Vertical turbine in place of a traditional sail powering a sailboat?

Question

Where can I find information on a vertical bladed turbine used to power a sailboat. It runs a set of gears powered by the vertical blades and transfers power to a propeller. Any ideas out there where to find this?

Answer 1

I think the only place i've seen this arrangement was in that crappy movie,WaterWorld. I can't find anything on marine applications, but there are some good articles on the effectiveness of VAWTs.  Check out motherearthnews.com, or other related sites.  

Ok, this one has got my attention.  As a marine tech, i'm always interested in new methods of propulsion.  Seems that VAWTs have two disadvantages on a boat.  First, these require a large footprint for stability, might work on a catamaran style boat.  Also, the directional changes in a gear drive system would result in loss of power.  Have you considered a VAWT powering an electric motor propulsion system?  Stay in touch with me, this is interesting stuff!

OK, this a good one!!  go to fuellessflight.com/windturbine.htm.  This is a design that looks reasonable.