Wake

Wake is the name for a water turbulence generated by a ship.

This turbulence is caused by:

• Turbulence of the water particles between standing water and hull
• Driving a motorized vessel, the water churning behind ( Reibungsmitstrom )

In sailing ships to get a long lasting visible furrow in the water that remains even in rough seas almost flat and calm. Therefore, the wake was formerly used for off and inspect incoming boats.

In naval warfare, the keel track is a significant problem, since even the smallest units ( such as torpedoes or periscopes ) can leave a clearly visible trail in the water. In the sea rescue a high-frequency radar is used to such traces even at night clearly illustrate. The radar signature of the Kiel track can greatly exceed that of the generating vessel. Therefore come with stealth ships hull forms are used, which amplifies generate horizontal vortex, as they dissipate faster and less tails and thus less radar reflections produce a vertical vortex.

Colloquially means of saying " sail / drive in someone's wake " to follow someone / imitate someone.

When wakeboarding the wake of the towing boat is used as a kicker for jumps. Special wakeboard boats are therefore designed so that the characteristics of the keel shaft can be controlled by ballast and settings of the drive.