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The investigation included discussions with engineering academics, boat designers, builders, manufacturers, owners, an independent marketing consultant, the Wingtek liquidator, an auctioneer, patent experts, John Walker himself and a number of commercial shipping companies. Four programmes of activities in Plymouth were conducted, as well as meetings in London and Felixstowe.
The main conclusions are:
There is little or no interest from major shipping and oil companies in Walker wingsails as an alternative source of power for commercial shipping.
There are two potential ventures for wingsail leisure craft. As this market has been identified as a predominantly "build to order" market, large-scale manufacturing is currently not recommended. Firm orders, with commitment cheques should be acquired prior to any build.
Following on from this work, Cooke Associates prepared and submitted a proposal for a SMART feasibility study aimed at promoting development of wingsails for leisure applications. The aim of this proposal was to help ensure that the mainly British technology behind the wingsail would be commercially utilised in this country. Unfortunately, owing to lack of IPR clarity and the absence of a current market, a grant has not so far been forthcoming.
If you have a commercial interest in the development of wingsail technology, please contact Cooke Associates.
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The main application in the short term will continue to be 
