Free body diagram of a sailboat

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of a sailboat experiencing rounding up in high winds, particularly when only the foresail is deployed. The key concept is the relationship between the center of pressure (CP) of the sail and the center of lateral resistance (CLR) of the hull. It is established that when the CP is too far forward, it can cause the boat to round up into the wind, despite the mainsail being doused. Adjustments to sail size and shape, particularly the foresail, are recommended to mitigate this tendency and maintain control of the boat.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sailboat dynamics and terminology
  • Knowledge of center of pressure (CP) and center of lateral resistance (CLR)
  • Familiarity with sail types, specifically Genoa and mainsail
  • Basic principles of torsional forces in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of sail area distribution on boat stability
  • Learn about the dynamics of heeling and its impact on sail performance
  • Explore techniques for adjusting sail trim to optimize performance
  • Study the relationship between hull design and sailing efficiency
USEFUL FOR

Sailors, sailing instructors, and naval architects interested in optimizing sailboat performance and understanding the physics of sail dynamics.

  • #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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K