A study on the resultant speed of a laser sailboat under various wind conditions

Abstract

The resultant speed and velocity are investigated when wind forces are applied onto a sail from a Laser Standard sailing boat under low wind conditions.  This study also investigates the optimum sail angle (to the true wind) required for
a certain course of sailing. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling is done for the Laser Standard dinghy with one sail geometry and mast configuration. After verification of the modeling process, the resultant force, which stresses the Laser
sail, is calculated for different angles of wind attack. Finally the resultant speed of the Laser Standard sailboat is calculated. The results obtained from the FEA are optimized and analyzed to identify possible improvements that could be made to
the sailing process to enhance speed and accuracy.