That’s a neat idea, but the sea isn’t a straight path. Solar sails will drift, you’ll need a crew to keep them trimmed, and the wind can be fickle. Also, if the sail’s big enough to give a whole fleet power, it’ll be a headache to launch and retrieve. I’d test a small prototype first, see how it holds up in a storm. If it works, you’ll have a quiet, clean ride, but don’t forget the upkeep and the fact that fish prefer a calm, steady rhythm over a shifting sail.

Sounds solid. Just remember a storm will test more than the sail itself – the anchoring, the rigging, the crew’s quick thinking. Build a modest unit, test it in a calm swell first, then push it to a gale. Bureaucracy can help if it keeps costs from blowing out, but keep the paperwork light. Keep the nets off the deck, and the fish’ll be happy with a quiet tide and a quiet sail.