Sailboats

Sailboats have been around for thousands of years. They use sails to catch the wind and move through the water. No engine or fuel is needed! Sailing takes skill because you have to know how to use the wind to go where you want.

How Sails Work

Sails work a lot like airplane wings turned sideways. When wind blows across a curved sail, it creates a pulling force. Sailors can even sail partly into the wind by angling the sails just right. This trick is called tacking, and it lets sailors go almost any direction.

Types of Sailboats

There are many kinds of sailboats. Small sailboats called dinghies are great for beginners. Catamarans have two hulls and are very fast. Big racing yachts can cross entire oceans. Some people even live on their sailboats and travel the world!

Fun Facts

• The fastest sailboat ever recorded went over 75 miles per hour.
• Ancient Egyptians were using sailboats more than 5,000 years ago.
• A sailboat can actually travel faster than the wind that pushes it.

Did You Know?

Sailors use the words 'port' for left and 'starboard' for right. These words come from the old days when boats had a steering board on the right side.