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The Return of Sail Power: Cargo Ships Are Turning Back to the Wind

193 points · 136 comments · gumby

  1. 3eb7988a1663 · · focus · HN ↗
    If anyone else was confused why those pictures were of giant tubes and not canvas sails, you are not alone. Apparently those are some version of "Suction Sails". The vendor's website has a graphic that explains it, though it was fighting my ability to scroll.

    <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;bound4blue.com&#x2F;esail&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;bound4blue.com&#x2F;esail&#x2F;

    1. dylan604 · · focus · HN ↗
      The rending of the Maersk ship really strains the concept. If the containers are stacked that high, would it not block the wind going to the solitary sail?
      1. maxerickson · · focus · HN ↗
        The force is perpendicular to the sail.

        <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Flettner_rotor" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Flettner_rotor

        1. scamdrill · · focus · HN ↗
          Same principal that causes a soccer ball to bend. The magnus effect.
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