What might an increased angle of the rudder lead to?

An increased angle of the rudder primarily leads to reduced speed. When the rudder is turned to a greater angle, it creates greater drag in the water. This drag affects the boat's overall speed because the hull needs to overcome this resistance to maintain momentum.

While a higher rudder angle can enhance the vessel's maneuverability, it does so at the cost of speed due to the additional resistance caused by the increased water flow against the turned rudder. When the rudder is turned sharply, the water has to move more forcefully around it, producing turbulence and adding drag. Hence, while you may have better control over the boat's direction during specific maneuvers, maintaining that position will slow the boat down due to the associated drag.

Understanding this relationship between rudder angle and speed is crucial for sailors, especially when deciding on the appropriate angle needed for specific sailing maneuvers, such as tacking or navigating tight spaces.