About Sailboats

Sailboats have a long history throughout the world. First established thousands of years ago, the mode of transportation has given way to a more recreational use including international competitions. Sailboats rely on a variety of designs that make use of different sails, masts, and keel designs. In addition, monohull sailboats have given way to faster multihull models that have proven to change the dynamics of sailboat technology.

History

Sailboats are wind powered vessels traveling on the water, larger than sailboards but smaller than sailing ships. The first boats to implement sails were used by the Egyptians for trade and travel around 4000 BC, however the Romans made use of the technology to create massive fleets designed for armed combat. Perhaps the greatest innovations came around the year 1000 when Vikings constructed large sailboats for use in exploration and conquest. Lief Erickson's voyage to North America was completed using a large sailboat measuring approximately eighty feet long. Through the middle ages, sailboats were a staple of European travel, giving way to larger ships. In the late seventeenth century, yachting became more recreational than a necessity and new ideas and varieties of sailboats were invented. Today, many different styles of sailboats exist, most used for sport and relaxation, however, some commercial use is still common amongst less developed countries.

Features

Sailboats utilize either a monohull or multihull design. A monohull is the traditional form of construction and uses a dingle frame for the body of the boat. The hull relies on ballast, generally lead, for stabilization. This creates a very heavy structure that lacks acceleration or maneuverability and can also flood easily if the body is compromised. A multihull design is becoming far more popular amongst boating enthusiasts in modern times. They rely on their geometric shape to supply stability, making a ballast unnecessary. This provides the added assurance of flood protection as one hull can be compromised, while the others compensate. The common designs are proas, two symmetrical hulls with different sizes; catamarans, with two identical hulls; or trimarans, with a main hull and two smaller flanking hulls.

Types

There are many sailboat designs, most having to do with the hulls and the formation of the sails and masts. A sloop is usually the most common sailboat, utilizing a mainsail and a foresail on the mast. These are ideal for sailing into the wind when necessary. Cutters are similar in design to a sloop with a single mast, however, it is positioned further aft to allow two headsails to be added to the front of the boat. This design lacks proficiency as a racing yacht, but is very effective in high winds to provide adequate cruising speeds. Catboats are smaller sailboats with one mainsail attached to a mast at the forward of the ship. These operate in calmer waters for recreational use. A schooner is one of the largest designs for a sailboat, with two or more tall masts. It is one of the most efficient boats utilized, with speed and endurance. Other sailboats such as a ketch or a yawl also have a second mast, however, theirs are smaller and less pronounced than a schooner.

Considerations

The pivotal part of any sailboat is the keel, offering the stability and backbone to the hull. Most shipbuilding is said to commence one the keel is established. The keel is located on the underside of the boat and allows stability and lateral positioning in the water, using a combination of weight, depth, and length. Most monohull sailboats have fin keels which operate very heavy and deep, but are relatively short compared to the hull. Recent designs have created the winged keel, which is small but heavy and implements two wings on either side of the keel to improve lateral positioning. Multihull sailboats minimize the use of a keel, as they're stability comes from the symmetry of the hulls.

Function

The first racing and yachting clubs were established in Europe by the Dutch and the English in the late seventeenth century, however, the United States became one of the prominent figures in international sailing with the establishment of the America's Cup in 1851. The U.S. challenged other countries to a best-of-nine race and held the cup until 1983, when Australia's team finally won. Other prominent races include the Citizens' Cup and the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Although not prominent in the international yachting circuits, multihulls have become the choice for speed for many competitors. Because of their design, multihull sailboats have reduced surface area on the water, can operate in shallower areas, and attain top speed almost immediately.