Sails translates the movement of wind into thrust that propels
the boat. Sailing has a place in human civilization that likely
extends as far back in time as man has possessed the ability to
make crafts that could float on water. Sailing has a shorter
history as a competitive sport, but it has been one of the most
popular and intensely contested of sporting activities
throughout the world. People have engaged in the organized
racing of sailboats, crafts that range in size from dinghies
(small open boats with one sail), to very large, multi-masted
ocean going vessels for over 200 years.  Modern competitive
sailing is governed by the International Sailing Federation
(ISF), whose predecessor organization was founded in 1907. The
chief purpose in the formation of the ISF was to bring
standardization to the rules of international sailing. Today
sailing is a vibrant Olympic sport; there are 11 different
Olympic sailing events. In the international arena, the ISF
sanctions racing in 81 different categories of sailbo