Sir John

I'm really enjoying advances in combat dynamics like wind shadows, and I am one of many people very excited to see what Sea Legends has to offer. That being said, with respect, this claim is clearly false. Multiple professional sailors have posted in this thread, and all of the opinions I saw from them contradict what you say (and also went unanswered). Like I said in my last post, I appreciate the introduction of wind shadows, but they're too strong, and they weren't a significant factor in naval warfare. +1 to @CaptLouis' comments For reasons outlined by CaptLouis, period sources (both scientific and anecdotal) are utterly silent about this. The circumstances in which wind shadow could have a significant effect are either not simulated in Naval Action or present a commander with much more pressing issues than some bad wind. Furthermore, contemporary sources describe standard methods for vessels to come within hailing distance, one to windward and the other to lee, and even things like boarding an enemy to windward, which should be the worst-case if what you say about wind shadows is correct. Some effects should, of course, stay. While there are no sailing first-rates today, I think it's safe to assume that no sloop could safely sail under the lee of a ship of the line and expect to continue sailing. However, as I said above, the commander of a sloop who sails close enough under the lee of a larger ship for that to happen has more significant problems to worry about regardless of whether it be friend or foe. This second claim is also ridiculous, for no period source would attempt to make such a rule or quantify that effect. It's impossible even today to make universal laws for the effect of different sails, since the actual impact differs almost as wildly from ship to ship as it does in different wind or sea conditions. It's not at all clear what you mean in your explanation: what are the first 10% of sails? what are the last 10%? These were by no means static or universally accepted things. I agree with your final paragraph, and you're right about increased heel being a significant reason to avoid packing on extra canvas, especially such lofty sails as topgallants and royals. I don't completely know what you mean by screwing rudder or keel positions.