Sailing Skills

Question 1

List four items that, when you are packing for your charter, should be packed in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage

Answer 1

passport, credit / debit card, charter / provisioning documents, prescription meds, change of clothing

Question 2

Most cruising boats have at least two bilge pumps. The ____ pump is powered by the battery (activated when the float switch senses water in the bilge), and the ___ pump is operated by hand.

Answer 2

automatic, manaual

Question 3

After first determining that the dock’s freshwater supply is ___, fill a cruising sailboat’s freshwater tank through the ___

Answer 3

safe, deck plate

Question 4

A freshwater pump cycling on and off when no one is using water indicates an open ___ or a ___ in the plumbing.

Answer 4

faucet, leak

Question 5

When you have finished using the propane stove, first turn off the ___ ___ and let the gas in the line burn off before you turn off the burner.

Answer 5

solenoid switch

Question 6

To flush the marine head, first pump in some water, then pump sufficiently to ensure the waste reaches the ___ ___.

Answer 6

holding tank

Question 7

To pump out a marine holding tank, first unscrew the ___ ___ ___ then hold the ___ ___ firmly in the waste outlet.

Answer 7

waste deck plate, pumpout nozzle

Question 8

When a boat is not connected to shorepower, the battery bank is recharged most effectively by the engine’s ___ with the engine running at ___ rpm or higher.

Answer 8

alternator, 1500

Question 9

An inverter converts ___ electricity from the battery banks to ___ electricity allowing you to use low-wattage AC appliances when the boat is not on shorepower.

Answer 9

DC, AC

Question 10

An emergency tiller fits into the top of the ___ ___ and can be used to steer the boat if the steering cables fail.

Answer 10

rudder stock

Question 11

Diesel engine cooling is achieved by means of two systems. Anti-freeze is used in the pressurized ___ system, and coolant flow is regulated by a ___.

Answer 11

internal, thermostat

Question 12

The engine-driven ___ - ___ pump circulates seawater in the engine’s raw water cooling system. The pump’s ___ is an important spare part to have on board.

Answer 12

raw-water, impeller

Question 13

List four factors that affect a sailing vessel’s range under power:

Answer 13

tank capacity, engine rpm, wind and waves, current, marine growth, vessel loading

Question 14

List at least four repair items and spares that should be carried in addition to the boat’s basic tool kit:

Answer 14

cable ties, duct tape, WD-40, multimeter, short lines, impeller, fuel filters, engine oil, halyard, shackles, cotter pins/rings, sail-repair tape

Question 15

The ___ -style mainsail is hoisted with a halyard, where an in-mast furling mainsail is deployed using the ___.

Answer 15

classic, outhaul

Question 16

When setting a roller furling jib, it is important to control the rate at which the sail deploys by taking a turn of the ___ line around a winch to prevent overrides from occurring in the furling ___

Answer 16

furling, drum

Question 17

Overpowered sails create excessive ___ to which a boat responds by turning into the wind. This response is known as ___ ___

Answer 17

heeling, weather helm

Question 18

To maintain a straight course with excessive weather helm, it is necessary to hold the ___ at a large angle, which causes drag and slows the boat.

Answer 18

rudder

Question 19

When sailing to windward, maintain control in gusts by ___ (heading up until the gust pasts) or ease the ___ using the sheet or traveler.

Answer 19

feathering (or luffing), mainsail

Question 20

When sailing on a broad reach in gusts, steer farther downwind to reduce the ___ wind speed.

Answer 20

apparent

Question 21

In constant true-wind conditions, as you head up from a downwind course to an ___ course you will experience more ___ due to the increased apparent wind, and it may be necessary to ___ the sails.

Answer 21

upwind, heeling, reef

Question 22

When sailing downwind, a ___ holds the boom to leeward to stop it swinging around in lumpy seas and to prevent an accidental ___.

Answer 22

preventer, jibe

Question 23

Prior to reefing, it is possible to de-power the sails by any or all of three methods: decreasing the sails’ angle of ___, adding ___, and flattening the sails.

Answer 23

attack, twist

Question 24

Prepare your boat and crew for heavy weather by securely stowing gear, donning ___, harnesses and ___, and adjusting the sail plan by ___.

Answer 24

PFDs (or life jackets), tethers, reefing

Question 25

___ is a technique using the engine and a mainsail only; it uses the increased ___ wind to contribute toward both ___ and stability.

Answer 25

Motorsailing, apparent, speed