As any sailor will tell you, sailboats cannot move without wind. It’s what powers their movement, maneuvers, and ultimately the sailor’s success. But?
The answer is simple: the sailboat stops. Without wind, there’s no way to move the sails, which in turn powers the boat’s movement. With no wind, the boat will be adrift, at the mercy of the currents and tides.
However, just because there’s no wind doesn’t mean a sailor’s adventure is over. A sailboat that’s found itself becalmed can still maneuver, albeit not very fast or efficiently.
One option is for sailors to use their motor to move the boat. However, the motor can be a bit of a last resort for sailors since it’s not their preferred method of travel. Most sailboats have small motors that are only used rarely when winds and currents aren’t cooperating.
Another option is to use oars to row the boat, possibly to shore or another location with better wind. However, this method can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort from the sailors.
Sailors can also try to catch any slight breeze by using their sails. While a sailboat needs a certain amount of wind to move efficiently, sometimes a gentle breeze can be enough to get it started in the right direction. Sailors can also drop anchor and wait for the wind to pick up.
Finally, sailors can adjust their sails or rigging to try to capture any light breezes that do arise. By angling the sails just right, sailors can catch and use whatever little bit of wind there is to move their boat, at least temporarily.
If there’s no wind, a sailboat can still maneuver, but not very well. Motor, oars, and adjusting the sails are viable options to move the sailboat to a more favorable location. While it might not be the most exciting voyage, becalming can be an excellent refresher, and a chance for the sailors to workshop new skills.