ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sail-plan

Imagine that you are on a big boat with your family and friends. The boat has big pieces of fabric attached to long poles called sails. These sails are like big wings that catch the wind and help move the boat forward.

The way the sails are set up is called the sail-plan. There are many different sail-plans for boats depending on their size and purpose. Some boats have only one sail, while others have many.

Usually, a sail-plan includes a main sail, which is the biggest sail on the boat located in the middle, and some extra sails on the front and sides of the boat called jibs and spinnakers. These extra sails help the boat move faster or turn better in the wind.

The sail-plan is important because it helps the captain of the boat figure out which sails to use depending on the wind direction and speed. If the wind is strong, the captain might use a smaller sail or take some sails down to keep the boat from tipping over.

In summary, a sail-plan is like a map for the sails on a boat. It tells the captain which sails to use and how to set them up so the boat can move safely and efficiently through the water.
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