ASA Sail Trim & Performance Flashcards

What does 'sailing by the lee' mean, and what risk does it present?

Answer: Running with the wind coming from the same side as the boom, risking an accidental gybe

Sailing by the lee means the wind has shifted to the same side as the boom while running downwind, creating a risk of an uncontrolled accidental gybe.

When reaching in heavy air, what is the best way to reduce weather helm?

Answer: Ease the mainsail and/or reef to reduce power and heel

Excessive weather helm on a reach is caused by the boat heeling and the center of effort moving aft; easing or reefing the mainsail reduces heel and restores balance.

What is the purpose of a 'barber hauler' on a sailboat?

Answer: To move the jib lead athwartship, pulling it inboard or outboard

A barber hauler adjusts the jib lead position sideways (inboard for upwind trim, outboard for reaching), supplementing the fore-and-aft lead adjustment.

In ASA performance sailing, what does 'VMG' stand for and why does it matter?

Answer: Velocity Made Good — the component of boat speed directly toward or away from the destination

VMG (Velocity Made Good) measures how fast the boat is actually progressing toward its target, helping sailors choose the optimal angle to sail upwind or downwind.

What is the effect of 'pinching' when sailing upwind?

Answer: Sailing too close to the wind, causing sails to luff and reducing boat speed

Pinching means pointing higher than the sail's optimum angle, causing the luff to flutter and reducing drive — the boat slows and makes excessive leeway despite pointing high.

When is it appropriate to use a spinnaker pole on a symmetric spinnaker?

Answer: When sailing on a reach or run to project the spinnaker clew to windward

The spinnaker pole holds the windward clew of a symmetric spinnaker away from the forestay, allowing the sail to project fully and capture wind when reaching or running.