A sailboat is a boat that uses the force of the wind to move. There are many different kinds of sailboats, distinguished by hull type (monohulls, catamarans, trimarans), keel type (fin keel, wing keel, daggerboard, centerboard) and mast configuration and sails (sloop, fractional rig sloop, ketch, yawl, cutters).
Sailboats generally move fastest when sailing with the wind coming “downwind.” However, most sailboats don’t have the power or hull geometry to plane on the water’s surface, and they are limited by something called wave resistance. When a sailboat moves at its speed through the water, it creates a bow wave that has a single well-formed crest and trough. This wave creates turbulence in the flow of water along the hull, and the resistance to motion through the water increases as a result.
To reduce resistance to sailing upwind, some modern sailboats have a keel with a fin-like shape that is a small section of the hull under the waterline. This creates a lateral plane that prevents leeway and allows the sailboat to point toward the wind. Other features that help with sailing upwind include a centerboard to lessen leeway, a spinnaker for extra lift, and a tiller or steering wheel to turn the rudder. Other parts of the sailboat include a boom to hold the mainsail, and cleats for fastening lines.
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