Sail Performance: Techniques to Maximize Sail Power [Hardcover]

C. A. Marchaj (Author), Czeslaw A. Marchaj (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1996

This volume replaces Marchaj's classic Sailing Theory and Pactice, published 25 years ago, and offers new information on, rig design, sail construction and trim, wind-sail interaction, and the structure of the wind. The performance of any sailing craft depends largely on the power of the available sail--how the rig uses the wind and turns it into a useful driving force. But sail forces are determined by a multitude of factors, including wind speed, sail area and shape, and steadiness of the wind, among others. From wind-tunnel tests that he has conducted, Marchaj describes how these factors affect sail power and why certain rigs are superior in power and efficiency--concluding that the Bermuda, or marconi, rig is by no means the best available. This major work is an accessible, nonmathematical treatment of the subject and marks a turning point in modern thinking in the arena.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a nice addition tothe Marchaj collection." -- Ocean Navigator

Product Details

• Hardcover: 401 pages
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070402507
• ISBN-13: 978-0070402508
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #673,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-class overview of the physics of sailing, June 29, 2000

By 

"forkbomb" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sail Performance: Techniques to Maximize Sail Power (Hardcover)

This is the first book of Marchaj's I have read, at the advice of the Amateur Yacht Research Society. It is an excellent survey of the physics of sail power, focusing primarily on sail issues. It is a fascinating read for any sailor who cares about the performance of their vessel or is curious about an explanation of sail physics beyond the five-minute airfoil explanation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me trim my sails for best performance, May 18, 2002

By 

Arthur F. Lange (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sail Performance: Techniques to Maximize Sail Power (Hardcover)

I found this book a great help in sorting out the relative importance of sail fullness, trim angle, mainsheet tension, luff tension and vang tension. The result for me is faster sailing and better finishing positions.

Winning a sailboat race starts with proper sail trim. Marchaj describes in great detail sail aerodynamic throry with illustrative wind tunnel measurements and clear diagrams that allow me to understand the basic concepts. This understanding allows me to focus on the important aspects of sail trim during a race so I can continuously maximize my boat speed.

He explains how to use wool streamers to show what the flow is on the lee side of the sail. The use of wool streamers allows me to rapidly trim the sail to an optimum point.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very technical and advanced, September 1, 2008

By 

Axel Fisser (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sail Performance: Techniques to Maximize Sail Power (Hardcover)

Tony Marchaj's book "Sail Performance" is a very detailed and technical book on aero and hydro dynamics and other aspects that make a sail boat go fast. A little overkill for my taste, but if you put the time and effort in, you will get a lot out of this book. Some of the diagrams a very helpful and one of the best I have come across. The writing is straight forward and logical. This is a book you will keep forever in your collection due to the depth of knowledge presented. Another book to consider is "High Performance Sailing" and off course "Maximum Sail Power".