Basic Parts of a Sailboat Sailboats are one of the most amazing vessels ever developed by man. They are not only the oldest of seagoing vessels, but they are also the simplest in form. Possessing only the simplest of propulsion technology, they can transport man to the farthest reaches of the earth. The most amazing thing is that all of this can be done under the power of natural forces. A sailboat's streamlined, incredibly aesthetic form is not designed to please the eye. Instead, its form and parts all are designed to fulfill a function that adds to the greater sailability and seaworthiness of the vessel. In short, its beautiful form results from pure function. Here is a diagram of the basic parts of a sailboat: Picture from (www.boattalk.com/sailboatparts.htm) Home / Principle of Bouyancy / Propulsion from Sails / Balance / Bibliography