Ama (sailing)

AMA stands for "Aka-Moji Ama," which is a Japanese term that refers to a type of sailboat component that helps keep the boat stable in the water.

Imagine you're playing with a toy boat in a bathtub. If you put a big rock on one side of the boat, the boat might tip over and sink. But if you put the same rock on a smaller boat with a longer, flat piece sticking out on each side, the boat will be more stable and less likely to tip over.

An ama is basically that long, flat piece sticking out on each side of the boat. It helps balance the weight of the boat and keeps it from tipping over in the water.

In traditional Polynesian and Micronesian sailing, outrigger canoes and catamarans are often used. These boats have a smaller main hull and one or two attached outriggers, each with an ama. This design allows for a larger sail area, faster speeds, and better stability in the water.

In modern sailing, some boats also use an ama-like component called a "sail foil," which is a hydrofoil that helps lift the boat's hull out of the water and reduce drag. This can make the boat even faster and more efficient.

So, think of an ama like a little helper that keeps the boat steady and balanced in the water, whether you're in a bathtub or on the open sea.