What would happen if a sailboat could glide on the surface of the water rather than plow through it?

Question

Would it go faster or slower?

Answer 1

Then it would be a hovercraft!

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

http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index....

Answer 2

It would go faster, just like a planing hull is faster then a displacement hull

Answer 3

Actually such a thing exists and its name is the moth. I've seen them in action several times in Newport RI.

The hull on these boats is incredibly light - all carbon. They have 'wings' which are comparable to a catamaran if you get me. These act as foils.

They also have a sail and mast which are similar to a windsurfers.

They are incredible to watch. One man boat, trapezing. The boat lifts out of the water until only the bottom of the daggerboard and rudder are in the water. Then they go incredibly fast with almost non drag. They comfortably double the wind speed at some points of sailing.

To answer your question: faster, a lot faster!

Here is more info:

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

Answer 4

Like an ice boat?   They reach speeds of 60+ mph.