Wind Range

Basically the same principle applies to any size of sail; the stronger the wind, the flatter the profile.

This sees the maximum profile depth moving further and further in the direction of the leading edge (luff). Within these parameters the sail designer can find the best configuration of the shape.The characteristic of a sail depends to a large extent on how the sail profile changes across the full length.

A very flat sail in the lower luff area will sail ”more keenly“; i.e. it will be able to sail higher on the wind and slightly faster, however it will require an experienced trimmer and a cool hand at the helm. On the other hand, a more bulging sail in the bottom area sails slightly more softly, because the range of the optimum trim is wider.