What an ambitious sailor should know about fins.
1. The elements of fin function
2. Hydrodynamic terms
2.1 Flow
2.2 Streamlines
2.3 Fin profile
2.4 Rake angle
2.5 Fin torsion
2.6 Drift
2.7 Lift
3. The flow situation around the fin – the lift
3.1 Flow situation without drift and without lift
3.2 The flow situation including lift
4. The resistance of the fin
4.1 Form resistance
4.1.1 Important geometric factors
4.1.1.1 Thickness/chord ratio
4.1.1.2 Thickness distribution
4.1.1.3 Profile camber
4.1.1.4 Leading edge
4.1.1.5 Trailing edge
4.1.2 Other important factors
4.2 Frictional resistance
4.3 Induced resistance
4.3.1 The outline of the fin
4.3.1.1 Aspect ratio, length and area of the fin
4.3.1.2 Taper ratio
4.3.1.3 Length and curvature of the leading edge
4.3.1.4 Rake angle
4.3.2 Torsion
4.3.3 Camber distribution
5. Construction
5.1 Milled fins
5.2 Moulded fins
6. Fin design
6.1 Formula-fins
6.2 Wave-fins
6.3 Freestyle-fins
6.4 Slalom-fins
6.5 Free-ride fins (Convertibles, Wave-slalom)
6.6 Speed-fins
6.7 Sea-weed fins
7. Spin-out