Sailing Question

puddle jumper

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
3,830
I am more of a motor boat person but to day we were looking at a sail boat( masts about 300ft and the boat about 100ft in length).Just one of those thoughts jumped into my head.

My question is can a sail boat sail faster than the wind blows? I know it kinda a dumb question to some one who is an avid sailor but if I dont ask I will nevr know.

thanks
 

puddle jumper

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
3,830
Re: Sailing Question

The boat had two mane masts with what looked to be two more possible sails coming off the sides of the main mast. I was told to day the boat was really 160 feet long. Its one big boat. Probably the biggest boat I have ever seen other than the Cruz ships that go bye.

I see why you didn't tell me but ya it makes sence
 

SWN y MOR

Cadet
Joined
Aug 22, 2011
Messages
9
Re: Sailing Question

without the maths? LOL. YES a yacht can and does sail faster than the wind when sailing in any direction other than directly downwind(slower) or directly into wind(stops)
 

moi

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 31, 2008
Messages
78
Re: Sailing Question

A sailboat beating to windward won't sail faster than the wind. Generally, a broad reach will do the trick tho.......in the right boat (planing hull monohull or catamaran).
 
Top