Sail Shape
Sail shape refers to the curvature and configuration of a sail when it is filled with wind. The shape of a sail is critical to its performance, as it determines how efficiently it can convert wind energy into forward motion. A sail with a good shape will have a smooth, aerodynamic profile that generates lift and reduces drag. Sail shape can be adjusted by tensioning the sail's control lines, such as the halyard, sheet, and outhaul. Proper sail shape is also affected by wind speed and direction, boat speed and angle of heel, and sea state. Sailors must constantly monitor and adjust sail shape to optimize performance and maintain control of the vessel.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Nearshore Waters: Nearshore waters refer to the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. These waters are typically shallow and are influenced by the physical and biological processes of the adjacent land. Nears ... Read More >>
- Perpendicular, After: Perpendicular, After is a term used in naval architecture to describe the point on a ship's hull where the after perpendicular intersects with the waterline. The after perpendicular is an imaginary line that runs vertically through the ship ... Read More >>
- Dry Dock: A dry-dock is a narrow basin or vessel that can be flooded to allow a load to be floated in, then drained to allow that load to come to rest on a dry platform. Dry-docks are used for the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships, boats ... Read More >>
Top News
US ‘Secret War’ remembered as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits Laos...
Al Jazeera looks back at the most devastating period in Laos's history, when the US waged a years-long 'Secret War'....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2024-11-21
Japan will watch China's military after Beijing admits violating Japanese airspa...
Japanese officials say they are closely watching to see if China keeps its promise to prevent further violations of Japan’s airspace after explaining that an incursion by a Chinese military aircraft...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-20
Southeast Asian defense chiefs meet in Laos as maritime disputes with China are ...
Southeast Asian defense chiefs and representatives are meeting in the Laotian capital for security talks at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China in the Asia-Pacific and as the transition ...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-20
Biden's $100 billion disaster aid request includes money to rebuild the collapse...
President Joe Biden’s pending request to Congress for nearly $100 billion in emergency disaster aid includes money to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge after its deadly collapse in Marc...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-19
The Houthis appear determined to score a hit on the American and European warshi...
The US and European Union have maintained a significant Middle East naval presence to battle the Houthis over the past year....
News Source: Business Insider on 2024-11-19