answersLogoWhite

0

How does sailing work?

Updated: 10/27/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Best Answer

Answer 1

A sailboat gets its forward motion by a combination of the wind on its airfoil shaped sails and the counter-acting effect of the keel in the water. Except when the wind is nearly directly behind the sailboat, the sailboat is pulled forward by the low pressure area created on hte curved side of the sail as the wind goes around the sail. The wind doesn't simply push the boat sideways, because the keel in the water counteracts the sideways force on the sail and converts it to forward motion.

___________________________________

Answer 2

""The wind doesn't simply push the boat sideways..."

Effectively it does, which is why a beam reach is the fastest point of sail. A sail's foil shape makes use of more points of sail, but any sail is most effective when presenting lateral resistance to the wind. That lateral resistance is converted to forward motion by the greater lateral resistance offered on the keel by the water, yet one still needs to compensate for leeway when navigating, despite the forward speed.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does sailing work?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Forces at work on a sailing boat?

Gravity Drag Lift Friction


How does a caravel work?

A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese. The lateen sails gave it speed and the capacity for sailing to windward.


How does caravel work?

A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese. The lateen sails gave it speed and the capacity for sailing to windward.


Sailing route US to UK?

It depends on which coast you are starting from.


What is sailing by the stars?

Astral navigation. By using a sextant (instrument used to measure the altitude of a celestial object) a clock and logarithms you can work out your position on the earth's surface hence 'sailing by the stars'


What are the release dates for Sailing Sailing - 1925?

Sailing Sailing - 1925 was released on: USA: 15 December 1925


At what age did christopher Columbus first work in the sea faring business and what was he doing?

He started sailing at 14.


Who old was Jessisa Watson when started sailing?

she started sailing sailing when she was 16


Where did the ship Titanic was sailing?

the was sailing ship titanic where to sailing was new york


How do you spell sailing?

The spelling "sailing" is correct.


What people know sailing?

Well I am sailing instructor and there are lots of us around the wold. We know sailing. If u need to no more about sailing ask me.


What is yachting?

Yachting is the activity of sailing in a yacht. In the original sense a yacht was a light and fast type of sailing vessel. In modern terms however the name as become applicable to several types of sailing and power boats. The common factor for all of the boats covered by the term is that they are used primarily for pleasure not work or sport.