Sailing is a captivating sport that harnesses the wind to propel various crafts—such as sailing ships, sailboats, windsurfers, kitesurfers, iceboats, and land yachts—across water, ice, or land. By utilizing sails, wingsails, or kites, sailors navigate a chosen course, often as part of a broader navigation plan.
In sailing, the point of sail is a critical concept, defined by the true wind direction. Sailors must adjust the alignment of their sails relative to the apparent wind direction, allowing them to effectively harness wind power. The forces generated by the sails interact with the hull, keel, and rudder of the craft, enabling precise steering and course control.
