Sailing against the wind: Rare you have it wrong!

  • Johhn0
    Master
    Insider

    Hi all, so since day one we have probably all been angling our sails logically when travelling against the wind, that is, ensuring they are all the way left or right to you know... reduce drag.

    I have always suspected it was a waste of time, but last night a friendly crew helped me get conclusive evidence for science.

    Not only does angling your sails back do nothing to help drag, you actually go FASTER if you keep your sails fully forward.. which goes against basic aerodynamics and principles of sailing.

    See for your self!

    *It is my strong opinion that this will carry on to any situation where you are AGAINST the wind and your sails CANNOT "pick up" the wind, ie make the wooof sound, I dunno how you call it.

    @Rare-Employee I suggest you address this , it's dumb.

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  • IamWilliamB
    Commander
    Insider

    @gianni001 I love it!

  • Captain Arcanic
    Master
    Insider

    I for one think they should go full realism here and make you HAVE TO TACK to go anywhere against the wind. This would mean we have to strategize our voyage and pick the best islands based on the current wind. It would also make battles better, giving the ship with the wind advantage a real leg up in a fight.

  • AllAmerican 440

    As someone who has sailed irl, I believe the average human being lacks the intelligence to understand the physics and logic behind tacking, and the motivation to learn how to do it in game.

    As it is, the magical sail physics in game are easy enough that 10 year olds can play this game. Changing this would only reduce player base to the most hardcore players.

  • MattyDove74
    Marauder

    Rare are pretty much the laziest. It's been this way for awhile, they don't care.

  • Seeker Of Peace
    Master
    Founder

    @gianni001 Thank you for doing this experiment
    it will help me outmaneuver many galleons

  • MortarChelle
    Master
    Insider

    @gianni001 said in Sailing against the wind: Rare you have it wrong!:

    Hi all, so since day one we have probably all been angling our sails logically when travelling against the wind, that is, ensuring they are all the way left or right to you know... reduce drag.

    I have always suspected it was a waste of time, but last night a friendly crew helped me get conclusive evidence for science.

    Not only does angling your sails back do nothing to help drag, you actually go FASTER if you keep your sails fully forward.. which goes against basic aerodynamics and principles of sailing.

    See for your self!

    *It is my strong opinion that this will carry on to any situation where you are AGAINST the wind and your sails CANNOT "pick up" the wind, ie make the wooof sound, I dunno how you call it.

    @Rare-Employee I suggest you address this , it's dumb.

    I heard recently that this was an intended feature for people who are new to the game and don't understand sail economy. I don't even remember where I heard this so don't take it as fact lol Just thought I'd share :) Great experiment!

  • Gloog
    Master
    Founder

    @captain-arcanic said in Sailing against the wind: Rare you have it wrong!:

    I for one think they should go full realism here and make you HAVE TO TACK to go anywhere against the wind. This would mean we have to strategize our voyage and pick the best islands based on the current wind. It would also make battles better, giving the ship with the wind advantage a real leg up in a fight.

    Way too much tedium over the course of 100+ hours.

    I do wholeheartedly agree that the sails being fully against the wind should have a bigger effect vs off to the sides.

  • Lady AllRin
    Commander
    Insider
    Founder

    Whoa, that's definitely news to me! Dang, great experimenting there, thanks for sharing. It true that it doesn't make much sense, so thanks for the heads up.

  • Captain Arcanic
    Master
    Insider

    @gloog said in Sailing against the wind: Rare you have it wrong!:

    Way too much tedium over the course of 100+ hours.

    Tedium yes, but brain stimulating, authentic, immersive tedium! And if it gets TOO tedius, Rare can introduce the horn of Poseidon, that when blown turns the wind in a new direction!

  • Captain Arcanic
    Master
    Insider

    This experiment was born out last night in my own voyaging. So wrong, but so right.

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