Editing Parasailing (section)

===Commercial Parasailing Equipment Inventions ===
In 1974, Mark McCulloh invented the first self-contained parasail launch and recovery vessel that incorporated a hydraulic winch and canopy assist mast that collectively launched and retrieved the parasail canopy and parasailors to and from the vessel flight deck. McCulloh's invention was patented in 1976 and later referred to as a "WINCHBOAT" which set the first parasail equipment industry standard that is utilized by all commercial parasail operations around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parasail.org/ |title=Welcome to the Parasail Safety Council - Mark McCulloh|publisher=}}</ref>

In 1976, Brian Gaskin designed, created, and tested the first 16-gore canopy design which he named "Waterbird". The Waterbird was revolutionary in its canopy design, its unique tow yoke harness arrangement, its construction, and the use of zero porosity fabrics which allowed it to be used over water safely. The majority of commercial parasail operators then moved to the 16-gore canopy arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the Parasail Safety Council |url=http://www.parasail.org/parasailhistory-1970s.html |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=www.parasail.org}}</ref>

In 1981 Marcel and Azby Chouteau of Westport, Connecticut, designed and built a pontoon-based craft with a fan-shaped back deck and a winch in the front and ran a commercial parasailing operation using their original technology. The company, Old Mill Airlines, offered flights on Long Island Sound during the summer of 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/westport-news-may-20-1981-p-1/ |title=Enthusiasts' hopes soar for boat-drawn parasail (p. 1) - Westport News|date=20 May 1981 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/westport-news-may-20-1981-p-8/ |title=Enthusiasts' hopes soar for boat-drawn parasail (p. 8) - Westport News|date=20 May 1981 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/westport-news-may-20-1981-p-9/ |title=Enthusiasts' hopes soar for boat-drawn parasail (p. 9) - Westport News|date=20 May 1981 }}</ref>