I have often thought that it would be very interesting to build a square
rigger using modern technology to reduce the number of crew needed by
eliminating the need to go aloft. Each yardarm could have furling gear
inside it, similar to that now commonly used in masts, so at the press of a
button the sail could reef or disappear altogether.
Then if all halliards, sheets and braces were led to electric winches nobody
would even need to go on deck.
As a final refinement you could have a central computer programmed to do
everything necessary when you hit a button labelled 'go about'.
But I think one would still need a motor to avoid having to spend a week or
more trying to get around Cape Horn against the prevailing winds...
Edgar


wrote in message
ups.com...
I think they'll look very different.....

Capt. JG wrote:
Probably not, but it would be great to see. I'd like to see the Clipper
ships make a comeback.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

wrote in message
oups.com...
With water transport being woefully inefficient on fuel, are we on the
verge of a new era of modern cargo transport by sail?