Question 1

What are the points of sail in sailing?

Accepted Answer

The points of sail describe a sailboat's angle relative to the wind: the no-go zone (directly into the wind), close-hauled (~45°), close reach, beam reach (90°), broad reach (~135°), and running (dead downwind at 180°). Each point requires different sail trim.

Question 2

What is the difference between tacking and jibing?

Accepted Answer

In a tack, the bow passes through the eye of the wind to change tacks — a lower-risk maneuver. In a jibe, the stern passes through the wind and the boom swings across — higher risk and always performed in a controlled, deliberate manner.

Question 3

Which side of a sailboat is port and which is starboard?

Accepted Answer

Port is the left side when facing forward (toward the bow). Starboard is the right side. A helpful memory trick: PORT and LEFT both have 4 letters.

Question 4

What does right of way mean in sailing?

Accepted Answer

Right of way (ROW) determines which vessel must give way when two boats converge. Key rules: a vessel on starboard tack has ROW over a port tack vessel; the windward boat gives way to the leeward boat on the same tack; the overtaking vessel always gives way.

Question 5

What is a bowline knot used for in sailing?

Accepted Answer

The bowline is called the king of knots because it creates a fixed loop that will not slip or jam under load and is always easy to untie. It is used to attach jib sheets to sail clews, create dock lines, and form rescue loops.