Free body diagram of a sailboat

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The discussion focuses on the physics of a sailboat's behavior in high winds, particularly the phenomenon of "rounding up," where the boat turns sharply into the wind despite efforts to control it. This is often seen as a safety feature but can be undesirable when only the foresail is deployed. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between the center of pressure (CP) of the sail and the center of lateral resistance (CLR) of the hull to explain the boat's movements. Adjustments to sail size and position, particularly ensuring the foresail does not extend aft of the keel, can help mitigate this rounding tendency. The conversation highlights the complexities of sail dynamics and the need for precise measurements to fully grasp the forces at play.
  • #31
sophiecentaur said:
The situation as described poses a problem under really bad conditions as it implies that you need to heave to and can't run before a storm.
How so? The boat will round up. That's what you want, if you want to stop sailing.
 
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  • #32
sophiecentaur said:
I don't think the Physics approach will help too much here. After all, even with a lot of computing power and know how, there's still a need for physical testing on cutting edge hydro and aero dynamics designs. So - no shame in a practical approach here.
Well, this is what I was afeared of. See post 19. ... and post 1. You guys are expanding the scope beyond answerability.
 
  • #33
DaveC426913 said:
How so? The boat will round up. That's what you want, if you want to stop sailing.
I have heard. though, that when conditions are really bad (no personal experience) it may be better to run. But (bad metaphor, perhaps) it's a rock or a hard place.
 

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