US Sailing Level 1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS(RATED
A)
Lee Helm - ANSWER A boat's tendency to turn leeward caused by too little force in the mainsail and too
much force in the jib.
Weather Helm - ANSWER The boat turns windward caused by the force on the mainsail overpowering
the jib.
Center of Effort - ANSWER The location of the collective force both exerted by the mainsail and the jib.
Center of Resistance - ANSWER The collective opposing forces exerted by the water on the keel and
rudder.
Jib Tension - ANSWER To check: pull on the halyard until firm. To little, the fig will feel loose and bounce.
To much, the top of the mast bends towards the bow (inverting).
Cunningham - ANSWER Creates a flatter sail. Use when having difficulty keeping the boat flat (heavy
wind).
Boom Vang - ANSWER Tightening puts more tension on the leech. Increase use when going upwind and
heavy air. If the outer edge of the battens point to windward, you have too much.
Fore & Aft - ANSWER When sailing downwind or on a reach, crew may need to shift their weight aft to
get the bow out of the water. This also applies to heavier winds and larger waves.
Jib Tip - ANSWER Lower centerboard and tighten vang for jib. Return to normal after completion.
Puffs & Lulls - ANSWER Ease main sail when entering a puff and trim back after exiting to maintain
proper power. Jib is left alone. Prepare for a lull by moving inboard and to leeward.
Feathering - ANSWER Heading upwind during a puff, downwind after, back upwind...
A)
Lee Helm - ANSWER A boat's tendency to turn leeward caused by too little force in the mainsail and too
much force in the jib.
Weather Helm - ANSWER The boat turns windward caused by the force on the mainsail overpowering
the jib.
Center of Effort - ANSWER The location of the collective force both exerted by the mainsail and the jib.
Center of Resistance - ANSWER The collective opposing forces exerted by the water on the keel and
rudder.
Jib Tension - ANSWER To check: pull on the halyard until firm. To little, the fig will feel loose and bounce.
To much, the top of the mast bends towards the bow (inverting).
Cunningham - ANSWER Creates a flatter sail. Use when having difficulty keeping the boat flat (heavy
wind).
Boom Vang - ANSWER Tightening puts more tension on the leech. Increase use when going upwind and
heavy air. If the outer edge of the battens point to windward, you have too much.
Fore & Aft - ANSWER When sailing downwind or on a reach, crew may need to shift their weight aft to
get the bow out of the water. This also applies to heavier winds and larger waves.
Jib Tip - ANSWER Lower centerboard and tighten vang for jib. Return to normal after completion.
Puffs & Lulls - ANSWER Ease main sail when entering a puff and trim back after exiting to maintain
proper power. Jib is left alone. Prepare for a lull by moving inboard and to leeward.
Feathering - ANSWER Heading upwind during a puff, downwind after, back upwind...
