RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a harbour entrance in heavy weather, what is the primary consideration?
- Speed of entry
- Timing the approach to avoid breaking waves on a bar, assessing tidal conditions, and having a clear plan for berthing (Correct answer)
- Calling ahead for a restaurant reservation
- Lowering all sails as far from the harbour as possible
Correct answer: Timing the approach to avoid breaking waves on a bar, assessing tidal conditions, and having a clear plan for berthing
In heavy weather, harbour approaches can be the most dangerous part of a passage. Key considerations include timing entry for sufficient water over any bar, avoiding breaking seas, and having a clear berthing plan.
Question 2: What is the purpose of 'heaving to' in a sailing yacht?
- To capsize the boat deliberately
- To bring the vessel to a near-stop by backing the jib and lashing the helm to leeward, allowing the crew to rest or manage an emergency (Correct answer)
- To increase speed
- To practice racing techniques
Correct answer: To bring the vessel to a near-stop by backing the jib and lashing the helm to leeward, allowing the crew to rest or manage an emergency
Heaving to balances the forces of a backed headsail, a reefed mainsail, and lashed-down helm so the boat makes minimal headway, drifting slowly to leeward. It provides stability for crew rest, meal preparation, or emergencies.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure for rigging a 'drogue' or 'sea anchor' in heavy weather?
- Attach it to the bow and sail downwind
- Deploy it from the stern (drogue) to slow the vessel and maintain a controlled speed when running in large following seas, or from the bow (sea anchor) to hold the bow into the wind (Correct answer)
- Trail it alongside
- Only use in calm conditions
Correct answer: Deploy it from the stern (drogue) to slow the vessel and maintain a controlled speed when running in large following seas, or from the bow (sea anchor) to hold the bow into the wind
A drogue is deployed from the stern to slow the boat when running before heavy seas, preventing surfing and broaching. A sea anchor is deployed from the bow to hold the vessel head-to-wind, reducing drift.
Question 4: When anchoring in a tidal anchorage offshore, what factors determine the minimum length of anchor cable to use?
- Only the depth of water
- Depth of water at high tide, tidal range, expected weather conditions, and the type of seabed — typically a minimum scope of 4:1 for chain (Correct answer)
- The number of other vessels anchored nearby
- The colour of the buoys
Correct answer: Depth of water at high tide, tidal range, expected weather conditions, and the type of seabed — typically a minimum scope of 4:1 for chain
Anchor cable length (scope) depends on maximum depth (including tidal range), weather conditions, and seabed type. Minimum scope for all-chain rode is typically 4:1 in settled conditions, increasing to 6:1 or more in stronger conditions.
Question 5: What is the purpose of 'reefing' a mainsail and when should it be done?
- To make the sail look smaller
- To reduce the sail area when wind strength increases, maintaining control and reducing heel — ideally done early, before conditions become difficult (Correct answer)
- To repair a damaged sail
- To slow down for fishing
Correct answer: To reduce the sail area when wind strength increases, maintaining control and reducing heel — ideally done early, before conditions become difficult
Reefing reduces mainsail area to manage increasing wind strength. The golden rule is 'reef early' — if you're thinking about reefing, you should already be doing it. It's much harder to reef in a crisis.
Question 6: What is the correct technique for picking up a mooring buoy under power in a strong cross-wind?
- Approach at full speed
- Approach slowly from downwind, allowing the wind to slow the vessel, and have a crew member ready with a boat hook at the bow (Correct answer)
- Approach from upwind at speed and stop abruptly
- Lasso the buoy from 20 metres away
Correct answer: Approach slowly from downwind, allowing the wind to slow the vessel, and have a crew member ready with a boat hook at the bow
In a cross-wind, approach slowly from downwind so the wind helps slow the vessel. Judge the drift carefully, aim slightly upwind, and have crew ready with a boat hook. Communication between helm and foredeck is essential.
RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship
When approaching a harbour entrance in heavy weather, what is the primary consideration?