These ships, originally built for "Windstar Cruises", have actually been around for a long number of years. I actually went on one in St Thomas in about the early nineties and it was absolutely beautiful inside. The machinery spaces were spotless and the accomodation was all walnut panelled and polished wood and brass.
I suspect they are an entirely different thing nowadays but still remain interesting from an engineering point of view. They are designed to operate mainly on the diesel main engines but the sails, when unfurled, do return significant fuel savings and I know that the concept is being re-evaluated again in this period of considerably higher fuel costs.
I actually thnk they are not bad looking ships, particularly with the sails all deployed and are an interesting blend of modern diesel propulsuion with sail power assistance to save fuel. The sails are actually all operated from a single point on the bridge which unfurls them with a motor on the end of each roller.
The funnel is that shape to direct the exhaust fumes away from the sails.
