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Rudder
There was a time when sailboats did not have rudders and were turned by
sailtrim alone; but no self-respecting sailboat would be without one today.
The science of high performance hydro dynamics shows the importance of
rudder design and position to the handling properties imparted to a boat.
The main function of the rudder is obviously to control the direction a
boat moves. However, in a modern racing sailboat the rudder also helps
generate lift to weather while minimizing drag.
These days, rudders and keels are essentially wings that fly through the
water a lot like airplane wings fly through the air. The aerodynamic difference
between a rudder and an airplane wing is that airplane wings are horizontal
and only have to generate lift in one direction; up, so they are asymmetrical
foils. A rudder is vertical and has to generate lift in both directions
so it is a symmetrical foil.
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