Hi Mary,
Boundry layer theory tells us that on a boat hull going through water there is a layer of water that is stuck to the hull, called the sub laminar boundry layer, and it moves with the hull. Therefore all of the velocity gradient between the water and the hull due to boat speed takes place between layers of water. There is a shear gradient in the water, the boundry layer, near the hull. The innermost layer of water is stuck to the hull and therefore is moving at boatspeed with the hull. The outermost layer of boundry layer water is not moving and has a velocity of zero. Between these two layers of water is where all the shearing occurrs. This is where the friction/viscous drag occurrs. If we could lubricate these layers of water where the viscous drag is occurring , we could reduce the hull drag. A long chain polomer like liquid soap will lubricate the water and reduce viscous drag. As Racing sailors we could come with all kinds of spray bar devices to get the long chain polomer in the water just in front of our boat and make it go faster. We would leave behind a trail of bubbles and poluted, soapy, water. I think everybody sailing in the same viscousity water is part of the fairness of sailing.
This sublaminar boundry layer of water that is stuck to the hull cannot be made to go away and reduce drag. Wax/polish won't do it. Teflon won't do it. Owl ---- won't do it. If you were a water molecule and a boat hull passed close by, you would swear that boat hull was made of water because that is the covering on the hull you saw pass by.
Bill