Marine craft towed by a kite-type canopy

This water craft ( 1 ) comprises a floating body ( 2 ), means adapted to generate a lateral resistance effect for opposing leeward drift, in particular at least one leeboard ( 4, 6 ) projecting from beneath the floating body, and a rig ( 8 ). The rig comprises at least one steerable kite ( 12 ) forming a sail ( 10 ), and a series of sheets (M, P, Q) for controlling the sail and connected to the craft, the series of sheets for controlling the sail comprising at least one main traction sheet (M) and at least two directional sheets (P, Q), and a member substantially at a point for guiding the main traction sheet (M) and for applying the traction from said sheet to the craft. The rig further comprises means for three-dimensionally positioning the axis of the traction resultant exerted by the sail on the craft so that it is possible to eliminate heeling substantially completely regardless of the point of sailing of the craft, and with said guide and application member situated above the water level. Application to the fields of single-hulled sailboats, jet-skis, inflatable dinghies, small sailboats, multi-hulled vessels, sailboards, and canoes.