The only way I can think of in order to bring this into Discovery with a reason would be something like this:
Make the main body similar to the Gaian Gunboat and the 'sails' similar to the Kusarian 'wings'.
It could be a new high-tech development by the Gaians and someone else, a spaceship that uses alternative energies: Solar Wind and Solar Energy. The 'sails' would in this case be the method to collect the energy that is used to run the shop.
This would also explain the size of the 'sails' as a lot of energy is needed in order to run a ship. Also, it would probably need a second energy source, in case it crosses dark systems (Galileo, Kepler).
As the others said, it would not be fitting for combat though. The huge sails are a great target and, even if they're destroyable parts, in RP, the ship would lose it's power source once they're gone.
Still, as a unique ship given by Admins to the leader of the NLH as some sort of flagship, it'd probably be nice. It would have no real use though. Trading is difficult, should you cross asteroid fields with it, combat is out of question, as said.
I love it . And of course keep the sail. Here is why. Angel, you seem to think that sails are just about 20th century ships. But i am here to prove you wrong.
Scientists have studied this, and it has been up for debate for some time, to use sails as a propulsion system for space faring vessels. There is a strange phenomenon called Solar Wind. I don't know exactly the properties of it, but if this "Wind" were to be captured by the sails somehow, it could work as a great propulsion system for Space Faring vessels. The problem with it working in today's environment (21'st century) is taht scientists have not yet figured out a good material to use for the sais that is capable of catching this "Wind" that the sun produces.
Sorry Blackstarr, but you have misread my comment. I have not spoken about the sails exclusively, but about the whole concept of this ship, which is rather aligned to the Ironclad aera in the 19th century.
Discovery Freelancer can have solar sailer, but not like the requested concept. A yacht or lux liner maybe, but not an ironclad like warship, because it will end as an rarely used big gunboat, which will soon get an overpowered armour, powersupply and armament to compensate the size.
Well as a yach or kind of liner is would be pretty well for use, I think.
If you use it as pirate, then a smaller and faster model, kind of gunship, thats where it is nice to place.
Not a big and heavy warship, the model is too agile;)