Sail boats have been around since ancient times. These boats have proven to be a faster and economical way to get around as compared to row boats. The ancient Romans developed a way to have the two techniques combined to form a formidable navy of thousands of galleys. These galleys were rigged with multiple sails that could propel the boat in the wind. The rows were manned by slaves or condemned men and were used when the wind was against the sails and in the opposite direction the boat needed to sail. When man fitted his ship with a sail he probably made the most cost efficient way to travel - Sail and boat.

The wind provides the power that sails the boat. A sail that is well designed can be a good wind trap that propels the boat forward. The sail of the boat must be very strong, usually made from canvas that is very thick and fastened to the mast of the ship with the strongest ropes made from jute and cotton.

The fastest sail boats were the clipper ships. These were ships that relied only on wind power and were designed to use the winds optimum efficiency. The ship itself was designed according to aerodynamics and to offer the least water resistance while sailing. They were very sleek boats with uniquely designed sails.

A boat may have many kinds of sails to propel the boat. The sails are set according to the speed of the wind and the speed the boat needs to travel. There are the foresails, headsails, Genoa, headsail and a Jib. Al the sails of a boat are arranged in a particular order known as a 'sail plan'. This plan is arranged according to two opposed forces that apply to the ship. The opposition of the water to the movement of the ship and the force of the wind that forces the ship forward. This simple act of tying a sheet to a mast to make a boat move has developed through the ages in to a science of sorts.

The sail of the boat is set according to the purpose of the boat. A race boar will have a particularly designed sail to serve the small boat with good speed and a cruiser will have appropriate sails that will allow the cruiser to sail lazily on the water. The type of sail boat will also depend on the time you intend to sail and where you intend to go. If you want to get out to the deep blue sea you will need sails that will be able to withstand the forces of the sea gales. The type of sail boat you want to use will also be decided by the budget you are willing to put aside for the purchase of the sail boat.

In modern times sail material has changed radically. Ancient sail boats used hand woven sails that were very durable and could easily stand the onslaught of the salty waves and the wind. However, modern sails are made of very durable and lightweight polyester material that is synthetic and can withstand dampness better than the sails made from natural fiber.