How does a sailboat go towards the wind?

Question

I realize a sailboat can’t go directly at the wind (or maybe it can🤷🏽‍♂️) but for the life of me I can’t picture it going anywhere but where the wind is bowing.

Also, lets say you were in a round pond, could you sail to any point you wanted to in the pond with the wind blowing steady in one direction?

In: 34

Answer 1

I didn’t really understand this myself until I learned how to windsurf. Theory is great, but sailing is one of those things you need to experience with your hands to fully understand.