Physics of Windsurfing

Using 3D software (Blender) this video will explain the physics behind windsurfing. This will cover the following: 1. The force of the wind on the sail 2. Why the board doesn’t get blown downwind 3. How you are able to sail faster than the wind 4. Does the shape of the sail provide lift 5. How to steer the board NOTE on Lift discussion: There is a point of confusion in the discussion of LIFT (5:30-6:30). Just to clarify the point in the video where I indicate that the curve of the sail does not “lift“ the board upwind it is using the term lift in the laymen’s sense and to indicate that the board is not magically pulled upwind. The NASA simulator clearly indicates that the lift, although negative, is THE force acting on the sail and is therefore ultimately responsible for the driving force on the board, a force which can and does take it upwind. This video focuses on the Newtonian theory of lift. For a brief discussion of theories of lift see: Hig