Draft (sail)
In nautical parlance, the draft or draught of a sail is a degree 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.
![](../I/m/Draft_position_on_sail_forces.png)
Influence of mainsail draft position on forward and side force
The word "belly" is also used in reference to the draft of a sail (i.e. "More belly in the main sail.").
See also
References
- Barrie Smith; Jeremy Evans; Pat Manley (5 August 2013). The Sailing Bible: The Complete Guide for All Sailors from Novice to Experienced Skipper. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 83–. ISBN 978-1-4729-0157-6.
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