Learn the Science in Sailing

Navigation – Learn how sailors figure out where they are and where they’re going. Students learn the principles of navigation and the tools and calculations used to find your way at sea.

Mechanics: Simple Machines – Learn how blocks and tackle move heavy loads easily by raising Adventure’s sails. Adventure’s mainsail alone is over 2700 square feet and weighs over 1200 lbs. By raising sail, students discover how blocks and tackle – simple machines – move heavy loads.

Physics – What is the science that makes Adventure sail? Interestingly, it is similar to an airplane. Students learn about how Bernoulli’s Principal “lifts” the boat and sends it on its way.

Knots – Ropes, called “lines” on board, are as important today to the sailor’s work as they were in 1926. Each knot has particular characteristics and purposes. Students learn those characteristics and experiment with different lines and knots to discover their uses on board.

Boat Design and Construction Learn how and why vessels float. Students use simple materials to build a boat and test their designs.