Heavy weather and stability quiz (Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster)

Question 1

This yacht has her jib sheeted to windward, her mainsail eased and her tiller lashed to leeward. What is she doing?

Accepted Answer

Lying hove to

Answer

Lying ahull

Answer

Running under bare poles

Answer

Sailing close-hauled

Question 2

Which of these is a drogue, and what is it for?

Accepted Answer

B: towed from the stern to slow the yacht and keep her stern to the seas as she runs

Answer

A: set from the bow to hold her nearly stopped, head to the seas

Answer

B: towed from the stern to bring her to a dead stop

Answer

A: set from the bow to help her sail faster to windward

Question 3

A gale is forecast to blow straight on to this coast, and there is no harbour you can reach before it arrives. What is the seamanlike choice?

Accepted Answer

Head offshore early and gain sea room, well clear of the coast

Answer

Stay close inshore, where the land gives shelter

Answer

Anchor just off the beach and ride it out

Answer

Lower all sail near the coast and wait for it to pass

Question 4

You are returning under sail to a person in the water. Which approach lets you control your speed and stop alongside?

Accepted Answer

B: a close reach, letting the sails flap to slow down and filling them to speed up

Answer

A: straight downwind, on a dead run

Answer

C: a broad reach, with the wind over the quarter

Answer

Any of them: the point of sail makes no difference

Question 5

This is a stability (GZ) curve for a yacht. What does the ringed point at 125° tell you?

Accepted Answer

The angle of vanishing stability: heeled beyond it, she tends to carry on over, not come back upright

Answer

The angle at which her righting lever is greatest

Answer

The angle of heel at which she should reef

Answer

The angle at which her deck edge goes under

Question 6

A lot of water has got below and is sloshing about in the bilge. What does that do to the yacht's stability?

Accepted Answer

Reduces it: the water runs to the low side as she heels and helps to hold her over

Answer

Improves it: the extra weight low down acts as ballast

Answer

Nothing: only weight above the waterline matters

Answer

Improves it: the water always runs to the high side

Heavy weather and stability Quiz