Sailing Thing #1: Sails (Sailing Essential 1)

[shiiki]

There's a reason it's called sailing. And how it works is a physics lesson. (Actually, a lot of the technicalities behind how sailing works is a lot of physics. Back when I had to study physics, those were the easier topics for me: vectors, physics of fluids, pivots, because I could use sailing examples to understand them.)

Comments

[smeddley]

Boat and water pictures always make me want to go to the ocean, then I remember living on Guam and go back to being a confirmed landlubber.

Good explanation on the sails!

[shiiki]

What happened on Guam? (Er, only if you're comfortable telling me, that is.)

I hope it was somewhat understandable! I'm not so great at explaining physics.

[smeddley]

It wasn't anything bad (well, it was, but that was a cultural thing, not a weather thing) that I won't talk about - I think that was the beginning of my problems with heat. At least, with heat and humidity. After we got back I started getting sick if I got too hot, dizzy and nauseous. I went down once, completely crumpled, and I've never been able to handle the hot weather since. Except last year - we had a day when it was 102*F with about 50% humidity and it about killed me, but the next day was 110*F with 10% humidity and I felt just fine. So I suppose I could handle the desert more than I could another island. It's a trite saying, but it really *is* the humidity. Probably because, yeah, I'm a sweater. Big time. And if that can't evaporate, I can't cool down.

I can't even handle a really hot shower or a hot tub or a sauna - it all makes me feel bad. I can, however, walk outside in a short-sleeved t-shirt in 20*F weather and be okay for a short while. I'm much more cold-hardy!

[shiiki]

I think we're like complete opposites. I can handle the humidity I'm guessing to quite a large extent, having lived in it for a long time. But I get cold so, so easily.

[dbn_broberg]

Oh diagrams and everything ;-) YAY!

[shiiki]

They do tend to simplify things. :)

[kp_mushu]

Physics geek indeed. :) Not my strongest subject, which is ironic considering my degree is in mech e.

The pictures reminded me of the one time I got to ride a sailboat, a few years back in Auckland. Such fun, even though it was a really rough day out on the water. Never been in a boat that leaned over so far (only been on ferries, fishing boats, and rowboats?).

[shiiki]

Boats that can lean over (and capsize) are fun - not the capsizing, but if you don't. :)

Fortunately to actually sail, you don't have to really understand the pure physics of it, just know that it works and what you have to do. I suppose it helps me to understand, though, because I like to know the whole picture.

[willow_wand]

Mr. Weasley would enjoy that explanation! ;)

I don't know about all the physics stuff, but the sails do look so lovely when you're out on the water. ♥

[shiiki]

You know, now that you mention it, it does sort of fulfil his lifelong dream ... since the same principles that move our sails is exactly what keep airplanes up!

I know I'm biased, but I love sailing pictures. :)

[ginchy]

Oh, this is going to be awesome!! I've always enjoyed learning more about your sailing!! Love the pics and the lesson. <3

[shiiki]

I'm glad you enjoyed it because there's lots more coming!