Why did old ships have so many sails?

Larger sails necessitated hiring, and paying, a larger crew. Additionally, the great size of some late-19th and 20th century vessels meant that their correspondingly large sails would have been impossible to handle had they not been divided.

Why did the ships sails appear before the hull?

Initially sails provided supplementary power to ships with oars, because the sails were not designed to sail to windward. Later during this period—in the late 15th century—”ship-rigged” vessels with multiple square sails on each mast appeared and became common for sailing ships.

How did ships navigate on cloudy days?

Although early navigators still relied heavily on celestial navigation, compasses made it possible for sailors to navigate on overcast days when they could not see the sun or stars. Early mariners compasses were made by placing a magnetized needle attached to a piece of wood into a bowl of water.

How did old ships go upwind?

They tacked off the wind. Depending on rig and keel, an old sailing vessel could sail within 60-45 degrees of the wind. So if the wind was out of the Northeast and they were going northeast, they’d sail east for one leg then north for another, or vice-verse.

What is the role of the helmsman on a ship?

The helmsman’s responsibility is to play the tiller in harmony with the wind and the waves so as to keep the sails full – while averaging the course as set by the vessel’s Captain or Master, and accepting direction from the other assigned crew.

Where does the helmsman sit on the mast?

The helmsman is located well back of the mast itself, so it obscures little of his vision. The big sail is in the helmsman’s face only when the vessel is running downwind. at all other points of sail the sail themselves are well to leeward of the vessel’s centre-line. It’s a misapprehension that the helmsman is responsible for avoiding obstacles.

How does a helmsman know when the weather is approaching?

When broad-reaching or running the weather is approaching from the vessels rear. The helmsman has a clear view of approaching weather at all of these points of sail. For seeing out to a further horizon, a crewman posted to the crowsnest on the main mast was standard procedure except in the most vile weather conditions.

Why does the helmsman repeat commands to the crew?

The helmsman repeats any verbal commands to demonstrate that the command is heard and understood. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requires that a helmsman be able to understand and respond to helm orders in English.