The Symmetry of Sailing: The Physics of Sailing for Yachtsmen - Hardcover

Garrett, Ross

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0229117597 ISBN 13: 9780229117598

Publisher: Allard Coles, 1987

Synopsis

Why must a boat make leeway in order to sail to windward? How can a helmsman prevent downwind rolling? Why is a sail able to produce a force at right angles to the wind direction? How do the motions of water particles in waves affect boat handling? These and many other important questions are addressed by the author in this detailed study of the motive forces of a yacht.

The author has the rare gift of enabling his readers to relate the nautical phenomena with which they are so familiar to a physical explanation of how and why these occur. The first part covers downwind sailing, upwind sailing, sails, the hull, and the dynamic motion of a yacht. Part Two is devoted to more mathematical explanations of the same phenomena for those requiring a more scientific approach.

About this title

About the Author:

After five years of working in medical physics in the U.S., Ross Garrett returned to New Zealand to teach and research nuclear physics, which he combined with racing small catamarans and trailer sailers. The Symmetry of Sailing is based on a series of lectures given to amateur sailors at the University of Auckland.

Review:

A technoid's delight....If you're willing to wade through it and spend some time scratching your head, there are enough nuggets here to make this a worthwhile read. (Sailing World)

Recommended to those yachtsmen who would add understanding to their experience. (Lloyd's List)

About this edition

• Publisher: Allard Coles
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0229117597
• ISBN 13: 9780229117598
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 416