RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship

Question 1

When approaching a harbour entrance in heavy weather, what is the primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Timing the approach to avoid breaking waves on a bar, assessing tidal conditions, and having a clear plan for berthing

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the sail area when wind strength increases, maintaining control and reducing heel — ideally done early, before conditions become difficult

Answer

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.

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Seamanship