The Symmetry of Sailing: The Physics of Sailing for YachtsmenWhy must a boat make leeway in order to sail to windward? How can a helmsman prevent downwind rolling? Why is a sail able to produce a force at right angles to the wind direction? How do the motions of water particles in waves affect boat handling? These and many other important questions are addressed by the authors in this detailed study of the motive forces of a yacht. |
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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 V₁ velocity vertical viscosity vortex drag waterline length wave drag wave height wind angle wind direction wing yacht