Monday, March 28, 2011

Physics Of Sailing

Yes, you can sail faster than the wind. Remember F=ma? If you apply a constant force to a movable object it will accelerate continuously. When you sail 90 degrees to the wind, the boat experiences a constant force and will go faster and faster until it reaches the maximum speed attainable. The limit of the speed is dictated by the shape and length of the hull, not the wind.

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