Just an off-the-wall question, and couldn't think of anywhere else to
send it to

I was thinking a while ago that one or several windmills could harness
the energy of the wind as much as sails, and also be made to continue
providing power to a drive shaft and propellor even when the wind is
blowing in any direction, by turning the face of the windmill(s) into
the wind.

Possibly more expensive, but much simpler to operate, because a
ships's pilot would just allow the windmill's sails to turn, and then
decide how much torque to accept, and then steer it with the rudder as
per normal.

Is this a feasible idea?


slvrspun :-)
--
A place for everything, and everything in it's place.
Samuel Smiles - Thrift, Ch 5, 1875