• ElectricAirship@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 year ago

    We don’t always do the most practical thing though.

    For instance lateen sails are not the best sail design but is used by every sail manufacturer currently.

    • snooggums@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      Best depends on many factors beyond things like efficiency, weight, or durability. Lateen sails are easy to implement with a single mast, are easy to store and maintain, and everyone that has sailed has experience with them. Other sails might do a better job of catching the wind, but with tradeoffs on maintenance and usability.

      Practicality is often complex and leans towards easier maintenance and established knowledge.