Lateen sails work in much the same way that most other triangular sails work.
If the wind is behind the sail it will push the boat/ship/craft/vessel forward.
But suppose that the boat is at right...
Sails catch the wind which propels the boat forward2nd Answereer says:Previous answerer has been tricked by a trick question:IN REALITY the wind foils around the the sail and PULLS the boat forward....