USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Until the 18th century, boats and ships had largely been powered by people (rowing) or sails. The Industrial Revolution led to changes in the way ships were powered. This is a timeline exploring some of the key events in the development and use of steam power on ships and how that changed the maritime world.

Detailed explanation-2: -Before the invention of the steam engine, however, sailors relied on wind to move large vessels. Once mariners figured out how to harness the wind to move their ships, they built larger and larger ships with more and more sails.

Detailed explanation-3: -Large sailing ships however either used a steam tug, or a tug with sails and/or oars.

Detailed explanation-4: -Before the advent of steam-powered tugs, favorable winds and tides mainly. They would time their departures to allow the tide to carry them out and have the wind at their backs to allow maneuvering. This is why crews had to be aboard by certain dates in order to take advantage of known tides and expected winds.