US Sailing Learn Sailing Right! Beginning Sailing Exam

Abeam - Answer- The location of anything beyond either side of the boat at right angles to the centerline. Accidental Jibe - Answer- An unexpected jibe when sailing downwind and the wind catches the back side of the mainsasil, possible causing the helmsman to lose control of the boat. Aft - Answer- The direction toward the stern Ahead - Answer- The location of anything forward of the bow. Astern - Answer- The location of anything aft of the stern Battens - Answer- Stiffening pieces placed horizontally along the leech of the sail. Beam Reach - Answer- The point of sailing across the wind about 90 degrees from the wind, with the sails approximately half way out. Boom - Answer- A spar attached to the mast at right angles to hold the bottom of the mailsail. Boom groove - Answer- A slot on the top side of the boom into which the foot of the mailsail slides. Boom vang - Answer- A piece of running rigging that pulls down on the boom to keep it from rising under the pressure of the wind on the mainsail. Bottom - Answer- The outside surface of the hull below the water. Bow - Answer- The front of any hull. Bowline - Answer- The most useful knot in sailing, the bowline produces an eye that is very secure but very easy to untie Broad reach - Answer- The downwind point of sailing about 100 degrees to 140 degrees from the wind, with the sails approximately three-quarters of the way out. Catamaran - Answer- A type of multihull with two hull. Centerboard - Answer- A form of fin to prevent sideslip that is adjusted by swinging up and down in a trunk.