Whether you’re an experienced sailor or are just starting out, there’s nothing quite like the sensation of powering through the waves on a sailboat. When you charter a sailboat with Boatsetter, we’ll connect you with the perfect vessel for your needs, from family vacations to romantic getaways.
When a boat is moving in line with the wind, it creates a wave that moves along its side, called a bow wave. When a sailboat is moving perpendicular to the wind, it creates a different kind of wave, called a stern wave, that moves forward of the boat.
Sail and keel produce horizontal “lift” forces, due to pressure differences on opposite surfaces of the boat (assuming a constant speed and course). These are exactly balanced by the velocity-dependent drag forces on the boat as it plows through water and air. The vector sum of the lift forces precisely determines the direction of the boat’s motion.
If the boat is not properly trimmed, it can be difficult to keep the sails in contact with the wind. To ensure that sails are trimmed correctly, thin ribbon threads—called feathers—are attached to the sails and fly parallel to the ground. When the feathers are in proper alignment, they provide good airflow and lift, but when they become wavy, it’s a sign that the sails are not in contact with the wind.
Sailboats are designed to be stable, but even the most well-trimmed sails have a tendency to lean, or heel, to one side when sailing in certain directions. This is normal and inevitable; a prudent skipper will know when it is time to reef, or reduce sail area, to limit the degree of heeling.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.