Sailboats are one of humankind's first and most revolutionary transportation inventions. Powered mainly by the wind, these simple but incredible machines opened up new pathways for international trade, exploration and cultural exchange, which shaped the modern world.

National Geographic/Getty Images Large charter sailboat cruises in the Guadeloupe Islands

Although no one knows when the first sailboat was built, archeologists have found remains of primitive canoe-like vessels dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Since then, boat design has developed steadily to enhance speed, maneuverability and cargo load, reflecting unique aesthetic and technological innovations.

For example, to construct their signature dragon-headed boats, Vikings used axes rather than saws to cut longer, lighter pieces of wood that allowed for faster travel. These longboats, called drakkar, dominated the seas by taking advantage of wind in their square sail for long distances and of oarsmen for swift attacks [source: Hadingham]. Later, 15th-century Chinese junk boats with their distinct scalloped sails were so well-crafted to withstand regional typhoons that they reached the east coast of Africa and the Persian Gulf more than 50 years before European explorers [source: University of Calgary]. Today, specialized racing yachts slice through the water at speeds faster than the wind.

While these amazing ships range in size and capability, all are linked by the fundamental elements of the common sailboat. Whether large or small, vessels of the past and present share the same flotation and movement abilities. In this article, we are going to explore how the basic parts of a sailboat work together, how physics principles allow them to float and move and how sailboat design continues to evolve.

Search for the World's Oldest BoatAlthough the date when the world's first sailboat was built is unclear, in 2002 British and Kuwaiti archeologists discovered what they believe to be the oldest known boat remains in As-Sabiyah, Kuwait. The remains date back to around 5400 B.C., according to a Science Magazine article by Andrew Lawler. The supposed vessel is plank-shaped and constructed from reeds and bitumen, a gummy substance similar to tar. Although the finding lacks evidence of a sail or mast, the archeologists were confident about its authenticity because of the barnacles present on one side, indicating time spent in water. While carbon dating has verified its age, some researchers remain dubious about whether the object was indeed a boat.