Draft (sail)

In nautical parlance, the draft or draught of a sail refers to the amount and shape of curvature in a horizontal cross-section.

[1] Any sail experiences a force from the prevailing wind just because it impedes the air's passage.

A sail with draft also functions as an airfoil when set at an angle slightly greater than the angle of the wind, producing lift which then propels the vessel.

[1] The word "belly" is also used in reference to the draft of a sail (i.e. "More belly in the main sail.").

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Influence of mainsail draft position on forward and side force