A rapidly deployable sail for stand-up sailing activities

Abstract

A sail assembly (100) for use in a stand-up sailing activity comprises; a support frame (5a, 5b) and a sheet of flexible material attached to the support frame. The support frame is comprised of two or more spars (4a, 4b) which can be connected to a connector (1) by means of connector arms (3a, 3b). The connector arms (3a, 3b) are pivotable about a pivot (2) of the connector (1) and can be drawn together into a stowed configuration or separated and locked into a deployed configuration. When the assembly is assembled and the connector (1) is adjusted from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, the flexible material unfurls to form the sail (6). The sail optionally includes a transparent portion to allow a sailor visibility through the sail.

Description

[0001] P106858W001

[0002] A RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE SAIL FOR STAND-UP SAILING ACTIVITIES

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to sails, for use in stand-up sailing activities. In particular, the invention provides a portable and rapidly deployable sail for use in stand-up sailing activities.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] Windsurfing is a long-established sport, participants using boards, sails and accessories which are bespoke for the activity. In recent years stand-up paddle boarding has become a popular activity and this has inspired the development of various accessories for use with paddleboards to provide a variety of sporting activities to be undertaken with the one board. Such accessories include wind sails for use with a paddleboard. A first example of such a wind sail is a free-floating sail. This is typically a dome-like sail which projects from a circular frame. Straps or ropes extend from the circular frame and can be held by the paddle-boarder who can position the sail to catch the wind whilst on the water. Such sails are easily transportable and deployable whilst on the paddleboard but are limited to downwind use.

[0007] More sophisticated examples of board sail kits include a base which can be fixed to the board, and an accompanying rig for supporting a truncated triangular sail which can be mounted to the base. In the case of the latter, the sail must be assembled onto the board on land prior to entering the water. Dual use paddleboards are also known, the paddleboard including a base to which a windsurfer rig can be attached. Again, these rigs require some assembly and cannot be deployed whilst on water, the user makes a choice prior to entering the water to configure the board either for paddleboarding or for sailing.

[0008] More sophisticated examples of board sail kits include a base which can be fixed to the board, and an accompanying rig for supporting a truncated triangular sail which can be mounted to the base. In the case of the latter, the sail must be assembled onto the board on land prior to entering the water. There are even inflatable sails that can be attached to a paddleboard. Dual use paddleboards are also known, the paddleboard including a base to which a windsurfer rig can be attached. Again, these rigs require some assembly and cannot be deployed whilst on water, the user makes a choice prior to entering the water to configure the board either for paddleboarding or for sailing.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a sailing accessory for use with a paddleboard which meets the following six requirements:

[0010] (1) it can be used on any paddleboard without special adaptation;

[0011] (2) it can be easily stored on the paddleboard; P106858W001

[0012] (3) it has a sail that is both flexible enough to store easily and allows the downwind sailor to see where he is going;

[0013] (4) it allows the user to sail across, or even slightly into the wind as well as downwind;

[0014] (5) it can, while on the water, be taken from its stowed position and deployed within a few seconds;

[0015] (6) it can, with equal ease and speed, be returned to its stowed position, also while on the water.

[0016] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides a sail assembly for use in a stand-up sailing activity, the sail assembly comprising; a support frame comprising a centre spar and first and second outer spars of substantially equal length, a sail comprising a flexible sheet having a span extending from a first side to a second side, the first and second sides being of substantially equal length and extending in opposite directions from a centre of the span, each of the first and second sides including a sleeve proportioned to receive one of the first and second outer spars; a connector including a centre connector arm and first and second outer connector arms each outer connector arm pivotable about an outer connector arm pivot of the connector, the centre connector arm being in a fixed position, the centre connector arm configured to connect with an end of the centre spar and each of the first and second outer connector arms configured to connect with an end of one of the first and second outer spars; wherein the connector is configured to be adjustable between a stowed configuration where the outer connector arms sit substantially parallel with the centre connector arm and a deployed configuration where the outer connector arms are fixed at a non-zero angle to the centre connector arm; wherein the connector further includes a locking mechanism to maintain the outer connector arms in the deployed configuration; and wherein when the assembly is assembled and the connector is adjusted from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, the flexible material unfurls to form the sail.

[0018] The non-zero angle is desirably approximately 90 degrees such that the centre connector arm and first and second outer connector arms are arranged in a T configuration P106858W001

[0019] Optionally, in the deployed configuration, the first and second outer connector arms are lockable at a substantially straight angle. Optionally, the connector is configured to accommodate multiple deployed configurations with the outer connector arms fixed at different angular positions to allow different sail shapes and configurations to be presented.

[0020] The outer connector arm pivots may be arranged equidistant from an anchor point of the centre connector arm at a distance sufficient to accommodate the widths of the center and outer connector arms when the centre and outer connector arms are arranged in parallel alignment when the connector is in a stowed configuration.

[0021] Optionally the sail is substantially arcuate in shape when fully deployed, for example the sail is substantially semi-circular in shape. Other suitable sail shapes may include a quadrilateral triangle or irregular shape such as a batwing shape.

[0022] The sail optionally includes a cut-out or a transparent window. In an option, the sail may be entirely substantially transparent.

[0023] The sail may comprise multiple panels securely stitched together, for example the sail comprises a plurality of substantially wedge-shaped panels arranged to form a substantially arcuate sheet. In an option, the panels comprise more than one material. For example, the panels may be of different colours or different degrees of transparency. In an example, one or more panels comprises at least in part of a substantially transparent material portion, where there are multiple panels comprising a transparent material portion, the transparent material portions are arranged adjacently to form a window in the sail. For example, the sail may comprise from 2 to 12 panels, preferably from 4 to 8 panels, desirably 6 panels.

[0024] The sail may be reinforced by one or more battens extending across the sail. Where present, battens are arranged to align and stack together to minimize space used when the assembly is stowed. The battens may be substantially equally spaced across the span of the sail. The battens may align with connections between panels of the sail. For example, where the sale is substantially arcuate, the battens extend radially from a centre of the arc.

[0025] The assembly may further comprise one or more removable snap pins for reversibly securing an outer connector arm in a deployed configuration. The snap pin is arranged inside a hollow of the connector arm and has a head which engages in a hole through a wall of the connector arm. A head of the snap pin is sufficiently dimensioned to engage in holes of a connector plate arranged immediately adjacent the connector arm with the hole of the connector plate aligned with the hole of the connector arm. P106858W001

[0026] In an example, the snap pin is a two-headed snap pin and is arranged to be received in diametrically opposed holes through a wall of a connector arm. The connector may comprise a front and rear connector plate between which the connector arm is sandwiched. The head or heads of the snap pin are sufficiently dimensioned to engage in holes of a connector plate arranged immediately adjacent the connector arm with the holes of the connector plate aligned with the diametrically opposed holes. A two-headed snap-pin may further include a hoop fixed to an inwardly facing surface of each head, a flexible cord looped through the hoops and anchored to a pull arranged outside of the connector arm the configuration being such that applying a load to the pull urges the heads of the snap pin to disengage from holes in the connector plate allowing the outer connector arms to rotate on the outer connector arm pivots enabling swift and easy switching between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.

[0027] The spars are desirably configured to connect telescopically with the connector arms, for example a spar may have an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of a corresponding connector arm so it can be received inside the connector arm. In an alternative the inner diameter of the spar may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connector arm allowing the spar to be slid over the connector arm. Desirably the configuration of the connector is such as to allow ends of the spars to be located behind a connector plate when the assembly is in a deployed configuration, this provides reinforcement to the spar I connector arm joint to resist forces generated when sailing. The connector arm / spar joints may be made additionally secure by any of a number of known means for example but not limited to; a screw thread, a snap pin, a peg engaging through aligned holes in the spar and connector arm.

[0028] The spars and connector are desirably comprised of a strong, weatherproof, lightweight material, for example aluminum. The sail desirably comprises a lightweight, strong weatherproof flexible material, for example a spinnaker cloth such as nylon, optionally impregnated with fibres for reinforcement. Where present a substantially transparent portion of the sail may comprise a transparent PVC window.

[0029] The hand-held and manually operated sail assembly may be used with a range of boards including but not strictly limited to paddleboards, surf boards, skateboards and snowboards.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of a rig which meets the six requirements consists of a free-standing T-frame of three spars, comprising a centre spar and two outer spars. The spars are each around the length of an average stand-up paddle. From the T-frame is subtended a semicircular battened nylon sail with battens extending radially from a centre, with a small semicircular transparent PVC window at the centre. P106858W001

[0031] When initially deployed the rig is in downwind mode, with the centre spar acting as mast, the outer spars as boom.

[0032] To go across the wind the rig can be simply rotated through 90 degrees, so the two outer spars, formerly horizontal, become the new mast and the formerly upright centre spar becomes the new boom.

[0033] Rapid deployment from stowed mode is made possible by a unique connector to which the three spars can be secured. The connector includes three connector arms, a spar being securely connected to each connector arm. The connector allows the outer spars to rotate outwards from the centre spar (which is fixed in position) and click securely into the T-position at right-angles to the centre spar, becoming the booms which hold the sail in the downwind sailing position.

[0034] The connector further includes a quick-release mechanism which allows the outer spars to be rotated back into their stowage position, parallel to the centre spar, with the sail loosely wrapped around all three spars.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Some embodiments of the invention and its components will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] FIGURE 1 shows a schematic of a first sail assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0038] FIGURE 2 shows a schematic of the sail assembly of Figure 1 deployed on a paddleboard in a first arrangement

[0039] FIGURE 3 shows a schematic of the sail assembly of Figure 1 deployed on a paddleboard in a second arrangement.

[0040] FIGURE 4 shows a schematic of the sail assembly of Figure 1 deployed on a paddleboard in a third arrangement.

[0041] FIGURE 5 shows a schematic of the sail assembly of Figure 1 deployed on a paddleboard in a fourth arrangement.

[0042] FIGURE 6 shows a first embodiment of a connector suitable for use in a sail assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0043] FIGURE 7 shows an embodiment of a pin which is suitable for use in securing connector arms in a deployed position in various embodiments of the invention. P106858W001

[0044] FIGURE 8 shows a schematic of a second sail assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0045] FIGURE 9 shows a second embodiment of a connector suitable for use in a sail assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0046] FIGURE 10 shows a schematic of a sail assembly in accordance with the invention stowed on a paddleboard.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] As can be seen in Figure 1 a sail assembly 100 in accordance with the invention comprises a connector 1 and a pair of connector arm pivots 2a, 2b about which a pair of connector arms 3a, 3b are arranged to pivot between a stowed or closed configuration (where the arms sit adjacent and substantially in parallel alignment) to a deployed configuration where the arms form a straight angle. The drawing shows the assembly in the deployed configuration. As mentioned above, the deployed configuration need not strictly be a straight angle.

[0049] The assembly further comprises a pair of similar length outer spars 4a, 4b arranged to connect respectively with connector arms 3a and 3b, and a centre spar 4c fixed to the connector 1 . For example, the outer connector arms 3a, 3b, may be received inside an open end of the spars 4a and 4b and secured in position by any of a number of mechanical means. For example, male and female screw threads may be provided on complementing connector arm 3a, 3b and spar 4a, 4b pairs. Alternatively, small holes may be provided in respective walls of a complementing connector arm 3a, 3b and spar 4a, 4b such that in use, the holes may be aligned to receive a peg or pin to hold the complementing connector arm 3a, 3b and spar 4a, 4b together. In another example, a sprung mechanism may form part of one of a complementing connector arm 3a, 3b and spar 4a, 4b, the mechanism configured to retract as a connector arm 3a, 3b is slid into a spar, 4a, 4b and pop out into a complementing hole in a wall of the other of the connector arm 3a, 3b or spar 4a, 4b when aligned whereby to hold the spar in place on the connector arm. It will be appreciated any of the aforementioned arrangements could be inverted such that an end of a spar 4a, 4b, is received in an end of a connector arm 3a, 3b. The centre spar 4c may be connected to the connector in a manner similar to the outer spars 4a, 4b by means of a centre connector arm.

[0050] In the assembly, the spars 4a, 4b are received in sleeves 5a, 5b of a sail 6. The sail comprises six wedge-shaped panels 7 each with an apex angle of about 30 degrees. The panels are stitched together to form a substantially semi-circular sheet. The assembly may additionally include a handle positioned approximately centrally of the sail. For example, the handle may be a fabric loop provided on the sheet 6, handle formed on the body of connector, an additional spar or a batten connected to the sail. Depending on the orientation of the sail assembly in P106858W001 use, the spars 4a, 4b, 4c may function as a mast or a boom for the deployed sail assembly 100.

[0051] Figure 2 illustrates how the deployed assembly 100 of Figure 1 may be positioned on a paddleboard 10 to facilitate a downwind sailing mode (spinnaker mode). This is normally the initial deployment of the sail. The spars 4a, 4b and connector 1 with connector arms 3a, 3b locked in the straight angle deployed position together now form a boom for the sail. The centre spar forms a mast 4c which stands on the board.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates how the deployed assembly 100 of Figure 1 may be positioned on a paddle board 10 to facilitate across wind sailing on full sail in windsurfer mode. The sailor rotates the assembly through 90 degrees from the downwind sailing mode described above. In this position, the spars 4a, 4b and connector 1 with connector arms 3a, 3b locked in the straight angle deployed configuration together form a mast, an end of which is positioned on or adjacent a top surface of paddleboard 10. The centre spar 4c serves as a boom in this mode.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative downwind sailing mode to that of Figure 2. The sailor unlocks one of the connector arms 3a, 3b and rotates one of outer spars 4a, 4b towards the centre spar 4c to furl part of the sail and arrange the outer spar 4a or 4b in line with the centre spar 4c, with the other outer spar 4b or 4a at a right angle to the centre spar 4c.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates how the deployed assembly 100 of Figure 1 may be positioned on a paddleboard 10 to facilitate across wind sailing in a wing foil mode. In this position the spars 4a, 4b and connector 1 with connector arms 3a, 3b locked in the straight angle deployed position again form a mast. The sailor elevates the deployed assembly with the mast above head height and orients at an angle to their body to present the assembly as a wing foil.

[0055] As can be seen in Figure 6, a connector 200 has a main body 20 to which is attached a convenient carrying handle 21. The connector main body 20 comprises a front and back plate fixed to each other but separated by a space in which are located first and second outer connector arms 23a, 23b and centre connector arm 23c. First and second connector arms 23a and 23b are arranged to rotate about a pair of internally disposed pivots 22a, 22b as represented by the dotted arrows. Within at least one of the first and second plates there is a first pair of plate holes 24a and 24b radially distant from the pivots 22a, 22b. When the outer connector arms 23a and 23b are aligned with the plate holes 24a and 24b, connector holes 25a and 25b provided in the outer connector arms 23a, 23b arrange in coaxial alignment with the plate holes 23a and 23b. The coaxial alignment of the respective hole pairs 23a, 24a; 23b, 24b allows the outer connector arms 23a, 23b to be secured in a deployed position by inserting a peg, pin, tie or the like through the hole pairs. P106858W001

[0056] The connector further includes a third connector arm 23c which is fixed in a central position of the connector 200. In use, the outer connector arms 23a and 23b can be folded into substantially parallel alignment with centre connector arm 23c when the assembly is in its stowed configuration. A second pair of plate holes 26a, 26b, may provide attachment means for a carabiner to be used, for example, in attaching the sail to the assembly.

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates a snap pin mechanism with a convenient fast release mechanism for releasing the connector arms 23a, 23b allowing swift and simple change from a deployed to a stowed configuration. A connector arm 23 is shown in cross section. As can be seen the connector arm 23 comprises a hollow tube. The connector arm 23 is arranged between front and rear connector plates 20a, 20b. Diametrically opposite holes 25 are provided in a wall of the connector arm 23 which, in use, can be aligned with holes 24 provided in each of the connector plates 20a, 20b. A larger opening is provided in the wall of connector arm 23 approximately midway between the diametrically opposite holes. The arrangement is such that when connector arm holes 25 are aligned with connector plate holes 24, the opening aligns with a space between front and rear connector plates 20a, 20b.

[0058] A novel double-ended snap pin is arranged inside the wall of connector arm 23. The snap pin comprises heads 71a and 71 b which are proportioned in use to locate within aligned holes 24 and 25 of the connector arm 23 and connector plate 20. A resilient pin 73 has a substantially V shaped configuration including a spring coil 73a at its vertex. The ends of the V-shaped pin are fixed respectively to heads 71a and 71 b urging the heads to remain in situ in the aligned holes 24 and 25. Each head 71a, 71 b includes a hoop 72a and 72b which, when the heads 71a, 71 b are engaged in the holes 24, 25 extend radially inwardly of the connector arm 23. A flexible looped cord 74 passes through each hoop 72a and 72b and is secured in an anchor 75. The anchor emerges from the opening 76. A pull 77 extends from an opposite end of the anchor 76 and is easily accessible from outside the connector arm 23. In use, the pull may be pulled in a radially outward direction, this action deforms the flexible looped cord 74 drawing the hoops 72a and 72b in a radially inward direction whereby to disengage heads 71a, 71b from connector plate holes 24 allowing the connector arm 23 to be released and rotated within the space between connector plates 20a, 20b whereby the connector arm 23 can be moved between a deployed and a stowed position. Once the heads 71a, 71b are again aligned with a suitably positioned opposing pair of holes in connector plates 20a, 20b (which could be holes 24 are a second set of holes in a different position on the connector 20) and load on the pull is reduced or removed, the spring 73a in pin 73 urges the heads 71a, 71 b to engage in the holes. P106858W001

[0059] Figure 8 shows schematically a second embodiment of a sail assembly in accordance with the invention. The assembly bears many similarities with that shown in Figure 1 but include additional features.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure 8 a sail assembly 800 in accordance with the invention comprises a connector 81 having pivots 82a, 82b about which a pair of connector arms 83a, 83b are arranged to pivot between a stowed or closed position (where the arms sit adjacent and substantially in parallel alignment) to a deployed position where the arms form a straight angle. As an indication of scale, the pivots 82a and 82b may be about 10cm apart and the connector about 20 cm wide. The drawing shows the assembly in the deployed position. As mentioned above, the deployed position need not strictly be a straight angle.

[0061] The assembly further comprises a pair of similar length spars 84a, 84b arranged to connect respectively with connector arms 83a and 83b. As an indication of scale, the spars 84a, 84b are of similar length to a standup paddle, for example about 160 to 205cm in length. The connector arms 83a, 83b, may be received inside an open end of the spars 84a and 84b and secured in position by any of a number of mechanical means. For example, male and female screw threads may be provided on complementing connector arm 83a, 83b and spar 84a, 84b pairs. Alternatively, small holes may be provided in respective walls of a complementing connector arm 83a, 83b and spar 84a, 84b such that in use, the holes may be aligned to receive a peg or pin to hold the complementing connector arm 83a, 83b and spar 84a, 84b together. In another example, a sprung peg mechanism may form part of one of a complementing connector arm 83a, 83b and spar 84a, 84b, the mechanism configured to retract as a connector arm 83a, 83b is slid into a spar, 84a, 84b and pop out into a complementing hole in a wall of the spar 84a, 84b when aligned whereby to hold the arm on place on the connector arm. It will be appreciated, any of the aforementioned arrangements could be inverted such that an end of a spar 84a, 84b, is received in an end of a connector arm 83a, 83b.

[0062] In the deployed assembly, the spars 84a, 84b are received in sleeves 85a, 85b of a sail 86. The sail comprises six wedge-shaped panels 87 each with an apex angle of about 30 degrees. The panels are stitched together to form a substantially semi-circular sheet. The assembly may additionally include a handle positioned approximately centrally of the sail. For example, the handle may be a fabric loop provided on the sheet 86, handle formed on the body of connector, an additional spar, or a batten connected to the sail.

[0063] The assembly includes a third spar 84c which connects to the connector 81 at a location midway between first and second connector arms 83a and 83b. The third spar may be equal in length or a different length to the first and second spars 84a, 84b. The third spar 84c is P106858W001 optionally attachable to the sail 86 by means of strap 90. Sail 86 is reinforced at the join between adjacent pairs of panels 87 by lightweight battens 88 which extend radially from adjacent connector 81 to a radially outer edge of the substantially arcuate sail 86. The battens 88 may be secured to or embodied within the panels 87. Each panel is a composite of two materials, the panels include a substantially transparent material section 89a, 89b, 89c, 89d, 89e, 89f arranged at the vertex of the wedge-shaped panels 87. Collectively, the transparent material panels 89a, 89b, 89c, 89d, 89e, 89f provide a viewing window allowing a sailor located behind the sail visibility of their surroundings without the need to lean around or move the sail 86.

[0064] As can be seen in Figure 9, a connector 900 has a main body 90 to which is attached a convenient carrying handle 91. The connector main body 90 comprises a single polypropylene cast in which are located first and second outer connector arms 93a, 93b and centre connector arm 93c. All three connector arms 93a, 93b and 93c are connected by a wingnut at 94 where the connector arms have been flattened to allow better overlap. The wingnut 94 also serves as a pivot around which the connector arms 93a, 93b and 93c are rotatable. The central connector arm 93c is embedded in the cast and can rotate within the cast. The cast has large slots configured to receive the outer connector arms 93a and 93b once they are rotated into the deployed position forming a T shape. Fasteners (not shown) lock the connector arms 93a and 93b into position in the cast. The wingnut 94 can be tightened to facilitate a solid connection between the three connector arms 93a, 93b and 93c.

[0065] The centre connector arm 93c is fixed in a central position of the connector 900 but can rotate in its housing. In use, the outer connector arms 93a and 93b can be folded in to substantially parallel alignment with the centre connector arm 93c allowing the assembly to be put into its stowed configuration. A second pair of holes 96a, 96b, may provide attachment means for a carabiner to be used, for example, in attaching the sail to the assembly.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 10, a sail assembly 100 in accordance with the invention can be conveniently stowed and transported on a paddleboard 10 or similar activity board. The lightweight and compact assembly with its quick and easy deployment mechanism enables the assembly to be transported onto the water and deployed or stowed as required from an on-water position. The assembly in the stowed configuration can be seen to be a similar length to a stand-up paddle.

[0067] The foregoing describes just some possible embodiments of the invention, other embodiments and configurations will no doubt occur to the skilled addressee without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

P106858W001CLAIMS1 . A sail assembly for use in a stand-up sailing activity, the sail assembly comprising; a support frame comprising a centre spar and first and second outer spars of substantially equal length, a sail comprising a flexible sheet having a span extending from a first side to a second side, the first and second sides being of substantially equal length and extending in opposite directions from a centre of the span, each of the first and second sides including a sleeve proportioned to receive one of the first and second outer spars; a connector including a centre connector arm and first and second outer connector arms each outer connector arm pivotable about an outer connector arm pivot of the connector, the centre connector arm being in a fixed position, the centre connector arm configured to connect with an end of the centre spar and each of the first and second outer connector arms configured to connect with an end of the first and second outer spars; wherein the connector is configured to be adjustable between a stowed configuration where the outer connector arms sit substantially parallel with the centre connector arm and a deployed configuration where the outer connector arms are fixed at a non-zero angle to the centre connector arm; wherein the connector further includes a locking mechanism to maintain the outer connector arms in the deployed configuration; and wherein when the assembly is assembled and the connector is adjusted from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, the flexible material unfurls to form the sail.

2. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the non-zero angle is 90 degrees such that the centre connector arm and first and second outer connector arms are arranged in a T configuration.

3. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sail is substantially arcuate in shape.

4. A sail assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sail includes a cut-out or a transparent window allowing a sailor to have visibility through the sail.P106858W0015. A sail assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sail is entirely transparent.

6. A sail assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sail comprises multiple panels securely stitched or adhered together.

7. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the sail comprises a plurality of substantially wedge-shaped panels arranged to form a substantially arcuate sheet.

8. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the panels comprise more than one material.

9. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein one or more of the panels comprises at least in part of a substantially transparent material portion.

10. A sail assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sail is reinforced by one or more battens extending across the sail and the battens are arranged to align and stack together to minimize space used when the assembly is in a stowed configuration.

11. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein in the deployed configuration, the sail is arcuate and the battens extend radially from a centre of the arc.

12. A sail assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a first outer connector arm pivot and a second outer connector arm pivot, wherein the first outer connector arm is arranged to rotate around the first outer connector arm pivot and the second outer connector arm is arranged to rotate about the second outer connector arm pivot, and wherein the first and second outer connector pivots are distanced apart.

13. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first and second outer connector pivots are arranged equidistant from a centre of the connector.

14. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the first and second outer connector pivots each have a pivot axis and the pivot axes are distanced apart by about 10cm.

15. A sail assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein there is a single outer connector arm pivot arranged centrally of the connector and the first and second outer connector arms are arranged to pivot about the single outer connector arm pivot.P106858W00116. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the outer connector arm pivot comprises a wingnut which passes through aligned holes in each of the outer connector arms and the centre connector arm.

17. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein the centre and outer connector arms are arranged in a housing and the housing comprises a single polypropylene cast.

18. A sail assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism comprises a snap pin having at least one head arranged to engage in a hole provided in a wall of the connector arm and an aligned hole in an adjacent plate of the connector.

19. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the connector includes front and rear connector plates between which a connector arm is sandwiched, the connector arm includes a pair of diametrically opposed holes which can be aligned with holes provided in the front and rear plates of the connector, wherein the snap pin is a two headed snap pin and arranged such that the two heads of the snap pin can be located simultaneously in pair of diametrically opposed holes and the aligned holes in the connector plates.

20. A sail assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein each of the two heads of the snap pin includes a snap pin head hoop, wherein a flexible cord is looped through two snap pin head hoops and anchored to a pull, the pull being accessible from outside the connector, whereby in use, applying a load to the pull urges the heads of the snap pin to withdraw from the aligned holes in the connector plates allowing the connector arm to be swiftly unlocked from the deployed configuration and returned to a stowed configuration.21 . A two-headed snap pin suitable for use in a connector of a sail assembly in accordance with any preceding claim wherein each of the two heads of the snap pin includes a snap pin head hoop, wherein a flexible cord is looped through two snap pin head hoops and anchored to a pull, the pull being accessible from outside the connector, whereby in use, applying a load to the pull urges the heads of the snap pin to withdraw from aligned holes in the connector plates allowing the connector arm to be swiftly unlocked from the deployed configuration and returned to a stowed configuration.

22. A connector suitable for use in a sail assembly in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14 or claims 18 to 20 as dependent from any of claims 1 to 14, the connector comprising a front connector plate and a rear connector plate including at least a firstP106858W001 and second connector arm sandwiched between the front connector plate and rear connector plate, each outer connector arm pivotable about an outer connector arm pivot of the connector, each outer connector arm configured to connect with an end of one of the first and second spars; wherein the connector is configured to be adjustable between a stowed configuration where the outer connector arms sit within an acute angle to one another and a deployed configuration where the outer connector arms sit at an obtuse, straight or reflex angle to one another, wherein the connector further includes a locking mechanism to maintain the outer connector arms in the deployed configuration.

23. A connector as claimed in claim 22 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a two headed snap pin as claimed in claim 21.

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