The sail acts as an aerofoil so that when the boat is sailing close-hauled (close to the wind) the wind hits the leading-edge of the sail end on, the curve of the sail then deflects it and produces the force that has a component in line with the boat that drives it forward, with the keel stopping too much sideways movement.
Tack. The verb is to "tack." When you sail a sail boat - or a "sailing boat" in British English parlance - towards or "into" the wind, that action is called "tacking".
It is not possible to sail directly INTO the wind. Forty-five degrees is about as close as can be gained. Actually they did get the ships to sail into the wind. The above answer is wrong.
You cannot sail with the wind opposite you. If the wind is following you, that is, directly astern, then you sail 'gull winged'.
No matter how hard you, as a sailor, wish the wind to blow, it is uncontrollable.
A weather eye to your sail(s) and a light touch to the tiller (or wheel as the case may be).
To sail against the wind, a boat has to 'tack'. This means that instead of sailing straight into the wind (which would get you nowhere) you sail in a zig-zag in the direction you intend to go. On each tack, the wind is on a different side of the sail.
Allegedly, the lateen sail design made it possible to sail closer into the wind. That is, less than 45 degrees from the direction the wind is blowing. No sail boat can sail directly into the wind. Yet.
The lateen sail increased a sailor's ability to sail effectively into the wind, rather than decreasing dependence on the wind's force. By allowing for better maneuverability and efficiency in changing wind conditions, the lateen sail revolutionized sailing techniques and made it easier to sail against the wind.
A three sided sail is known as a Lateen sail or also a triangular sail. With a four sided sail one is only able to sail against the wind, but with a Lateen sail it is possible to sail more directly into the wind.
No sailing ship can sail directly into the wind. However by rigging the sails correctly the vessel can be made to sail more closely to the wind.
Wut made ships sail in the wind was that using a persicet sail or flag will pick up the wind and will push the air out and sail..just like u swinging on a swing 