Cool Facts
Made from fabric. Sails are sewn from tough materials like canvas or polyester cloth that can handle the force of the wind without tearing.
Wind power engine. Instead of using an engine, sails let ships use the wind's energy to move across water, ice, or even land.
Clever shapes. Sails are usually shaped with three or four sides so they can catch wind efficiently and help a boat change direction.
Many sail types. Sailboats, big ships, windsurfing boards, and ice boats all use sails because wind is free and works almost everywhere.