Question 20 Deck General

The correct answer is B) The apparent wind will decrease and draw aft. When you reef the mainsail while sailing on a close reach, your boat's speed slows down. As the boat speed decreases, the apparent wind (the combined effect of the true wind and the boat's motion) also decreases and shifts aft, or towards the stern of the boat. This is because the boat's forward motion, which was contributing to the apparent wind, has decreased, causing the apparent wind to decrease and shift aft. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) The apparent wind will not remain unchanged, as the boat's speed has decreased. C) The apparent wind will not increase and draw forward, as the boat's speed has decreased. D) The apparent wind will not increase, as it has actually decreased due to the slower boat speed.