4 ms·
This doesn't explain what is going on very well. A sail generates lift and drag (the power is perpendicular to the sail angle). The keel generates an opposing
by jcampbell1 12y ago
This doesn't explain what is going on very well. A sail generates lift and drag (the power is perpendicular to the sail angle). The keel generates an opposing force that converts the lift into upwind travel.
The only way I know how to explain a keel, is like ice skating. you plant one foot, and kick the other foot to the side and back, but the result is forward motion.
Ice skating is impossible with just one leg, and sailing upwind is impossible without both a keel and a sail.
- Patrick_Devine 12y ago> Ice skating is impossible with just one leg ... Not true, it's just a little more difficult because it requires better balance. You can fairly easily do a swizzle on one foot shifting from your inside edge to your outside edge, similar to how a boat would tack. Yes, the blade of skate is acting similar to a keel, but no, you don't need two legs to feel the effect.