Abstract

A multihull vessel has a center section; a pair of floats displaceable from normal operative positions laterally extended on either side of the center section upwardly to positions above the center section and inwardly toward the center axis of the vessel as well as downwardly toward any hull or sides of the center section and inwardly to positions below any superstructure of the center section; arms consisting of pivotally mounted and jointed members connecting the floats to the center section and capable of positioning and maintaining the floats at positions between fully raised and fully lowered; one or more masts displaceable from a fully vertical position to a fully prone position; elements of standing rigging of effectively adjustable length between mast and center section or floats and apparatus for adjusting singly or in coordination, even while underway, docked or capsized, with inboard, in place and centrally located control devices, any of the floats or masts to any allowable orientation with respect to the center section. Operations possible with such a vessel include: unaided righting of the capsized vessel, reducing the beam to that of the center section for trailering or accommodating a narrower berth or passage, lowering the mast for stowage or for accommodating a berth or passage of restricted height, and changing the relative positions of aforementioned elements of structure or rigging for improvements in performance, safety or comfort in various sailing attitudes.