ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Paravane (water kite)

A paravane is like a toy kite, but for the water! It's a special kind of kite that helps boats stay straight and stable in the water.

When a boat moves through the water, sometimes it creates waves or turbulence that can make the boat wobble or turn in ways the driver doesn't want. That's where the paravane comes in.

The paravane is attached to the side of the boat and dangles into the water. As the boat moves forward, the paravane catches the water and creates a force that pulls it away from the boat. This helps to stabilize the boat and keep it moving straight.

The paravane is shaped like a long, skinny airplane, with fins on the back to help it steer. It's usually made of metal or plastic, and comes in different sizes depending on the size of the boat and how much stability is needed.

So, imagine you're playing with a kite on the beach. You hold onto the string and feel the wind pulling it up. The paravane works in a similar way, except it's in the water and helps keep a big boat steady. Fun, right?