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Sailing
Questions about wind-propelled water vessels, their maintenance, handling and rules governing their use.
2,485 Questions
Why were sailors in the past susceptible to scurvey?
Lack of fresh food, ie vegetables and fruit, which contained Vitamin C and would have prevented scurvy.
What were the square sails called on ships?
"Square sails" which are not really square, were/are referred to as four-cornered sails.
Who was the First man to be given credit for sailing around the world?
Magellan s voyage was the first to sail around the world, though he did not complete the voyage.
The word came into English usage in 1756 to mean a small three-masted vessel, but goes further back to the Arabic word shabback, meaning "small warship".
In restricted visibility a power driven vessel underway gives which sound signal every two minutes?
One prolonged blast
What is the big sail on a boat called?
It's usually called the Mainsail, or as sailors pronounce it, the "mains'l". It is sometimes called the "sheet" too, though that is more generic.
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The "sheet" is the line that controls the sail's angle across the boat.
Not everyone is able to handle a life at sea. The ship is constantly rolling with the waves. Storms can cause a ship to sink. Todays' ships have GPS, and satellite phones. There are also rescue planes. In the 1700's, it was much more dangerous to live on a ship.
What is the best sailboat to sale single handed?
Depending on your weight, Topper for 45-65 Kg, Laser Radial for 65-75Kg and Laser Full rig for75Kg +
What you is the stern keel sail and mast?
The aftermost sail in a multi-masted boat is typically the mizzen, but in some rigs can be called the spanker as well.
What is an asymmetrical spinnaker?
An asymmetrical spinnaker is a sail which is rigged like a spinnaker, but asymmetrically shaped like a genoa.
A flat bottom is a hull design which allows the user to approach very closely to shore, or enter shallow waters.
What is the longest sailboat that two people can crew by themselves?
For a couple sailing I would advise a maximum length of 45 to 46 feet. You can sail bigger yachts solo or with a couple but you have to keep in mind that the bigger the yacht the it will require ore effort in maintenance and cleaning. You can get all the luxuries in the 45 foot range you will ever need at sea and still have room for guests.
tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails.
A three sided sail is known as a Lateen sail or also a triangular sail. With a four sided sail one is only able to sail against the wind, but with a Lateen sail it is possible to sail more directly into the wind.
