Concepts

Question 1

Name the six points of sail:

Answer 1

Run(ning), Broad Reach, Beam Reach, Close Reach, Close Hauled, No-Go (In Irons)

Question 2

What is a port tack?

Answer 2

When the wind is coming over the left side of the boat.

Question 3

What is a starboard tack?

Answer 3

When the wind is coming over the right side of the boat. (Sails should be on the left.).

Question 4

What are the two modes in which a sail powers a boat?

Answer 4

PUSH MODE: wind pushes the boat from behind. (Point of sail: Running; the least efficient & most relaxed type of sail.)

PULL MODE: wind flows around both sides of the sail, creating both push AND pull. There is higher pressure on the inside of the sail and lower pressure outside, which creates lift. (Just like an airplane.). Points of sail: all reaches and close hauled.

Question 5

What does it mean to be “in irons,” and where is this zone located?

Answer 5

The No-Go zone, or: sailing directly into the wind. This area is located approximately 45* off either side of the wind direction.

Question 6

What are the indications that a sail is trimmed well?

Answer 6

Smooth flow around sail, optimum power, optimum speed, easy steering, well-balanced in the water. Telltales are all streaming evenly, no luffing evident.

Question 7

What are the three types of sailing as regards the wind?

Answer 7

Sailing Upwind ("into the wind" - close hauled)
Sailing Across the Wind ("reaching" - broad, close, & beam reaches)
Sailing Downwind (Running or "on a run")

Question 8

Name the ways to determine wind direction:

Answer 8

Feel it on your skin, lick a finger and hold it up to the air, look for ripples and dark patches on the water,

Question 9

Turning the bow of the boat through the wind is called:

Answer 9

Tacking

Question 10

Turning the stern of the boat through the wind is called:

Answer 10

jibing

Question 11

What is it called when you turn the boat to change direction toward the wind…?

Answer 11

“Heading up”, or sailing “into the wind”

Question 12

What is it called when you turn the boat to change direction away from the wind…?

Answer 12

“falling off” or “bear away”

Question 13

How do you get out of irons?

Answer 13

Sheet in one of the jib sheets until the wind makes the sail billow back to you. This will cause the bow to move to one side. Turn the wheel in the same direction the boat is turning to help it turn more quickly. When the wind is coming over the side of the boat, release the jib sheet and trim it in on the other side. Then straighten the wheel and sheet in the mainsail.

Question 14

When the sail is flapping it is…

Answer 14

luffing.