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?

This is basically the problem that is causing such a kafuffle in a few
other threads here.

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.

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

//Walt

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?

This is basically the problem that is causing such a kafuffle in a few
other threads here.

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.


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...."

//Walt

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 )

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.


Walt wrote:
OK. If you mean "polygon" please say "polygon".


Isn't a triangle a polygon?

Anyway, what is the point in using plane geometry to analyse
sails? They are not flat.

One way to maximize sail area would be to make the sails
more spherical, with boundaries defined by the limits of the
above-mentioned polygon.

DSK

DSK wrote:

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.

Walt wrote:

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

Isn't a triangle a polygon?

Yes it is.

Anyway, what is the point in using plane geometry to analyse sails? They
are not flat.

Bingo. We've got a winner. Sails aren't triangles. Or Quadralaterals.
Or any other object from plane geometry.

One way to maximize sail area would be to make the sails more spherical,
with boundaries defined by the limits of the above-mentioned polygon.

Cool. Then you could make them out of leather from your spherical cow.

//Walt

Walt wrote:

DSK wrote:

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.

Walt wrote:

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

Isn't a triangle a polygon?

Yes it is.

Anyway, what is the point in using plane geometry to analyse sails? They
are not flat.

Bingo. We've got a winner. Sails aren't triangles. Or Quadralaterals.
Or any other object from plane geometry.


Jumpin' Jiminy, let's see if get a bit more sophomoric! It was merely an
approximation meant to illustrate the thought that if you start with
sail that fits the mast/boat combination correctly, and comes close to
but does not touch the backstay when tacking/jybing, a sail with a
shorter luff that fits the rest of the criteria will have LESS area.

Cheers
Marty

Martin Baxter wrote:
Jumpin' Jiminy, let's see if get a bit more sophomoric!

OK, you go first


.... It was merely an
approximation meant to illustrate the thought that if you start with
sail that fits the mast/boat combination correctly, and comes close to
but does not touch the backstay when tacking/jybing, a sail with a
shorter luff that fits the rest of the criteria will have LESS area.


Less is more.

Ignorance is strength.

DSK