brain teaser question

james nolan (nolan_laboratories@email.msn.com)
Sat, 22 May 1999 10:51:00 -0600


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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If the apparent wind is head on as implied in the question, the "lift force"
generated would be at a right angle (or close to) to the wind and the
direction of the boat. The drag force created over the sail and the boat
would oppose the forward motion of the boat. I think the drag force of the
sail overcomes the very small forward force of the lift.
Jim Nolan