"Omer" wing-sail Ltd. Was founded in 2003 by Ilan Gonen, an enthusiastic amateur sailor and ex-fighter pilot .
After filing worldwide patents (US patents #6,863,008 and #7603958, Australian patent #2002236181, New Zealand patent #529216, EU (pending) #02702690.5 ), the first goal was to design and build a wing-sail to be installed in a standard boat. This has been successfully achieved with the intensive involvement of Dr. Rafi Yoeli, a leading authority in aeronautical engineering.
The selected boat was Elan 37', built in Slovenia, on which the deck and hull/deck join were reinforced for the free standing mast.
Mast, boom and most other parts of the wing were made of carbon fiber by "Hall Spars" USA, with special care and attention by Mr. Eric Hall.
Sea trials started in summer 2005 proving excellent performance. Omer wing sail Mark I was ready for final testing in April 2006 and Mark II, that was targeted also for large boats, was ready on June 2008. |
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Omer wing sail - close reach 2
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