RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'lee shore' and why is it dangerous?
- A sheltered shore with calm water
- A shore onto which the wind is blowing, creating a risk of being driven ashore with limited ability to claw off (Correct answer)
- A shore with good landing facilities
- A shore facing east
Correct answer: A shore onto which the wind is blowing, creating a risk of being driven ashore with limited ability to claw off
A lee shore is a coastline towards which the wind is blowing. It is dangerous because the wind and waves push the vessel towards the shore, and sailing away (clawing off) requires windward ability that may be compromised in heavy weather.
Question 2: What is a 'jury rig' in seamanship?
- A temporary sail plan fashioned from available materials when the main rig is damaged or lost (Correct answer)
- A type of racing rig
- The original rig on a sailing vessel
- A rig used only in calm conditions
Correct answer: A temporary sail plan fashioned from available materials when the main rig is damaged or lost
A jury rig is a makeshift temporary rig constructed from available materials (spare sails, boathook, spinnaker pole, etc.) when the mast or primary rig has been damaged or lost, enabling the vessel to make port.
Question 3: When taking a tow, where should the tow line be secured on the vessel being towed?
- To the pushpit at the stern
- To a strong point as close to the vessel's centre of buoyancy as possible, ideally using a bridle arrangement from both bows or the anchor windlass (Correct answer)
- To the guardrails
- To the mast
Correct answer: To a strong point as close to the vessel's centre of buoyancy as possible, ideally using a bridle arrangement from both bows or the anchor windlass
The tow line should be secured to the strongest point available, ideally using a bridle attached to both bow cleats or a strong central point. This distributes the load and maintains directional stability.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'tripping line' when anchoring?
- To trip over crew members
- A line attached to the crown of the anchor, used to free it if it becomes fouled on the seabed or in an obstruction (Correct answer)
- A spare anchor line
- A line used to secure fenders
Correct answer: A line attached to the crown of the anchor, used to free it if it becomes fouled on the seabed or in an obstruction
A tripping line runs from the crown (bottom) of the anchor to a surface buoy or back to the vessel. If the anchor becomes fouled (caught on rocks, cable, etc.), pulling the tripping line retrieves it crown-first.
Question 5: What is 'broaching' and how can it be prevented?
- A cooking technique on board
- An uncontrolled turn broadside to the waves, usually when running, which can cause a knockdown — prevented by reducing sail, trailing warps, or deploying a drogue (Correct answer)
- A method of entering harbour
- A sail repair technique
Correct answer: An uncontrolled turn broadside to the waves, usually when running, which can cause a knockdown — prevented by reducing sail, trailing warps, or deploying a drogue
Broaching is when a vessel running before large waves is turned beam-on to the seas, potentially causing a knockdown or capsize. Prevention includes reducing sail, trailing warps, deploying a drogue, and active helming.
Question 6: What is the procedure for dealing with a fouled propeller at sea?
- Increase engine revs to clear it
- Stop the engine immediately, check for rope/debris around the prop, and if safe to do so, attempt to clear it using a knife — consider deploying sails for stability (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and continue motoring
- Call for immediate rescue
Correct answer: Stop the engine immediately, check for rope/debris around the prop, and if safe to do so, attempt to clear it using a knife — consider deploying sails for stability
Stop the engine immediately to prevent damage to the gearbox and shaft seal. Assess the situation, attempt to clear the obstruction if safe (with the engine off), and use sails if needed for stability and propulsion.
RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship 2
What is a 'lee shore' and why is it dangerous?