Pronunciation: [kɹˈa͡ʊd sˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The term "crowd sail" refers to an additional sail set on a ship's yardarm to increase speed. The spelling of this word is quite straightforward, with the "crowd" part pronounced as /kraʊd/ and the "sail" part pronounced as /seɪl/. The spelling follows the English phonetic rules, with the "ow" in "crowd" indicating the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in "cow"), and the "ai" in "sail" indicating the diphthong /eɪ/ (as in "hay").
The term "crowd sail" refers to a specific nautical technique or maneuver commonly used in sailing. It involves utilizing the wind patterns resulting from the presence of nearby boats or ships in a crowded area, such as a regatta or a congested harbor, to efficiently propel a vessel forward.
When multiple boats are gathered closely together, their sails create a complex wind flow pattern. Skilled sailors can take advantage of this phenomenon known as the "crowd sail." By positioning their sail according to the wind direction and studying the interaction of wind currents caused by the nearby boats, sailors can harness the wind in a way that generates additional forward momentum. Properly executing the crowd sail technique requires an understanding of the behavior of wind gusts and eddies created by the surrounding vessels.
Crowd sailing is not only utilized in competitive sailing events but can also be applied in crowded harbors or waterways where boats are moving in close proximity. This technique helps maximize the efficiency of a vessel's propulsion system while minimizing the effort required from the crew.
Overall, crowd sail is a strategic sailing technique that capitalizes on the wind flows created by the presence of nearby boats or ships, allowing sailors to skillfully navigate and gain an advantage in crowded waters, ultimately achieving their desired direction and speed.
