Question 112 Deck General

70% to pass

Which statement about sailing close-hauled is TRUE?

A If you sheet your sails closer to the centerline, you must bear away from the wind.
B If you ease the sheets, you can sail faster on the same course.
C If you ease the sheets, you can sail faster and closer to the wind.
D If you steer closer to the wind, you will slow down.
AI Explanation

The correct answer is D) If you steer closer to the wind, you will slow down. When sailing close-hauled, which means sailing as close to the direction of the wind as possible, steering the boat closer to the wind will cause the sails to luff and the boat to slow down. This is because sailing close-hauled requires the sails to be sheeted in tightly, and steering too close to the wind will cause the sails to lose their optimal shape and power. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between sail trim and boat speed when sailing close-hauled.

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