The Symmetry of Sailing: Physics of Sailing for Yachtsmen (Sailmate) - Softcover

This theory book explains to the amateur sailor why a yacht moves through the water. Evolved from the author's annual series of lectures, the book addresses several issues, such as why a boat must make leeway in order to sail to windward, how a helmsman can prevent downwind rolling, why a sail is able to produce a force at right angles to the wind direction, how the motions of water particles in waves affect boat handling, and many other aspects of aerodynamics. The book aims to help sailors relate the nautical phenomena which is familiar to a physical explanation of how and why things occur. Part two is devoted to more mathematical explanations of the same phenomena for those requiring a more scientific approach.