Which mechanism explains why medieval longships could sail relatively close to the wind, unlike ancient square-sailed galleys?

💡 Explanation

The lateen sail arrangement on longships generated aerodynamic lift, because the angled sail acted as an airfoil causing pressure differences that allowed them to point higher into the wind; therefore the longships sailed closer to the wind, rather than being limited by a crosswind pushing on a square sail.

• Which outcome resulted from the Byzantine use of the 'Silk Road tax' in diplomatic dealings?
• Which outcome resulted when ancient Mesoamerican chinampa farmers over-cultivated maize without nitrogen replenishment?
• Which consequence resulted from inconsistent Bronze Age crossbow spring tempering?
• Which primary risk arose when the Inca implemented extensive agricultural terracing on steep Andean slopes?
• Which outcome occurs when a Roman fort's foundations experience differential settling?
• Which obstacle became significant during Aztec chinampa expansion?