Martin Baxter wrote:
Walt wrote:
Martin Baxter wrote:

What is the largest triangle (area) that can be fitted into an area
bounded by the boom, mast (between gooseneck and backstay crane),
backstay crane and backstay?

Well actually it's not going to be a triangle....

Actualy, yes it is. The largest triangle is obviously going to be a
triangle. Read your question again.


My question defines an area bounded by for sides, a quadrangle, I
suppose I should said "plane geometric shape" rather than "triangle",
sorry for the confusion.

OK. If you mean "polygon" please say "polygon".


Now, I don't know why you are concerned with triangles, because sails
aren't triangles.

Ummm, that's why I said "Well actually it's not going to be a
triangle...."

Fair enough. But I don't know why you are concerned with polygons, or
quadrangles, because sails aren't polygons or quadrangles.

(Or quadralaterals either, if you object to an obsolete definition of
quadrangle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrangle )