Virtual character definition and animation within the MPEG-4 standard

A sail and rigging arranged to be easily installed on and removed from a hull in which the sail is a wing-like element having a high aspect ratio, and the rigging includes a supporting structure for holding the sail in the position that will provide the maximum propulsive force from an incident wind for the desired point of sailing. The rigging also provides controls for adjusting the angle of attack of the sail with respect to the relative wind; controls for adjusting the angle of the sail with respect to the horizon; and controls for varying the camber of the wing-like sail over local areas of the sail. The controls are operable in combination to produce high forward thrust, a lifting force, and minimum drag from the incident winds which may vary from very light through very heavy, and for all points of sailing. The force from the wind is transferred to the center of lateral effort of the hull and, combined with the lifting action on the wing, essentially eliminates the overturning element present in prior art sails.