Sailing ships have been at the heart of ocean exploration and culture for thousands of years. From the earliest remains of Mesopotamian ships discovered in Kuwait to the trade and plundering of Vikings and Arabs, sailboats have evolved over time to become what we know today. Regardless of size, all sailboats have the same fundamental elements that make them float and move through the water. This article will explore how those basic parts work together and the physics principles that allow sailboats to push through the water.
A central feature of any sailboat is the keel. This underwater plank provides an asymmetrical force that reduces sideways slippage and keeps the boat from tipping over. It may be an external piece or, as is more common in monohulls, built into the hull. Most large sailboats also have a centerboard, a removable fin like a dagger board that serves the same purpose.
The mainsail captures most of the wind power for propulsion. Its vertical side secures to the mast, a tall upright pole, and its horizontal side attaches to the boom, which is long and parallel to the deck. Sailors can position the boom to align with the true or apparent wind direction, depending on their desired course. When sailing upwind, the boom can be set close-hauled so that the sail is puffing outward in a tight formation to create maximum lift. This type of sailing is called tacking or jibing.
Sailboats with bilge keels are able to stand upright on sand or mud in the event of a grounding, a situation that can occur when sailing in areas with large tidal ranges. These keels are typically less effective than full-length, external keels at reducing sideways slippage, but their shorter length and lower weight help to offset this.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.