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
- Wales: Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and is located on the western coast of Great Britain. It is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. Wales has a long m ... Read More >>
- Rotational Movements: In the maritime context, rotational movements refer to the turning or spinning motion of a ship around its vertical axis, also known as yaw. This movement is crucial in navigation and maneuvering of the vessel, especially in confined waters ... Read More >>
- EMSA: EMSA stands for European Maritime Safety Agency. It is an agency of the European Union which was established to ensure a high, uniform and effective level of maritime safety, maritime security, prevention of and response to pollution by shi ... Read More >>
Top News
Captain Cook's Endeavour confirmed to be in Rhode Island waters...
The location of the HMS Endeavour, a lost ship belonging to 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook, has been confirmed as Rhode Island's Newport Harbor....
News Source: CBS News on 2025-06-17
Mapping Iran’s oil and gas sites and those attacked by Israel...
Iran is a top 10 oil and gas producer, making its energy sites crucial to both regional and global markets....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2025-06-17
Ships collide in Hormuz Strait in shadow of Israel-Iran war...
Incident in strategic waterway said to be 'not security related' despite potential effects of conflict....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2025-06-17
How else could Iran retaliate over the ongoing Israeli strikes targeting the cou...
As Israel pounds Iran with airstrikes targeting military facilities and its nuclear sites, officials in Tehran have proposed a variety of steps the Islamic Republic could take outside of launching ret...
News Source: ABC News on 2025-06-17
Wall Street isn’t freaking out about Israel and Iran yet. The Strait of Hormuz...
Global markets have remained relatively calm amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. But that sentiment could quickly shift, according to experts, if the conflict affects the Strait of H...
News Source: CNN on 2025-06-17