Need a new boat design.
There was a post recently I can't find, but the poster mentioned
using a para-glider type sail.
Since I tend to think about using the wind to turn a screw, even the
lift from a para sail could be made to work with cams, gears, and
dumping air. Wouldn't look very good though.
A wing jumping up and down like an injured bird.
I'm thinking more along the lines of "windmill" powered screws.
Smooth continuous motion, within the vagaries of the wind.
Sailors are an elegant lot despite their cussing, body odor and
drunkenness, so let's keep that in mind when doing the design.
But I'm flexible, as I''m sure are most here in this august group.
Here's a start for ideas.
http://www.rexresearch.com/boats/1boat.htm

Don't let these concepts put you in a box.
One idea I dallied with briefly was the concept of solar/sea heat
absorbing boat which would use temp differentials to propel it.
Basically draw in relatively cool water at the bow, and eject warmer
water at the stern after letting the sun do its work via heat
absorbing tubes. Or whatever. Very slow, and won't work at night,
but hey, I only gave it a couple minutes thought due to an attention
span failure.
There are better ideas, just waiting for your minds to release them.
I'm also thinking this group will become famous should this endeavor
produce the boats of the future.
That might be a boon in taking care of declining usenet readership.
Or it could just increase spam.
I must admit I can't take part in the project due to time and
intelligence issues over which I have no control.
But I'm perfectly willing to take credit for any results, should that
occur.
"Vic Smith - Father of 21st Century Boat Design"
Sounds pretty good - in a shallow sort of way, of course.
Anybody in?

--Vic