January 2001

• visited the London Boat Show to continue market research

• completed sail template in polytunnel

• side-to-side rotation control for middle segment of dinghy rig modified to simplify use when sailing

February 2001

• tried out new rotational control at Coombe Cellars - effective in use

• obtained carbon fibre mast tips for prototypes

• made model of proposed speedsailing version of transition rig for sailboard

March 2001

• visited the Sailboat and Windsurf Show, Alexandra Palace, London to continue market research

• improved automatic rig rotation on windsurfing prototype

• tube bender obtained

• new double-coated sailcloth received

April 2001

• new dinghy sail made with double-coated sailcloth - good stretch properties but slight increase in weight

• completed new prototype mast for windsurfing - to take speed sail

• prepared progress report for NESTA

• made prototype rig for canoe/kayak

May 2001

• modified windsurfing prototype to make rig rotation fully automatic - successful test sail

• upgraded dinghy mast and controls

• design consultation

June 2001

• discussed design with Barry Noble and Richard Goss of Goss Innovations

• new windsurfing sail made using double-coated cloth and tested

• visiting artist Hans Arkeveld adds graphic figure to new sail

• interview for New Scientist

• discussed canoe/kayak rig concept with Robin Feloy, expert sea kayaker and designer

Hans Arkeveld

July 2001

• attended NESTA awards presentation at the Circus Space, London

• discussed application of transition rigs to larger vessels with Bruce Sexton-Barrow, naval architect

• new double-coated sailcloth arrived (maroon colour)

• transparent stretch material identified

August 2001

• windship reports received from Danish firm Knud E. Hansen

• filmed by BBC Natural History Unit at Exmouth - new windsurfing rig sailed by Peter Manfield. Sequences may be included in upcoming documentary about bats

• filming by NOW network as part of their biomimetic programme broadcast on 27th August - how transition rig takes inspiration from biological wings

• transparent stretch material received and new windsurfing sail commenced

• visited Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton to examine folding wing mechanisms used by carrier aircraft

September 2001

• testing of windsurfing sail made from transparent stretch material

• preparation of patent application describing the use of transition rigs on larger ships

• prepared model of sail module for larger ships

October 2001

• filmed by Carlton TV for local news

• prepared presentation for Technitex conference

November 2001

• Patent application filed for windship sail modules based on transition rig

• presentation about rig at conference ('Technical textiles @ the extreme') in Edinburgh (for summary click here)

• prepared business plan

• attended workshop on Foresight Manufacturing 2020

December 2001

• made new dinghy sail from transparent stretch film: