PHYS 1205

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - March 17, 2025 8:55AM EDT

PHYS 1205
The Physics of Sailing

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course teaches quantitative reasoning by combining the science and technology of sailboats with an outdoors experience of its practical application. A basic mathematics and physics education is a prerequisite. Topics will include: wind power, boat types, sail plans, winches and pulleys; keels; propelling and resistive forces; water waves and hull speed; real and apparent wind velocity; the wind rose; weather formations; heaving to and storm techniques; knots and why they work; and water waves. Experimental projects performed on Cayuga Lake include measuring phase and group velocities, the wind rose, and the hull speed, to compare to data sheets.


Prerequisites REF-FA25/Corequisites REF-FA25 students must be able to swim (75 yds or equivalent to university swim test requirement). Corequisites: None.

Fees REF-FA25 500 (). course fee.

Distribution Requirements (CHPH-AG, OPHLS-AG), (PHS-AS)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 3 Credits Graded

  •  8831 PHYS 1205   LEC 001

  •  
    • R
    • Aug 25 - Dec 8, 2025

    • Hoffstaetter de Torquat, G

    • T TBA
    • Aug 25 - Dec 8, 2025

    • Hoffstaetter de Torquat, G

    • T
    • Aug 25 - Dec 8, 2025

    • Hoffstaetter de Torquat, G

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    Course fee: $500. Students must be able to swim (75 yds or equivalent to university swim test requirement). Attendance during the first two classes is mandatory due to safety reasons! If these classes are missed, the student can no longer continue to attend, and may be dropped from the course.
    Students are responsible for their own transportation.