Rondal plans to launch the ‘next generation’ wingsail.

The Dutch maker of large sailing systems and gear for sailing superyachts has been using a 22ft consumer sailboat for testing together with superyacht builder Royal Huisman and former America’s Cup team Artemis Technologies.

Rondal takes the view that the advantages of what it calls the “solid wing development” appear very promising “for both yacht owners who like worry-free cruising as well as those who enjoy performance sailing.”

“Propulsion by wind will always beat combustion for energy efficiency. In addition, wind energy is free – of charge, fumes, and noise. Wind energy holds great potential for all future superyachts, and zero emissions are within reach when combined with regeneration and battery storage.”

The superyacht sector, says Rondal, faces difficult times. It must reduce emissions and the use of fossil fuels.

In the past 25 or so years, Rondal has developed innovative solutions for high-end sailing yachts and become a specialist provider of carbon products such as hatches, companionways, masts, booms, winches and line feeders.

The bid to develop and market wingsails raises the bar even higher.

Rondal, Royal Huisman and Artemis Technologies have formed a joint R&D team for the wingsail project. Marketing Officer Merel Janssen says it considers more than just the sail system but “also covers such areas as steering, sustainability and user experience.”

Wingsails are rigid, carbon-fiber, wing-shaped structures that replace traditional sails, promising more speed, less heeling and a drastic cut in fuel use. They exist already, but mainly on America’s Cup speedsters and futuristic concept yachts.

The advantages of this new development appear very promising for both yacht owners who like worry-free cruising and those who enjoy performance sailing.

Janssen said Rondal hopes wingsail propulsion will encourage more owners of motor-powered superyachts to switch to sailing superyachts. Currently, few do so. “We think the wingsail will show that sailing can be done a lot more easily than is now the case.”

www.rondal.com