Sailing and Direction?

Question

I always wondered how years ago when all the ships of the world were powered by sails, how was the ship able to sail in the desired direction if the wind was blowing in the opposite or in another direction than in the direction you wanted to go?

Answer 1

By a practise called "Tacking". Where by you change your direction and sail configurations to optimize your sailing angle potential in the desired direction. By this method you can work your way upwind or into the wind. Sailing into the wind is less favorable than sailing with the wind or downwind.  

As well currents, tides, times of year, all play an important part in manuvering your boat in the direction you wish to go. Generally speaking the currents of the world move in a East to West direction in the more hospitable climates. about 35 degrees N. to 35 degrees S. Naturally local currents, land masses and storms can effect your directions as well.

Answer 2

The old sailing ships also tacked to travel "upwind", but were not able to "point" as high into the wind as modern sailing boats. But even then, modern sailing craft cannot run better than about 45 degrees to the actual wind direction. This cannot be bettered by much.

The reason is the "apparent" wind direction due to the forward motion of the craft, if you check its direction on the vessel's deck, it is flowing from around 5- 10 degrees from the front when close- hauled, even though it's travelling at that 45 degrees to the actual wind direction.

Answer 3

I'm almost positive that if a wind was blowing the complete opposite direction than where you wanted to go it has a name but I don't remember what it is. In that case, you're in trouble. Other than that. The wind doesn't always determine direction it determines power and speed. If you want to sail west and wind is south than the wind will blow the sails south but you have to know to keep the bloat at a certain "angle" and make sure you have the rudder where it has to be and you'll get to where you need to go.

Answer 4

AMAZING ISNT IT    I CANT FIGURE THAT EITHER

Answer 5

Show and tell time:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacking

====

The winds doesn't just PUSH the sailboats from behind.  A sail boat can travel 45 degree to the wind direction.

Good Luck...

Answer 6

sail placement