You are at the helm of a ketch-rigged sailing vessel... - USCG Deck General

You are at the helm of a ketch-rigged sailing vessel under sail on the starboard tack, close hauled, with all appropriate sails set and properly trimmed. You are instructed to "bear off quickly". To utilize your sails to assist with the turn, you should _______________.

A slack the jib sheet

B slack the mizzen sheet

C trim the mizzen vang

D trim the main outhaul

AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) slack the mizzen sheet. When instructed to "bear off quickly" on a ketch-rigged sailing vessel, slacking the mizzen sheet will help initiate and assist the turn. The mizzen sail is located aft and will help the boat turn when the sheet is eased, allowing the sail to luff and the boat to fall off. In contrast, slacking the jib sheet (A), trimming the mizzen vang (C), or trimming the main outhaul (D) would not be the most effective actions to quickly bear off on this vessel. The key is utilizing the mizzen sail's position and aerodynamics to assist with the turning maneuver.

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Question 114 Deck General

You are at the helm of a ketch-rigged sailing vessel under sail on the starboard tack, close hauled, with all appropriate sails set and properly trimmed. You are instructed to "bear off quickly". To utilize your sails to assist with the turn, you should _______________.

Want to practice with timed exams?