Sails

If self-proclaimed environmental protectors, including agencies that adopt such nominal terms, truly wish to implement ‘green’ protocols in the world, rather than jet-setting to Kyoto or G7 Summits, perhaps they should use the ancient methodologies of sustainable, renewable energy like wind power – that is, hoist the sails, and anchors away!  The Dutch were indeed ahead of their time in harnessing the bustling winds of the tulip-clad plains of Holland with their innovative windmills, just as the Assyrians were ahead of their time with their ingenious sails.  No need to waste time harnessing coal or petrol to be burned and spin a motor; let the power induced from the revolution of the earth and epicycles of atmospheric air be the wind in your sails…quite literally.  It is extraordinary that something that could double as a deluxe king bed sheet can also propel a vessel through the high seas, or at least be the harnessing instrument of locomotion.  One can even exploit the wind against itself and tack into the wind if the sails are set just right (and if the bow of the ship is set approximately 22 degrees off from the direction of the wind). 
Yes, in many regards the French aphorism is true:  “If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”  But I’m afraid they won’t get very far without the sails, or the wood for that matter.  But irrespective of the propulsion mechanism of choice, be it wind in the sails, coal turning the steamboat stern wheel, or diesel fuel churning the gargantuan turbines, all ships all steered by a tiny, insignificant little rudder.  “Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.”  (James 3:4-5)