Sailing into the wind

[@indoorandoutdoorendurance3889]

How a vessel sails into the wind was finally explained to me, and I was amazed to see the cork boat actually go forward toward the straw!

[@miniwaern]

Was he also pleased by successfully writing a cringey paragraph talking about himself in 3'rd person too?

[@SylvEdu]

@@miniwaern "Me" and "I" are first person pronouns. Fuck off.

[@bizim_eller]

@@miniwaern wtf do you mean??

[@Pauly421]

@@KyZeNickX Probably talking about the video description, but still a completely asinine and mean spirited comment.

[@vega6003]

@@miniwaern wow what a jerk

[@PurgatoryPurgatory]

I'm a sailing teacher and I couldn't have explained it any better. I use the same airplane examples. In the future, I'll spice it up, though, by building some little models, too. Will be nice to watch for my young pupils! :)

[@CuriosityShow]

PurgatoryPurgatory Kind of you. Models help almost any explanation - especially with children. - Rob

[@KairuHakubi]

although it's important you note that the whole bernoulli's principle thing is misleading and largely misunderstood. the actual source of the movement is from the angle of incidence of the 'wing'

[@IWLDELJ]

Don't teach them this, it's incorrect. The only thing preventing square rigged sailing vessels from sailing into the wind was their rigging not allowing the yard arms to turn far enough to trim for sailing upwind. Viking long ships can sail pretty well into the wind, even with the rigging in the way, and modern square riggers that use free standing masts without standing rigging can sail pretty deep upwind. You can see videos of both of these things here on KZbin.

[@juliansky7989]

ur gay

[@bizim_eller]

@@IWLDELJ well, you had to get so very technical! More like nitpicking!

[@jimblack8027]

Well done. Five of the best minutes I've spent on KZbin.

[@CuriosityShow]

Thanks - appreciated - Rob

[@Westofal]

Thanks. I've been waiting 50 years for someone to explain that so I could understand it.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - lots more at kzbin.info - Rob

[@stivendog]

Me too!

[@davidfarmer2049]

Basically, me too.

[@klj2382]

Only 35 years for me, lol

[@sciencenate]

This guy knows how to be patient

[@clutchhardwire1382]

Ive worked on the water (Chesapeake bay, MD) my whole life and you explained that better then ive ever heard.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks. If you haven't already, why not subscribe at kzbin.info for hundreds more segments - Rob

[@TheHockerman]

I’ve literally never been on a boat, not sure why this was recommended to me, but I enjoyed every second of it

[@jmc2179]

I remember watching the Curiosity Show back in the 80s in German TV as a kid. I just realized how positively ambitious it was, in terms of introducing young people to science with a playful approach. And still is! After some decades it still amazes people. Many grown ups too, it seems.

[@japdog9]

hi did they translate it . im amazed it went global , thought it was only played in australia

[@jmc2179]

@@japdog9 Yes, it has been translated. If you are curios (hehe): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmmkp3x5qdCca5o. Knowing it came from Australia was part of the fascination as a kid. Just like the fact that Rob and Deane treated kids as equal humans, not to-be-educated kids.

[@japdog9]

@@jmc2179 they were the best , thanks i will check it out , just for fun................... they did a good job but Rob and Deane were very enthusiastic in there delivery.best in australian english . please no offence just my opinion.

[@jmc2179]

@@japdog9 None taken at all. I do agree and as an adult, I prefer the original language too. But without dubbing, 99% of German kids wouldnt have understood the show at all. Which would be quite a pity.

[@japdog9]

@@jmc2179 in the end its all about the experiments and we all could do the same experiments after the show . i thank them . have a good day

[@m.l.b.-j.u.504]

When I'm scrolling endlessly this is the the content I'm looking for

[@sweetsour6783]

Thank you for this video. I finally understand this topic now. I've always been interested in the age of sail and even though I read explanations of how tacking worked, I never understood it. Now I finally do. And you accomplished that in 5 minutes. Excellent work.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - keep subscribed at kzbin.info for new segments each week - Rob

[@L1VE3V1L]

Man…. This show blows my mind. There needs to be more of these today.

[@mywifesboyfriend5558]

True. We had it made in the 80's. There's nothing that really teaches kids anything today. It's all about buying stuff and gross humor.

[@TalkingHands308]

Nobody would watch it, everyone would rather watch some show about who is sleeping with who...

[@009Narutouzumaki]

Even after so many years these demonstrations are so clear and concise when compared to majority of youtube! Just love it!

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - please spread the word - Rob

[@robtown]

Every day is a school day! Always wondered how vessels travelled into the wind, great video.

[@joe3276865536]

super clear explanation

[@CuriosityShow]

Thanks, kind of you - Rob

[@michaelmaloney1109]

@@CuriosityShow wow so. Rob were u in this show?

[@gratler]

it always amazes me when people were able to figure stuff like this out hundreds of years ago. to me this is much more impressive and ingenious than a motor moving a ship. *edit* thanks for all the likes :) i never got so many on a video. feels good :)

[@michaelcohen9363]

an engine is far more ingenious of an invention than realizing how wind works against a sail....

[@gratler]

@@michaelcohen9363 well you got a point. I guess when you think objectively thats true. and also when you take the perspective of those people creating original sailboats. to them an engine is something engenious even almost magical. but from our perspective an engine is something "normal" of daily use and me specifically I find it super neat to be able to sail into the wind without any non renewable ressource like petrol or Diesel. its a weird trick my mind plays on me i guess :) having said all that I'm also fascinated with engines. the fact that there is a device that can tansform this liquid petrol i put into my tank into energy to propel me forward is crazy. I'm much more fascinated with combustion engines than with electrical ones. all those fine mechanics are truly amazing.

[@johntucker2826]

actually people figured this out thousands of years ago .... many different people in different locations all over the world .....

[@johntucker2826]

before computers came along people interacted with the real world and they figured things out for themselves.....

[@mil-fpv4931]

Well if you do more than read the bible or quran miracles can happen, and something useful might come up. And you prpably meant thousands of years ago. Maybe even tens of thousands.

[@brionbee]

Just answered a decades old question thats been rattling around in my head. Thanks!

[@jackconnolly2665]

Simple genius. The piece of paper tells most of the story for me. I have no idea why this came onto my YT feed but I am glad it did. I feel smarter :) Peace

[@davidkglevi]

This most be one of the brilliant shows ever. I'm very envious of anyone who grew up with this.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks, appreciated - Rob

[@CuriosityShow]

My pleasure, Rob

[@osaka_a]

My pleasure, CuriosityShow.

[@Ojja78]

I've been wondering about this for ages. Glad to finally have an answer. This show is amazing.

[@frankmachin5438]

What a great show the “Curiosity Show” was - growing up in Australia in the 70’s this show introduced science to Australian kids in a way that was interesting and fun. Me and my brothers always still remember Rob and Deane and the catchy theme song 😀

[@celoceanicon]

This guy is a very talented communicator. He explained that brilliantly.

[@Watthead80]

As a kid growing up in the US during the 80s and 90s, we didn't have Curiosity Show, but we did have have Mr Wizard. As a 41 y/o I still find great pleasure and enjoyment watching both shows. We need for children's programming like this.

[@santoshnadar]

I always wondered about this question in my mind, finally at 34yrs I got the answer.. Thank you!!

[@farnirs88]

This is so interesting! I did not know this before. I like this channel, because information presented is direct and straight to the point with practical examples.

[@garyp4374]

Blown Away by your simple explanation

[@gregorysmith5627]

I grew up on a harbor, where sailing was part of life. I never realized it was confusing to so many folks. Also thanks for the many memories this brought back.

[@snortymcsnortface]

Was literally sitting in a cafe watching a yatch sailing againgst the wind. Then i searched and found this video. The intetnet is a wonferful thing

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks. Lots more at kzbin.info where you can subscribe for new stuff each week - Rob

[@midiathesimos]

Thank you! You explained it so clearly. What a charming programme! 😀

[@CuriosityShow]

Thanks. Curiosity Show was a national science program for children featuring Dr Rob Morrison and Dr Deane Hutton. It was made in Adelaide, South Australia and screened nationally in Australia as well as in Europe, Asia and Australasia (14 countries) from 1972-1990. Deane and Rob intentionally used everyday items around the house (like old cans) so that children could repeat the demonstrations with materials they had to hand. In 1984 Curiosity Show won the Prix Jeunesse International, the world's top award for children's TV programs. Rob and Deane are steadily uploading segments at kzbin.info Why not subscribe?

[@midiathesimos]

I appreciate the non-patronising, non-glitzy approach to the education of young folk... the antithesis of Sesame Street. Oh, I'd already subscribed and am enjoying watching these exceptional programmes.

[@lloydmitchell4208]

An excellent demonstration which makes the apparent paradox very clear. But it should be pointed out that square riggers can sail partially into the wind, although not as close to it as a fore and aft rig. To do it, the yard arms were hauled hard to one side or the other, so that the sails were sharply angled to the wind coming more or less from the front. The wind blowing along the front of the sail 'pulls' the sail and thus the ship forward as before. However tacking one of the giant square riggers was an exhausting process as you can imagine!

[@CuriosityShow]

Yes, but try doing all of that as well in 4 minutes - Rob

[@lloydmitchell4208]

@@CuriosityShow I know! Given how long it took in real life, you'd need an hour's slot. I wasn't complaining about your very clear demonstration, just adding to the conversation. :-)

[@nmarbletoe8210]

@@lloydmitchell4208 Yeah that ability to tack into the wind, even a small amount with great effort, was a life saver for the square riggers.

[@bugler75]

Something I be wondered for nearly 50 years has been explained to me! Thanks👍🏼

[@SirArgoros]

How I love the cheer in the 'Curiosity!' at the end. And it's on point too. Such a good explanation.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - lots more at kzbin.info with new stuff each week for subscribers - Rob

[@Jeff-kz5kl]

I'm so happy I came across this channel. It's explained so many things that I've always wondered in ways that are easy to understand!

[@klj2382]

36 years old and now I finally know. That was a great demo and explanation

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks, lots more at kzbin.info - why not subscribe? - Rob

[@1978sjt]

and as a side note, the video was probably made around the time you were born :p

[@davidfarmer2049]

im early 20 years older,

[@vjm3]

Genuine thank you for explaining it like this. I always just assumed the -pirates- boat crew adjusted the sails so they'd catch the wind behind them and go that way, but I never imagined the sail itself forms a plane-like wing uses positive/negative pressure to propel it forward. It must've taken a super creative/smart person to figure that out.

[@Flagyouraccount]

This show is freaking awesome! Definitely gonna do these things with my kids!

[@spartan53096]

my left ear loved that video

[@iamextremest]

Wow. That was an amazing explanation of an excellent question I have never thought of to know. Thank you sir!

[@CuriosityShow]

Glad it was helpful - Rob

[@theancientsam]

This is the type of thing KZbin should be used for

[@UnknownSquid]

Some friends and I went sailing in virtual reality a little while back. They were all under the impression that it was impossible to ever sail into the wind and that you sort of "just had to wait to go the other way". I'm no sailor but knew otherwise, and so had to figure out/teach them how tacking works, based only on my understanding that it was possible and very vague grasp of the physics. Once we got it figured out, we had quite a nice time exploring around the islands. This video improved my understanding just a little, so I might go back and have another try, to see if I can get the boat moving faster.

[@magimight859]

What game were you sailing in?

[@f19ash]

@@magimight859 Valheim (on PC) has some great sailing mechanics once you unlock the Viking ships.

[@jarrodwidiger5472]

I just started sailing a couple years ago with a very small lightweight boat but what really surprised me was the ability of a boat to actually sail faster than the wind and oddly across or even slightly into the wind. It has really triggered what I think is going to be a life long obsession.

[@JordanTracy93]

I love the physics of sailing as well! What I've heard about sailing faster than the wind is this; if the wind is blowing at 3 knots and the boat picks up speed, then the wind is now blowing at 5 knots, and so on. The only limiting factor is the drag of the boat and the sails.

[@jarrodwidiger5472]

@@JordanTracy93 that's exactly right, it's a vectored quantity of relative wind.

[@armoryindustrial7884]

This was a truly great show. Thank you for uploading.

[@melissarice]

Fantastic video! Really great explanation of tacking, how different sails work, and Bernoulli's principle with the curved paper. Thanks!

[@CuriosityShow]

My pleasure. Lots more at kzbin.info Please spread the word - Rob

[@thebromiester]

I've watched a few videos and this is the only one that got the point across

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

For a long time people thought Viking longships couldn’t sail into the wind because of square sails set perpendicular to the keel. Just as described here. BUT it turns out that they used long rectangular sails that could be fixed to the sides of the ship by ropes at very high angles close to in line with the keel and thus could sail into the wind. We modern people had assumed they were dumb and primitive but they were quite adept at sailing any direction.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

cool

[@TheDarkzHD]

As a sailor, this was an absolute joy to watch :)

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - Rob

[@fragiquerence]

very good explanation! Those little models making it even better! Very clear and simple! Thank you!

[@CuriosityShow]

A great pleasure - please spread the word - Rob

[@Fwobbed]

My god, this has literally blown my mind. For so many years I have not understand how boats sail into wind. I always assumed it was something to do with air circulating within the curves of the sale, but it's completely the opposite. It's how the wind hits the outside of the bend that causes it to turn and then the centre board does the rest. Incredible

[@fpsdovah2572]

I’ve learned more from this channel than any school textbooks.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks, please spread the word - Rob

[@Mark01962]

These guys tought me to love science when I ws 10 and just taught me something new when I was in my late 50s.

[@danalaniz7314]

Awesome. Thank you. I knew this happens but I never understood the dynamics. I am very familiar with aircraft wing dynamics but never knew how the physics were connected. Thank you so much!

[@JamieBainbridge]

This was great. I've always wondered how ships sailed against the wind. I remember watching this show as a kid but I could never remember the name, just the question mark logo. It's fantastic to see these recordings published so they aren't lost. Thank you so much.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks , lots more at kzbin.info - why not subscribe if you haven't already? - Rob

[@Coastfog]

Curiosity Show aged like the finest of wines, loved it as a kid, still love it.

[@katawatenshu]

The paper demo to explain aerofoil is pretty great and also eye opening

[@docstockandbarrel]

So simple, and yet-mind blown.

[@trace229]

Thanks for this video. you teaching me the right way how the sail works. I make one sailboat in my home so it works very well.

[@CuriosityShow]

My pleasure; lots more on kzbin.info - Rob

[@tmass1]

what perfect explanation and demonstration

[@quickattackfilms7923]

That’s so crazy. Always wondered how they did that. Figured they just stopped until the winds went the right way lol

[@CourtNewsUK]

Absolutely brilliant - have never understood this before. We used to have a show like this in the UK called 'How' before everything dumbed down and children were patronised rather than taught.

[@OnEwHoRiDesLinEs]

This is pretty dumbed down 😅 are you sure you weren’t patronised too?

[@sl3ndermmo]

Excellent demonstration, good show ol boy

[@mattt8889]

Great explanation and visuals! Thanks

[@TheTibetyak]

I live on a lake and have watched windsurfers for years now. They cross back and forth across the same section regardless of wind direction and it always amazes me.

[@lcash365]

I've been wondering about this for decades!

[@helderfaria7689]

Amazing vídeo. Greetings from Portugal. 🇵🇹

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - give it a go yourself, and subscribe to kzbin.info for more each week - Rob

[@francescobaruffi999]

Fascinating video. Curiosity would be a great name for a boat, too.

[@Kyee71]

Just outstanding, I didn't know any of this information, I would love to learn how to sail, brilliant, thank you.

[@CuriosityShow]

It is a wonderful pastime - you can start with a small one-person boat and have heaps of fun - Rob

[@alitlweird]

Shtuff like this is what is what makes the KZbin’s so awesome.

[@funnelvortex7722]

It’s kind of a misconception square riggers couldn’t sail into the wind. They certainly could, when the sails were turned to the side they would act just like fore and aft rigging, the main limitation to square riggers when it comes to upwind performance was the fact the degrees the square sails could be angled were often limited by the rigging itself, and tacking was difficult and required precise coordination by the crew. Most square riggers could sail 70 degrees into the wind, which is terrible windward performance compared to fore and aft rigging, but they could still sail upwind if they absolutely needed to.

[@mbrusyda9437]

I mean, yeah, even the model has square sails...

[@nmarbletoe8210]

yes, if I recall, historical accounts often tell of tacking into the wind to either make short distances, or sometimes to avoid being blown into reefs and such

[@oVoidhawko]

@@nmarbletoe8210 tacking into the wind allowed a navigator options. The progress would be slower compared to riding the winds, but it also meant risky anchorages for layover could be avoided, and it made planning the needed supplies for a voyage more predictable. Plus the crew is much less likely to mutiny if it was assured of even slow, controlled progress to a friendly port. A starving crew is an unhappy crew, after all

[@nmarbletoe8210]

@@oVoidhawko yes! it was very important! now, it is true that the modern sail plan is better at tacking than anything else in history, except maybe the proa. i'm not really a sailor i just hang out in the harbor a lot

[@oVoidhawko]

@@nmarbletoe8210 haha, I trust that means you can at least swim, right? :p On that tack, I think we can at least agree those old maritime lads were straight up ballers.

[@DEVUNK88]

my God......finally this has always been a tiny nagging question in the back of my mind that only pops up when I see a sailing ship, and wonder how they get around when the wind was blowing the wrong way.....I usually forget about it and never really cared enough to seek an answer.....I never thought a crazy little show from NZ would give me the answer! these guys were brilliant

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks, but the crazy little show was from Australia, South Australia to be exact, and it wasn't so little, being broadcast in 14 countries and winning the world's top award for TV for young people as well as many Australian awards. We did fim in NZ, though. - Rob

[@DEVUNK88]

@@CuriosityShow oh well very good to know. I wish I grew up with this in the united states instead of Barney and other stupid shit. we did have Bob Ross and bill nye

[@bunberrier]

I suspect this fellow has passed on by now but I wish he knew he just gave me some new knowledge I really enjoy. So thanks to the YT channel at least. Very cool.

[@CuriosityShow]

Thanks, I haven't passed on at all - Deane and I manage this channel - Rob

[@bunberrier]

@@CuriosityShow LOL Im sorry

[@bunberrier]

@@CuriosityShow Glad youre still with us

[@catmando1786]

The low pressure lifts the wing from the top. No high pressure lifts the wing from the bottom.

[@iamthem.a.n.middleagednerd1053]

God Damn, that took me back to 6th grade science class where we learned all about air pressure. Good stuff, Sir.

[@natearchuleta2003]

These are awesome clips

[@muskokamike127]

I always knew how to sail into the wind, never knew why...great explanation!

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - lots more at kzbin.info - please spread the word and subscribe if you haven't - Rob

[@muskokamike127]

@@CuriosityShow I loved shows like this when I was a kid (still do) because you present the information in an easy to understand way using common terms not a load of technical jargon. I have taught many people how to use power tools, woodworking, finishing, and I never made it complex. Keep it simple stupid (KISS). Last summer a 25 year old came to me and said I should be a teacher because I explained things so well. I learned from shows like yours!

[@karthikj8969]

Wow.. the best video I seen on sail physics.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks. Lots more at kzbin.info - Rob

[@AshLilburne]

This is nuts. I remember watching this episode

[@frankie3904]

What a great video. Thanks for the detailed demonstration

[@CuriosityShow]

My pleasure. Lots more at kzbin.info - Rob

[@ryanthescion]

This was bothering me for about a week thank you for the explanation

[@pangea6090]

Heck yeah!! Kid friendly and accurate and....it WORKS!! Been trying to demo this in my kitchen, and The Curiosity Show got me that last little ooch.

[@stephenreid7043]

Great video Rob! Good explanation of this process.

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - have a go at it yourself - Rob

[@civildissension]

Wow. I has no idea that sails could propel a ship toward the wind. Thanks a million

[@CuriosityShow]

No problem. Lots more segments like this at kzbin.info - Rob

[@trevorh6438]

Only to a certain extent. It is impossible for a ship to sail directly head-on to the wind. That would be what's known as "In Irons," and the ship would come to a dead stop after inertia. You always have to sail across the wind, hence the zig-zagging, but how close against the true wind, how sharp an angle towards the wind, is your tack.

[@johnmainwaring6556]

Wow I learnt more there in 5 minutes about sailing than I have in the last 50 odd years.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

We can only imagine how revolutionary this invention was at the time: The ability to sail INTO the wind successfully.

[@CuriosityShow]

Thanks. Curiosity Show was a national science program for children featuring Dr Rob Morrison and Dr Deane Hutton. It was made in Adelaide, South Australia and screened nationally in Australia as well as in Europe, Asia and Australasia (14 countries) from 1972-1990. Deane and Rob intentionally used everyday items around the house (like old cans) so that children could repeat the demonstrations with materials they had to hand. In 1984 Curiosity Show won the Prix Jeunesse International, the world's top award for children's TV programs. Rob and Deane are steadily uploading segments at kzbin.info Why not subscribe?

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I may just do that. Thanks for the education!

[@TheClassyArchitect]

That’s fantastic. I learned something today.

[@roberthagedorn290]

Very enjoyable presentation--now I understand. Thank you.

[@CuriosityShow]

My pleasure. lots more at kzbin.info - Rob

[@LeCharles07]

What he doesn't say is, since you are effectively increasing the speed of the wind over the sails as you start to move into the wind faster and faster, it can* actually be faster than sailing with the wind.

[@wadball]

Omg this is truly what I've wanted to know for years

[@qwqwqwqw99]

That part around 3:13 really made it click in my brain. Very cool.

[@melodyreitsma9245]

Thanks for this wonderful video, it answered my question perfectly!

[@CuriosityShow]

+Melody Reitsma My pleasure. Here in Adelaide, South Australia, we have recently saved the wonderful City of Adelaide, the oldest and most complete clipper ship in the world, which is moored at Port Adelaide. These sailing ships are fabulous, and the seamanship required to handle a square-rigger must have been astounding - not many can do it now.- Rob

[@melodyreitsma9245]

+CuriosityShow I dream of going to Australia one day :)

[@CuriosityShow]

+Melody Reitsma And you will be most welcome - lots to see and do - Rob

[@richardmcgrath7959]

As far as I know an airfoil functions according to the Bernoulli equation. An increase in velocity results in decreased pressure. With a sail the velocity on both sides of the sail are the same, but there is a change in direction causing a force.

[@bramakechu5483]

Marvelous explanation! This was extremeley helpful.

[@CuriosityShow]

+Bramake Chu No problem; thanks for the kind comment - Rob

[@garygrinkevich6971]

very succinctly presented information.

[@themoshpit8341]

The air pressure demonstration he gave is known as Bernoulli's principle and basically dictates that the higher the speed of the fluid, the less pressure it has! This principle is easy to see when carrying an umbrella on a windy day: some umbrellas will fold upwards!

[@jamesdesantis9420]

I always wondered how that works - great demonstration!

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - lots more at kzbin.info with new stuff each week for subscribers - Rob

[@HaloBalla]

My left ear enjoyed this, my right ear missed out.

[@jpaxonreyes]

You're lucky. I only had the right one in, as I am wont to do, and didn't learn a thing!

[@StefanReich]

Turn the headphones around and watch again

[@timdickson5531]

The left hemisphere of your brain is more receptive to maritime engineering knowledge than the right hemisphere. The Curiosity Show knew this.

[@Sparrow420]

Am I the only one that knows how to make the sound mono? But always forget to set it back, hehe.

[@DiscoFang]

That's how you travel into the sound.

[@karney6583]

Mind blowing. Seriously amazing

[@CuriosityShow]

Many thanks - Rob

[@morgierwin6641]

This is the inspiration for Tim and Eric.

[@DRawwrrr]

I used to think that the fastest a sailboat could go was the speed of the wind, but some boats can sail several times faster than the wind itself!

[@Inuweeb]

Wow. I spent 2 weeks on a yacht when I was 12, and none of this stuff ever crossed my mind. The zigzagging left and right makes a lot more sense now.

[@devintompkins9626]

Never knew this but learned something about sails today 😆

[@mortadablo]

I wish we never moved away from sailing. So much cooler than mechanical.