The Symmetry of Sailing: The Physics of Sailing for YachtsmenHere is a detailed study of the motive forces of a yacht written in clear and accessible terms. The author has the rare gift of enabling his readers to relate the nautical phenomena with which they are so familiar to a scientific explanation of how and why these occur. The first part covers downwind sailing, upwind sailing, sails, the hull, and the dynamic motion of a yacht. Part Two is devoted to more mathematical explanations of the same phenomena for those requiring a more scientific approach. |
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Common terms and phrases
aerodynamic aerofoil air flow angle of attack angle of heel angle of incidence apparent wind apparent wind speed aspect ratio axis boat speed boundary layer buoyancy calculated centreboard circulation component course course sailed crest curve cylinder depends determined displacement downwind drag angle drag coefficient drag force driving force effect energy fluid flow frequency gives graph greater heel angle heeling force horizontal hull drag hydrodynamic increase knots laminar flow leading edge leeway angle lift coefficient lift force luff m/sec mainsail mast measured metres motion moving normal pressure drag perpendicular points of sailing polar diagram produced quantities reduced resistance Reynolds rotation sail area shown in fig shows side force spinnaker surface friction drag total force total sail force trailing edge true wind speed turbulence velocity vertical viscosity vortex drag waterline length wave drag wave height wind angle wind direction wing yacht