Sail

A sail is any type of surface intended to generate thrust by being placed in a wind —in essence a vertically-oriented wing. Sails are used in sailing.

Related Topics:
Thrust - Wind - Wing - Sailing

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Depending on the incident angle of the wind on the surface of the sail, one side of the sail will have a higher air pressure than the other one according to Bernoulli's principle. The difference in pressure will generate lift, causing the sail to be pulled towards the side of lower pressure.

Related Topics:
Angle - Surface - Air pressure - Bernoulli's principle - Lift

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On a sailing boat, a keel or centreboard is used to convert this lateral force into forward movement of the boat with some sideways leaning, or 'heel'.

Related Topics:
Sailing boat - Keel

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