M_Boats: The Science of Whale Flippers

Here is an article from the Mechanical Engineering magazine that may be of interest. It describes how bumps on whale fins reduce drag. http://tinyurl.com/Whale-Fins If that link doesn't not work, search for "Whales" and "ASME". The bumps are on the "wrong side" of the fin from a conventional wisdom perspective. They allow a higher angle of attack before stalling. Unfortunately this is useful only in limited circumstances. I wonder if there may be a practical application to a rudder or perhaps centerboard. steve Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY