Sailing Methods
The simplest form of sailing is called "sailing before the wind". This is also called "running before the wind". It is characterized by the boat going the same direction as the wind. The sails are set at a 90 degree angle in relation to the boat axis.(see first diagram) Sailing "off the wind" is when the wind is coming from the side, or beam. The sails are usually turned at a 45 degree andge to the axis of the boat. This method creates more of a pulling rather than a push. Like wings on an airplane the wind passes the frontward side of the sail faster creating less pressure. (see middle diagram) The wind's force is actually at a right angle to the sail (dotted line "a"). The keel however, keeps the boat from going sideways, resulting in a forward motion (dotted line "c")

The last diagram shows sailing "on the wind". If you want to sail upwind you have to angle a little away from the wind and just keep switching sides. This is called tacking. So, you would first put the wind slightly to your starboard (right) side and then to your port side. (see below)

faster than the wind By using the wind and changing the trim periodically a sailboat's speed can exceed that of the wind. Say the wind is coming from behin and to the left. When you start picking up speed the wind will change direction and start coming from the front left. But this wind is goin to be stronger because of the added speed of the boat. If we change our trim ( the sail position) to take advantage of this added wind, we can then gain more wind power and repeat the process. To exceed the windspeed you need a light boat (one that "slips" well).