"Walt" wrote in message
...
Scout wrote:

Question: if a square rig's sails could be turned 90 deg (with the wind
abeam), and a centerboard or sideboard were dropped to resist sideways
movement, and enough ballast were present to prevent capsize, could the
boat move in a track that is more perpendicular relative to the wind?


More perpedicular? More perpendicular than what? Since a square rigger
can sail on a beam reach 90 deg to the wind without much problem, the
answer would be no. You can't get any more perpendicular than 90 deg.

Somehow I don't think this is what you are asking...

Then that is my misunderstanding, I thought a square rigger could sail
downwind only, or on a broad reach, at best.
Scout