Team cracks the physics of a tricky sailing move

Team cracks the physics of a tricky sailing move

A new study tackles the dynamics of a common—and difficult—sailing maneuver. Tacking—a maneuver used to sail a boat against the wind, changing direction in a zig-zag fashion—is one of the most difficult but necessary sailing maneuvers. While tacking is common, the movement of the sails and wind forces during the turn are not well understood. A new study by New York University and University of Michigan mathematicians addresses these matters head…