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Sailing
Questions about wind-propelled water vessels, their maintenance, handling and rules governing their use.
2,481 Questions
What is the pole on a sailboat that holds the sails?
on most boats today there is one verticle "pole", the mast. one horizontal "pole" the boom. on older boats like scows and optimists the diagonal pole is called the sprit. there can also be a spinnaker pole which you clip onto the mast to hold out the spinnaker on a run or a reech. on a asymmetric boat the spinnie pole is pulled out when the spinnie is raised, you cann't and shouldn't clip it onto the mast.
What does wires called 'stays' hold up on sailboat?
Ah, the beautiful stays on a sailboat! They are like the supportive arms of a friend, holding up the mast so it can catch the wind and carry you on your journey. Just like how we all need support sometimes, the stays keep the mast strong and steady as you sail through the waves of life. Remember, it's okay to rely on others for support, just like the stays rely on the mast to guide the boat safely to its destination.
How far back will a 12 lb ball be while being dragged from a boat going 3 miles per hour 40 ft down?
The difficulty with your question is that it does not clearly define the problem. For example, a 12 pound ball made of lead will weigh the same as a 12 pound ball made of balsa wood, but the balsa wood ball (measuring several feet across) will float where the 12 pound ball made of lead will measure just a couple inches across and sink readily. To further complicate things, the line (rope or chain) you use to drag the ball also creates drag just as the ball would do. The size of the line and what it is made of is important, too, because the line will hang in what is called a catenary, a kind of sag in the line. There is a formula for the catenary, a formula for the drag on the ball, and a formula for the drag on the line, itself.
The final consideration is the consistency of the sea bottom. Dragging a ball through kelp will be different than dragging a ball across packed mud or loose gravel.
There are many things to consider besides speed, depth, and weight of a ball. Put all that together and then you mightget a close answer to what you seek.
To give you an idea that will get you in the ball park, so to speak, assume that the line drags out to an exact triangle. There are three sides to the triangle: a, b, and the hypotenuse (c). Assuming the drag will cause a 45 degree angle, then the depth down (a) will be the same as how "far back" the ball is (b) and the hypotenuse (how long the line is) will be the square root of the sums of the squares of the two sides (c). That is, as the Scarecrow quoted Pythagoras in the Wizard of Oz, "The square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sums of the squares of the other two sides!" In this case, two times forty squared is 3200 and the square root of that is just over 56 1/2 feet. But, remember: this won't be anywhere near where a real ball and line will be. The problem is more complex than a lesson from the Scarecrow.
~Let us not forget to include the salinity of the waters involved, which would affect the bouyancy of any items in it. Plus, whether or not this alleged ball is actually round, or somehow oval in shape. Plus; 40 feet down and how far outwill make yet another difference to your recalculations.
Do unopened beer bottles float?
Well, honey, technically speaking, unopened beer bottles can float because they are less dense than water. But if you're throwing a party and relying on your beer to double as a flotation device, I suggest you invest in a life jacket instead. Better safe than sorry, darling.
Why does it take longer to sail from England to America than from America to England?
The prevailing winds and ocean currents in the North Atlantic make it faster to sail from America to England than the reverse. Ships can take advantage of the westerly winds and currents when sailing eastward from America to England, while they have to battle against them when going westward from England to America.
When wind blows against a sail, it creates a force that propels the boat forward. This force is harnessed by the sail's shape and angle to generate lift, similar to how an airplane wing works. By adjusting the sail's position, sailors can manipulate the direction and speed of the boat.
The lateen sail increased a sailor's ability to sail effectively into the wind, rather than decreasing dependence on the wind's force. By allowing for better maneuverability and efficiency in changing wind conditions, the lateen sail revolutionized sailing techniques and made it easier to sail against the wind.
What is the formula in finding middle latitude sailing?
Middle latitude sailing is a navigation method that involves using a series of spherical triangles to determine the course to be followed on a Mercator chart. The formula used in finding middle latitude sailing involves solving these spherical triangles by applying spherical trigonometry principles. It's typically done using a navigational calculator or computer program to determine the course and distance to a destination.
What is the lunitidal interval for Chichester harbor entrance?
The lunitidal interval for Chichester Harbor entrance is approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. This represents the time difference between when the moon is directly overhead and when high tide occurs.
Why was the keel boat invented?
The keel boat was invented to provide stability and maneuverability to boats, especially in rough waters. The addition of a keel helps prevent capsizing and allows for better control over the boat's direction.
About how long are around the world yacht races?
Around the world yacht races typically last anywhere from 6 to 9 months, covering over 25,000 nautical miles. Participants face a variety of challenges including extreme weather conditions, technical failures, and mental fatigue throughout the race. The race is a true test of endurance, skill, and determination for sailors.
It is moving South. At sea you could measure the angle between the horizon and Polaris with a sextant. This angle is approximately equal to your Northern latitude. There are some mathematical corrections one can perform to get a more precise answer, but the further south you sail, the lower Polaris will become. Eventually, you will not be able to see it anymore. Polaris is not visible from the Southern Hemisphere and there is no South Star. The ship is in the Northern Hemisphere, moving South.
What do different waves travel through?
Mechanical waves, such as sound waves, travel through a medium like air, water, or solids. Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, can travel through a vacuum because they do not need a medium to propagate.
What does MN stand for in the maritime industry?
MN stands for Merchant Navy in the maritime industry. It refers to the fleet of commercial vessels operated by private companies for transporting cargo and passengers across oceans and waterways. Members of the Merchant Navy are responsible for crewing these vessels and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
When the wind doubles does the pressure in the sails increase 8 times?
No, the pressure in the sails does not increase by 8 times when the wind doubles. The pressure in the sails is directly proportional to the square of the wind speed increase. So, if the wind speed doubles, the pressure in the sails will increase four times, not eight times.
What dock lines should you bring when docking in a transient slip while cruising?
It is recommended to have at least two bow lines and two stern lines when docking in a transient slip. Make sure they are long enough to reach the dock and are of good quality to securely tie up your boat. Having extra lines and fenders on board is also a good idea for added safety.
What percentage of Americans sail as compared to people in other parts of the world?
Approximately 0.1% of Americans participate in sailing activities. In comparison, countries with a strong sailing culture, such as Australia or New Zealand, may have a higher percentage of their population engaged in sailing. However, globally, sailing is not a mainstream recreational activity and is more popular in coastal regions or countries with a maritime tradition.
