Wally wrote:
Does the concept of 'lift' apply to the fins or other underwater structure
on a sailboat?
It can if you want it to.
If so, and if water is non-compressible, then what is its effect and how
does it work?
Well, for the best explanation, ask Navvieİ. Then he can start an
incomprehensible argument with Gilligan and they can both make up obscure
references and flex their vocabularies.
Probably the definitive reference
AFAIK is 'The Aero-Hydrodynamics Of Sailing'
by A.J. Marchaj; you can browse the library or second-hand store and come up
with either that or Marchaj's earlier edition titled 'Sailing Theory &
Practice.' It's pretty heavy going unless you've studied at least some college
level physics. Another option is to spend some time browsing the web. Here's
one of my recent faves.
http://web.mit.edu/2.972/www/reports...sail_boat.html
But the best alt.sailing.asa answer is... what do *you* think it is? Explain
your theory in 300 words or more, and be sure to insult any who dare disagree.
Fresh Breezes- Doug King