formed with the mast 12. The motor mount portion may be at least partially hollow 40.1 , such as being in communication with or forming part of the at least one cavity 16 of the first end 14.

[0069] A motor housing 42 may mount to the motor mount portion 40. The motor housing 42 can house an electric motor configured to connect electrically to the controller 22 and / or the power source 20 to drive the propeller 44 (or jet). The propeller may be foldable, such as having two or more blades configured to pivot inwards for transport / storage when not in use (helps avoid damage to the propeller) and reducing drag when not powered, whilst folding / pivoting outwards when in use.

[0070] A water pump (not shown) may be provided within the cavity 18 or elsewhere in or on the mast e.g. in a hollow section thereof, such as within (or mounted externally to) the motor mount portion 40 (the pump replacing an electric motor driving the propeller. The mast may include waterjet propulsion and propeller propulsion and / or may be reconfigurable / adaptable from one to theother, such as by a user selecting the type of propulsion for a given style of use or water body / conditions.

[0071] The controller 22 can be arranged and configured for wireless communication with the remote controller 29 of the rider via the at least one antenna 28.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the motor housing may be removable from the motor mount portion of the mast. For example, the motor housing may be attached via a fastener arrangement 46, such as one or more fasteners e.g. screw thread fasteners or magnets, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Electrical connection to control / power the electric motor may be by electrical plug and socket or other contact connections across the interface between the motor mount portion 40 and the motor housing 42.

[0074] The at least one cavity, once sealed, may provide buoyancy assist to the board. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one cavity may be at least partially filled with a packing or filler material, which may be buoyant with respect to water and / or may provide a potting material to restrict movement or seal the components, such as the controller and / or battery, within the cavity.

[0075] Alternatively, or in addition, at least a portion of the at least one cavity or another cavity or chamber may be configured as a flood cavity / chamber 18.1 to receive an ingress of water (at least partially flood) when in use, such as when the mast is sufficiently in the water. The at least a portion of the at least one respective flood cavity or chamber may be configured to free flood when the mast is in the water. Flooding may be via an aperture between the at least one cavity and the exterior of the mast, or the mast may be at least partially hollow with a passage to allow water to enter therein, such as from the distal / foil end of the mast. The respective flood cavity / chamber may be configured to free drain when sufficiently above the water surface.

[0076] The at least a portion of the at least one cavity may be configured to be at least partially controllably floodable, such as by a valve, preferably controlledvia the onboard controller and / or controlled manually. The controller may be commanded to control the valve by the remote controller.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the components within the at least one cavity, such as the controller and / or power source, can otherwise be protected form water ingress, such as by waterproofing and / or being within waterproof housing(s).

[0078] The at least a portion of the at least one cavity may at least partially flood to aid cooling of the controller, such as by thermal conduction through the flood water. The at least a portion of the at least one cavity may drain when the mast arrangement is in use, such as foiling and the at least a portion of the at least one cavity is out of the water.

[0079] The at least a portion of the at least one cavity may be free draining, such as when the mast arrangement is sufficiently out of the water For a flooding arrangement, the at least one cover need not be completely water-tight.Electrical / electronic components (such as a battery or controller) within the at least one cavity and / or flood cavity / chamber may be waterproof(ed) or otherwise sealed against ingress of water.

[0080] The mast 12 may include a power port 34 (such as a charging port). The mast may include a data port and / or a control switch36, 37.

[0081] The power port 34 may be used to connect an electrical charger to recharge the power source in situ without needing to remove the respective cover to access the power source or to remove the power source from the cavity.

[0082] The data port 36 and / or control switch 37 may be or may include an on-off switch to control operation of the mast e.g. selectively enabling-disabling power to the motor when the remote control commands.

[0083] An indicator light 39 may be provided, such as a power on-off light to give an indication of power state. For example, a steady light when active, no light when inactive, a flashing light when a fault or recharge is required. The mastarrangement may include a power state indicator, such as a light pattern, number of lights and or light colour.

[0084] The data port may be used to update control software, extract data (such as battery, controller or performance data) from the controller. The controller 22 may include onboard or otherwise accessible memory (such as via a memory card). Data may be stored in the memory for subsequent access.

[0085] The controller may include or be a speed controller to receive speed commands for the rider’s remote controller 29 and to command the motor accordingly. The remote controller may be a hand-held controller or other manually operated controller communicating with the controller within the mast (such as an electronic speed controller or ESC within the mast communicating wirelessly with the remote controller. Wireless communication may be by Bluetooth or other short range wireless protocol).

[0086] The mast arrangement may removably attach to the underside 11.1 of the board 11 via fastener locations 50, such as by standard fin box bolt arrangement / positioning connecting into fin box rails.

[0087] The first cover 32 and / or the second cover 32.1 may removably attach via respective fasteners 48, 48.1 . The mast may be removably attached to the underside of the board by fasteners 52.

[0088] Embodiments include the mast constructed predominantly of composite material (such as carbon fibre), aluminium / aluminium alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0089] The controller 22 can be connected directly or indirectly to a heatsink 38 to remove heat from the controller. The heatsink 38 can be within the at least one cavity or can project through / from the mast, such as through the mast wall 12.2.

[0090] One or more embodiments may include an upper portion 14.1 of the mast configured to recess into the recess / box 26 in the underside 11.1 of the board 11 board. By way of non-limiting example, Figure 7 shows an alternativeembodiment of the present invention wherein the bulge is configured to wholly or partly recess into the board e.g.be partly or fully housed within a recess in the underside of the board, from the underside. Preferably, the bulge profile 19.1 can be reduced to reduce hydrodynamic profile.

[0091] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0092] Reference numerals for non-limiting example embodiments shown in drawings:10 mast arrangement (general arrangement)10.1 alternative mast arrangement configured to recess into the underside 11.1 of the board 1111 board11.1 underside of board12 mast12.1 one-piece mast body12.2 mast wall13 elongate central / lower blade of mast13.1 front to rear depth / breadth of elongate central / lower blade of the mast14 upper / first end of mast14.1 alternative upper / first end of mast configured to recess into the underside11.1 of the board 1116 lower / second end of mast18 at least one cavity at / toward first end 141 flood cavity / chamber hydrodynamic bulge at / toward first end 14 1 reduced hydrodynamic profile at the first end 14.1 power source / battery 1 replaceable power source (e.g. battery cel Is / packs) power source cham ber / support 1 power source holder22 controller / ESC foot of mast to mount foil(s) recess / box in underside 11.1 of board 11 antenna(e) remote controller (operated by rider) projection housing antenna(e) first cover / plate 1 second inner / inset cover periphery of cover power port (charging, power source checking) data port power switch heatsink indicator light motor mount portion 1 hollow / cavity within mast at motor mount portion motor housing propeller (waterjet is an alternative) fastener arrangement (mast to board) first cover fastener points48.1 second cover fastener points50 fastener points on underside of board52 fasteners, such as screw thread fastenersF-R longitudinal front-rear axisPF Propulsion ForceCL Centreline

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mast arrangement for removable attachment to a watercraft board, the mast arrangement including: a mast configured to be disposed, in use, in water, the mast having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for direct or indirect attachment to the board, the mast including: at least one cavity at or toward the first end configured to house at least one of a power source and a controller; and / or at least one projection portion configured to project into an underside of the board when the mast arrangement is mounted thereto, the at least one projection portion including or housing at least one antenna for communication with a remote controller above.

2. The mast arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the mast has predominantly a one-piece structure including the at least one cavity integral therein.

3. The mast arrangement of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a portion of the mast around the at least one cavity bulges outward relative to a contiguous elongate portion of the mast extending towards the second end.

4. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, the mast arrangement including at least one cover configured to close the at least one cavity at the first end of the mast.

5. The mast arrangement of claim 4, wherein the at least one cover includes the at least one projection portion.

6. The mast arrangement of claim 5, wherein the respective at least one cover includes multiple spaced said projection portions, such as parallel or laterally spaced said projection portions.

7. The mast arrangement of claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one projection portion is integral with the respective cover, or separately mounted and sealingly attached thereto, such as by bonding or fastening.

8. The mast arrangement of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one projection portion is configured to be received, in use, into one or more slots of a slot / fin box mounted in / to the underside of the board.

9. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cavity includes at least a portion configured to flood when the mast is sufficiently submersed in the water.

10. The mast arrangement of claim 9, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one cavity is configured to drain when sufficiently lifted out of the water during foiling.11 . The mast arrangement of claim 10, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one cavity is configured to free drain when sufficiently lifted out of the water during foiling.

12. The mast arrangement of claim 9, 10 or 11 , wherein said at least a portion of the at least one cavity includes a flood cavity containing waterproof or protected electric / electronic components.

13. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including the mast including the at least one cavity at or toward the first end housing, in use, at least one of a power source and a controller; and the at least one projectionhaving or housing the at least one antenna for communication with a remote controller above.

14. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including a motor mount portion integral to the mast, the motor mount portion configured to receivably support a motor housing thereto.

15. The mast arrangement of claim 14, wherein the motor mount portion is at least partially hollow having at least one motor mount portion cavity.

16. The mast arrangement of claim 15, wherein the at least one motor mount portion cavity is contiguous with the at least one cavity.

17. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including provision within the mast for housing an electrically powered pump to provide waterjet propulsion via at least one waterjet outlet.

18. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one of: at least one power port or at least one data port, or at least one power port, one on off switch and / or at least one data port.

19. The mast arrangement of claim 18, wherein the at least one power port and / or the at least one data port are / is provided in a portion of first end of the mast.

20. The mast arrangement of claim 18 or 19, wherein: the at least one power port is connected internally of the mast to the power source and / or the at least one data port is connected internally of the mast to the controller.21 . The mast arrangement of claim 20, wherein the at least one power port and / or the at least one data port are / is connected to the respective power source and the controller via cabling within the at least one cavity.

22. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mast is made predominantly of composite material or metal, or a combination thereof.

23. The mast arrangement of claim 22, wherein the composite material is predominantly carbon fibre.

24. The mast arrangement of claim 23, wherein the metal is predominantly aluminium, aluminium alloy, stainless steel, titanium, or a combination of two or more thereof.

25. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is thermally connected to a heat sink either contained within the at least one cavity or projecting through the mast into the water.

26. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one hydrofoil fin permanently attached or removably attachable at or adjacent the second end of the mast, the second end being distal from the first end and disposed, in use, lower in the water than the first end.

27. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including forward biased weight of the power source within the mast.

28. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including a power source chamber provided within the mast to receive the power source and / or a power source holder.

29. The mast arrangement of claim 28, wherein the power source and / or the power source holder are / is slidably engageable within the power source chamber.

30. The mast arrangement of claim 28 or 29, wherein the power source chamber is part of the at least one cavity or a separate chamber configured for the power source.31 . The mast arrangement of claim 28, 29 or 30, wherein the power source holder is configured to retain at least one power source, such as at least one battery.

32. The mast arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one projection portion includes at least part of the first end of the mast configured to be at least partially received / housed within the recess in the underside of the board.

33. A mast arrangement for removable attachment to a watercraft board, the mast arrangement including a mast configured to be disposed, in use, in water, the mast having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for direct or indirect attachment to the board, wherein the mast includes at least one cavity at, adjacent or toward the first end, the least one cavity including a flood cavity or chamber configured to at least partially fill with water when submerged and to release water when not submerged.

34. The mast arrangement of claim 33, wherein the flood cavity or chamber is configured to free drain when the board sufficiently lifts above the water surface.

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