why does a ship sail?

Answer 1

Because it doesn't fit the rail road tracks very well.

Well there are two major reasons.

Floation: The ship displaces more weight (in water) than it has. So it does not sink..

Aerodynamics: Air pressure, produced by wind currents, is applied to the surface of the sail. This is a force with a direction and, as the force is transmitted via the sail and mast to the ship's structure, the vessel overcomes the inertia of the hull (caused by things such as water friction, opposing forces, etc..) and begins to move. Unless it is re-directed (as in via a rudder or change in position of the sail) the ship will continue to move in the same direction as the wind.

ta da...

hope that is what you were looking for..

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Answer 2

When a sailboat goes upwind (never directly into the wind, but at an angle), the sails work like the wings of an airplane, providing lift which "pulls" the boat through the water.

When the boat is going downwind, the wind pushes on the sails to make it go.

When sailing, the crew adjusts the sails to get the right combination of push and pull that will take it through the water as efficiently as possible.

Answer 3

Its a term used from the days where all cargo and passenger ships used wind sails as their means of propulsion. Nowadays ships use very large diesel engines. But the term still sticks that a ship is to set sail.
Check this for engine size
http://people.bath.ac.uk/ccsshb/12cyl/

Answer 4

Ships sail to move from where they are to where they are not.

The term "sail" means just that; regardless of the mode of propulsion.

Answer 5

Go to this link and scroll down, click the first video;
"How a sailboat is propelled".
http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/sailing-lessons.htm

Answer 6

WIND, high pressure on one side ,low pressure on the other boat moves. End of lesson

Answer 7

To get to the other side