I have now actually read the article. It seems that no sailors were harmed in it. I really don't buy this article's premise. Even a vessel with run only sail

I have now actually read the article. It seems that no sailors were harmed in it. I really don't buy this article's premise. Even a vessel with run only sails can plot a course by working out which bit of land is affecting the patch of sea they are traversing. In the areas where land doesn't have a direct effect, you get to play the usual lottery with wind and weather. Even when the wind is against them, they should be able to manage slightly better than a "abeam close reach" so go slightly against the wind. "Modern mariners can tack against the wind by setting the sails at sharp angles. That wasn’t feasible 2,400 years ago because sails were fixed then." No they were not "fixed" at all - look at the picture of the replica - it is running close hauled. The sail is tied off fore and aft and not at right angles to travel. The article literally contradicts itself with photo evidence. If you look really closely at the modern yacht with a Bermuda rig - it's sails are luffing!