Sailing aerodynamics books for technical experts

[DanielI]

My professional expertise is fluid dynamics, and I’ve done course work in aircraft design and control, but I’ve never studied sailboats. Is anyone aware of books about sailboats written at that level?

Thanks.

[dfelsent]

Start with the books by C. A. Marchaj In particular “the aero hydrodynamics of sailing”. That is a good 700 page survey of the topic.
There was a series of symposia as well, The Ancient Interface
AIAA Symposium on the Aero/Hydronautics on Sailing
There are others as well.
These are older works, but I am certain there has been ongoing work.
These works will be cited as references.

[TrentePieds]

I second post #2. Aerohydrodynamis is indeed the bible. Anyone with a background in aircraft design will breeze right through it. Others might find it a bit, uhm.. "heavier than air" :-)

TrentePieds

[GordMay]

Many years ago, I found ‘Sail Power’ to be pretty comprehensive:
“Sail Power: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAILS AND SAIL HANDLING” ~ by Wallace Ross & Carl Chapman
➥ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/sail-p...&idiq=28273261

[tamicatana]

Marchaj: AEROHYDRODYNAMICS OF SAILING; SAILING THEORY AND PRACTICE; SEAWORTHINESS THE FORGOTTEN FACTOR; SAIL PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES TO MAXIMIZE POWER

Bethwaite: High Performance Sailing; Higher Performance Sailing; Fast Handling Technique

Coanda:

Stuart Walker:

Paul Elvstrom:

[pjShap]

Since your background is fluid mechanics, I can recommend Marine Hydrodynamics, by MIT Professor Nick Newman, https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Hydrod...dp/0262534827/. It's been a long time since I took his courses, but he was a great teacher and his writing benefits from his deep understanding. He is also an excellent sailor, and developed one of the first velocity-prediction based rating rules for racing.

[JimsCAL]

The professional society that includes engineers and naval architects involved in yacht design is the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). Lots of technical papers on yacht design including an annual symposium. You do need to be a member to get access to much of the technical content.
https://communities.sname.org/chesap...osiumcsys/home

[Snore]

Originally Posted by DanielI

My professional expertise is fluid dynamics, and I’ve done course work in aircraft design and control, but I’ve never studied sailboats. Is anyone aware of books about sailboats written at that level?

Thanks.

My favorite is Arvel Gentry, he had a similar background as yours. His work is now available for FREE at Gentry Sailing | Theory and Practice

[Manateeman]

Plus one for Dr. Newman and Sail Power. I learned my practical fluid mechanics at a lab behind MIT from a man who designed fighter aircraft. Sailing vessels are NOT aircraft. I’d read a lot on Boatdesign.net and ask questions there.
Happy trails to you.
Captain Mark and his manatee crew who sail so slowly they leave the anchor light on when underway.

[thinwater]

Bethwaite (High Performance Sailing; Higher Performance Sailing; Fast Handling Technique) is a good look at how theory and the dynamic nature of sailing intersect. Understanding flow is all well and good, but understanding how to apply this in a bouncy, gusty environment is another thing.

[DanielI]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded! Now I just need to find how to budget both enough money and time to go through all these great suggestions.

[Dave_S]

Thread hi-jack.

To back up a little, what reading would you recommend a couple of steps less technical. Not about setting sails as such but more about flow over a foil particularly sails in combination i.e. jib with main.

[Yellowtulip]

The Symmetry of Sailing, by Ross Garrett.

[Hoodsail]

Originally Posted by Dave_S

Thread hi-jack.

To back up a little, what reading would you recommend a couple of steps less technical. Not about setting sails as such but more about flow over a foil particularly sails in combination i.e. jib with main.

Dave, would recommend "The Art & Science of Sails" by Tom Whidden (pres of North Sails) & Michael Levitt (journalist). Copyright is from 30yrs ago, but worth reading if nothing else, just for the history of Lowell North (scientist) & Ted Hood (artist). thnks

[psk125]

Seconding Hoodsail's suggestion. The physics haven't changed, and the explanations Whidden gives are clear and easily understood.