How Does Wind Energy Propel a Sailboat?

[Lavas]

I've wondered how you would explain how a sailboat moves in a way explained by physics. How the energy from the wind is transferred from the sail to the centerboard or the hull itself.

 

[Nabeshin]

Complete analysis of sailboat physics given here:
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs037.snc1/3308_1202579661678_1144170970_31273539_3056389_n.jpg

:)

 

[JerryClower]

If you are sailing parallel with the wind, the wind pushes against the sail and the sail pushes back on the wind, and the wind "wins". Therefore the boat moves in the direction of the wind. Plus, irregular air pockets are made like 'imprints' in the sail so that air pockets help to propel the boat. If the boat didn't have sails, it would be carried by the water, but since the sail traps the air and serves as a resistance to it, the air pushes the boat. A sailboat sailing directly against the wind is physically impossible.

 

[rcgldr]

Wiki article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing#Energy_capture