The Evolution and Science of Sailing
Sailing craft have evolved over millennia from prehistoric rafts to modern
yachts. What were the key innovations that made sailboats more efficient--why
were Age of Sail brigs (a modern brig is pictured above) better ships than the
Ancient Greek triremes, or the caravels that Columbus made famous? Why did fore-
and-aft sails replace the older square-riggers, such as the brig? How do boats
and ships that are powered by sail travel against the wind?
Float Your Boat! (2009) is published by Johns Hopkins University Press.