How Did Pirate Ships Sail Without Wind?

The Anglo Saxons, Norsemen, and early Vikings were the first to travel close to the wind around the 6th century. The sail configuration is less important than the ability to steer and stabilize the ship. Upwind sailing can be difficult due to currents that can make it difficult to sail above 80°. To navigate against the wind effectively, sailors use zig-zagging towards it and angling the sails sideways.

The triangular slave trade successfully navigated the narrow channel entrance under sail by sailing south from Europe to Africa, then west across the Atlantic to America, and then back to Europe via a northerly route. Tacking and jibing are two essential maneuvers that allow sailors to navigate against the wind effectively.

Tacking involves transferring horizontal wind to forward velocity by pushing against the water. Sailing ships cannot sail into the eye of the wind, but they can sail at an angle to the wind. They sail upwind in a series of zigzags. If the wind is blowing from the north, a ship can sail due east or due west with no trouble.

Sailing ships still cannot sail all points of sail (any direction) regardless of wind. Square-riggers use kedging when the wind is not favorable, affixing a light anchor. However, Xebec generally would not use both sails and oars at the same time. Oars are used when the wind is nil, and wind, rain, and rough seas present hazards to ships at sea. Without wind in their sails, their daily speed and sail speed are reduced.