{"id":19,"date":"2018-08-03T00:31:08","date_gmt":"2018-08-03T00:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/?p=19"},"modified":"2019-01-16T13:36:58","modified_gmt":"2019-01-16T13:36:58","slug":"how-sailboats-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sailboats Work: The Evolution of the Sailboat\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Sailboats are mainly powered by the wind and are simple but incredible vessels that once opened up new pathways for exploration and international trade. Many believe that the sailboat shaped the modern world. If you don\u2019t know how sailboats work, you\u2019d be surprised to learn how simplistic the design really is and just how much it has changed over the years.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While no one really knows exactly when the first boat was built, the remains of sailboats have been found that date back to ancient Egypt.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Learning how sailboats work will not only make you a better sailor overall, but it can help you to get the most out of your next trip and can teach you how to navigate the waters and take advantage of certain types of wind and water conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Read on to learn about the anatomy of the sailboat and how to sail like a pro.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#Sailboats_Over_the_Centuries\" title=\"Sailboats Over the Centuries\u00a0\">Sailboats Over the Centuries\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#How_the_Sailboat_Floats\" title=\"How the Sailboat Floats\u00a0\">How the Sailboat Floats\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#Taking_Advantage_of_the_Wind\" title=\"Taking Advantage of the Wind\">Taking Advantage of the Wind<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#Reading_the_Wind\" title=\"Reading the Wind\">Reading the Wind<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#Centerboard_for_Stabilization\" title=\"Centerboard for Stabilization\">Centerboard for Stabilization<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#How_They_Glide_Through_the_Water\" title=\"How They Glide Through the Water\u00a0\">How They Glide Through the Water\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-sailboats-work\/#The_Modern_Sailboat\" title=\"The Modern Sailboat\u00a0\">The Modern Sailboat\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sailboats_Over_the_Centuries\"><\/span>Sailboats Over the Centuries<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Over the centuries, sailboats have steadily developed, offering faster speeds and improved maneuverability, easier handling, and a more durable design.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Sailboats range in capability and size, but each type of sailboat is linked by basic elements. Whether the vessel is large or small, sailboats of the past and present both feature the same movement and flotation abilities.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>The basic sailboat consists of eight important parts:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Keel<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Jib<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Boom<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Mast<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Mainsail<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Rudder<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Tiller<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#333\"><\/i> Hull<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The shell of the boat is called the hull and it contains all of the internal components. The shape of the hull balances the boat and reduces drag, which is caused by friction. In the stern of the boat, you\u2019ll find the tiller, which is attached to the rudder. If the rudder of the sailboat is the tire then the tiller is the boat\u2019s steering wheel. In order to maneuver a boat, you\u2019ll pull the tiller to one side, causing the rudder to change direction.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-71\" src=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-Sailboats-Work.jpeg\" alt=\"sailboats over the centuries\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-Sailboats-Work.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-Sailboats-Work-300x158.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-Sailboats-Work-768x405.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-Sailboats-Work-1024x540.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The keel and the sails work as the sailboat\u2019s engine. The larger sail is called the mainsail and it catches most of the wind power that\u2019s necessary to propel the boat. The vertical side of the mainsail attaches to the mast, which is a long pole. The horizontal size of the mainsail attaches to the boom, which is a massive pole that runs parallel to the deck. A sailor can rotate the boom three hundred and sixty degrees from the mast in order to allow the sail to capture as much wind as possible. When the boom is pivoted perpendicular to the wind, the sail will push outward. It will also go slack when it\u2019s swung parallel to the wind. This type of freedom of movement will allow the sailor to catch the wind in any direction it blows. The small triangular fixed sail that provides added power to the mainsail is called the jib. The slim, long plank known as the keel, juts from the bottom of the hull, providing a balancing force underwater that prevents the boat from tipping over. In smaller boats, a daggerboard or centerboard has the same task as the keel and prevents the boat from tipping over, however, the daggerboard can be lowered or raised into the water in order to allow the boat to move through shallow waters.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To learn more, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/how-to-make-sail\/\">click here<\/a> to read our article on how to make sail.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_Sailboat_Floats\"><\/span>How the Sailboat Floats<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to <a href=\"http:\/\/archimedespalimpsest.org\/about\/history\/archimedes.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Archimedes<\/a>\u2019 principle, in order for a boat to float it must first displace an amount of water that\u2019s equal to its weight. As the boat\u2019s weight pushes down, displacing the water underneath it, an upward force that\u2019s equal to that is what holds the boat up.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In order to displace the right amount of water to keep the boat afloat, the boat must have a density that\u2019s less than water. Because of this, the hull of a sailboat is always hollow. A boat\u2019s average density is less than water, whether the boat is made out of fiberglass or wood.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The boat\u2019s surface area is also what helps to keep it afloat. A large surface space will give the boat a better chance of displacing enough water to offset the boat\u2019s weight.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taking_Advantage_of_the_Wind\"><\/span>Taking Advantage of the Wind<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As you know by now, a sailboat needs a certain amount of wind to move. Stronger winds means an increase in your sailboat\u2019s speed. If you understand the anatomy of the sailboat, how it works, and how to use the sails in order to trap wind, you can make better time and reach your destination on schedule.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reading_the_Wind\"><\/span>Reading the Wind<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When sailing, you must learn how to determine the direction of the wind in order to take advantage of it. There are actually some basic tools that can help you determine the direction of the wind, such as telltales. This tool is just a length of nylon that\u2019s tied to the backstay and shrouds. At the top of the mast should be a masthead fly, complete with a wind arrow.<\/p>\n<p>Using your sails to locate wind is another option. An experienced sailor can also look at the surface of the water to determine the wind\u2019s direction, but this technique can take years of practice.<\/p>\n<p>To increase a sailboat\u2019s speed you must first pick a distant point to aim for. Next, try a little experimenting by heading up and bearing off, gradually, as you adjust the sails. Steering in this manner will take a little practice.<\/p>\n<p>The most relaxing point of sail is called running with the wind. Since the wind isn\u2019t blowing across the sailboat, there will be no sideways force. As the sailor bears off from the beam reach to a run, they will need to ease out the sheets in order to allow the sails to grab as much wind as possible.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Centerboard_for_Stabilization\"><\/span>Centerboard for Stabilization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the sailboat has a centerboard, the sailor will need to have it raised when they\u2019re running. When running straight with the wind, the centerboard isn\u2019t needed to keep the boat from moving sideways, however, a little board can help minimize any type of side to side rocking. If your sailboat doesn\u2019t have a centerboard, in high wind conditions, stabilizing the boat and preventing any side to size movement can be almost impossible.<\/p>\n<p>Beginners often struggle with steering the sailboat in high and low wind conditions and it&#8217;s true that it can be very challenging. Sailing is more of an art form, and like any art form, learning how to master it will take time, skill, and proper guidance.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_They_Glide_Through_the_Water\"><\/span>How They Glide Through the Water<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-87\" src=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Glide-Through-the-Water-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Glide Through the Water\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Glide-Through-the-Water-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Glide-Through-the-Water-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Glide-Through-the-Water-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Glide-Through-the-Water.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your first few times in a sailboat will be exhilarating and challenging. With a little practice and a few tricks up your sleeve, you should be able to get the hang of steering the boat in no time. However, if you&#8217;re planning on taking your sailboat for an extended sailing adventure, you&#8217;ll have a lot to learn, including how to properly position the boat in order to grab more wind and increase your speed.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re traveling downwind with the wind at your back you\u2019ll let the mainsail loose, keeping it perpendicular to the wind in order to harness the most energy. The wind will press directly into the sails. This is what naturally propels the boat forward.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>But plotting a course upwind can be much harder. It\u2019s actually impossible to sail directly upwind. Either the wind will stall the boat if the sails are slack and pulled in, or the wind will push the boat backward.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While the wind pushes the sailboat when going downwind, the opposite will happen when traveling upwind. When sailing upwind the boat is actually being pulled instead of pushed by the wind. The forward pull is referred to as lift. When steering upwind, you\u2019ll have to make a zigzagging path which is known as tacking. When tacking, the wind won\u2019t approach head on and will instead come at the boat from an angle. When the sailor uses tacking, the sails work like an engine, harnessing the power of the wind. But because the boat is moving in an angled position, the wind ends up pushing the sailboat sideways. As the boat is pushed to one side, the flat, long <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverboating.com\/resources\/what-does-the-keel-do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">keel<\/a> pivots upward and creates a sideways force in the opposite direction due to the amount of water that\u2019s displaced as it moves. These opposing forces work to cancel each other out.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Modern_Sailboat\"><\/span>The Modern Sailboat<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Today\u2019s sailboats are sleeker, lighter, and faster. They\u2019re also much wider, which works to increase the boat\u2019s stability.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The keels are also sleeker and longer, which allows for a quicker, closer tack. Their large surface area tends to displace more water, allowing for a tighter tack. These modern sailboats simply slice through the water, without the worry of drag. Designers have also honed the hull in order to reduce pull using newer materials such as fiberglass.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Due to their innovative modern designs, some boats can exceed the speed of wind.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>But while many of the components on these vessels have been remade and improved upon, the basic elements of how sailboats work still remains the same.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like to learn more about the art of sailing and the type of gear you\u2019ll need, <a href=\"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/best-sailing-pants\/\">click here<\/a> to read our epic buyer\u2019s guide on sailing pants.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sailboats are mainly powered by the wind and are simple but incredible vessels that once opened up new pathways for exploration and international trade. Many believe that the sailboat shaped the modern world. If you don\u2019t know how sailboats work, you\u2019d be surprised to learn how simplistic the design really [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":405,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":406,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19\/revisions\/406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/SailOutfitter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}