Sail

February 27, 2025

A sail is an aerofoil carried by a sailing vessel’s rig to generate drive and balance from the wind. Attached to masts, stays or spars, its shape, area, material and trim determine how efficiently the boat converts wind flow into forward motion.

For boaters, correct sail choice and trim affect speed, heel, comfort and safety, especially when wind or sea state changes. Matching sail area to Wind Speed, sailing angle to True Wind Angle, and conditions to the right Sail Type helps prevent overpowering, reduce fatigue and maintain control on passage.

PredictWind forecasts, routing and onboard data help sailors decide when to reef, change sails or delay departure. Weather Routing can pair forecast wind with performance data such as Sail Polar information to estimate boat speed and optimise routes.

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