How do sail boats actually work?

Question

The sails always seems to be somewhat parallel to the direction of the boat, but if the wind is blowing sideways, should that push the boat off course?

In: 9

Answer 1

Consider putting pressure on a bar of soap with your wet fingers and how it will squeeze out of your fingers in a forward direction. The wind against the sail and water against the daggerboard on a sail boat are your fingers and the boat is the bar of soap.

Answer 2

Consider putting pressure on a bar of soap with your wet fingers and how it will squeeze out of your fingers in a forward direction. The wind against the sail and water against the daggerboard on a sail boat are your fingers and the boat is the bar of soap.