SIDSail

SIDSail is a software package designed for calculating and visualizing sailing vessel performance. It allows users to input various parameters related to their sailboat, such as hull shape, sail plan, and keel configuration, and then predicts the boat's speed and VMG (Velocity Made Good) under different wind conditions. The software utilizes established aerodynamic and hydrodynamic principles to simulate the forces acting on the vessel.

Users can define polars, which are graphical representations of a boat's potential speed across various wind angles and strengths. SIDSail can then use these polars to generate performance curves and tables. It is often employed by sailors looking to optimize their racing strategy, understand their boat's capabilities, or compare the performance of different sail or rig configurations. The output can include speed predictions, heel angles, and optimal course plotting.

The development of SIDSail has aimed to provide a user-friendly interface for complex performance calculations, making advanced naval architecture principles accessible to a broader sailing community. Its utility extends from recreational sailors seeking to improve their cruising efficiency to competitive racers fine-tuning their performance for regattas.