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More Sailing Trivia Quiz

Learn a little more about sailing. Knowing the lingo helps you get started and makes you appear smarter.

A multiple-choice quiz by westcliffe_146. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
westcliffe_146

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
121,434

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
925

Last 3 plays: Guest 67 (7/10), Guest 72 (10/10), Guest 185 (0/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What are the two types of rigging found on a sailing boat? Hint

Thwart and Pintle

Cordage and Lanyard

Running and Standing

Rigid and Flexible

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Question 2 of 10

2. A boat has a port(left) and starboard(right) side. In describing a boats side relative to the wind, which terms are used? Hint

Windward and Leeward

Windward and Wet

High side and Hull side

Heavy and Light

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Question 3 of 10

3. The closest a boat can "normally sail" is at a 45 degree angle into the wind.

True

False

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is the fastest point of sailing? Hint

Running

Motoring

Tacking

Reaching

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Question 5 of 10

5. A sail works just like an airplane wing?

True

False

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Question 6 of 10

6. How are sailboats moved left or right? Hint

Tilt

Sail positioning

Rudder

Centerboard

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is the sail used in addition to the main and jib, to add speed to a boat sailing downwind? Hint

Parachute

Spinnaker

Kite

Burgee

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Question 8 of 10

8. A tack is when the boat turns its bow through the wind and the weather side changes. What is the maneuver called when the boat is turned and the wind crosses the stern? Hint

Jibe

Rounding six

Transoming

Capsizing

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is the most efficient use of the sails when sailing downwind? Hint

Wing and wing

Jib lowered

Close -hauled

Porpoising

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is a burgee? Hint

Bathroom aboard a sailboat

Locker for storing sails

Small pennant used to determine wind direction

Type of spinnaker

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 21 2024 : Guest 67: 7/10
Apr 01 2024 : Guest 72: 10/10
Mar 26 2024 : Guest 185: 0/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 38: 8/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 60: 10/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 49: 10/10
Mar 13 2024 : Guest 5: 8/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What are the two types of rigging found on a sailing boat?

Answer: Running and Standing

Running rigging controls the movement of the sails. Halyards raise and lower the sails. Sheets are ropes attached to the sails, used to adjust them according to wind and course desired. Standing rigging is used to support the mast, and on small boats consists of two shrouds and a forestay. The shrouds give sideways support, and the forestay gives front and back support, by running from the bow to the top of the mast. Larger boats require more supports to secure the mast.

2. A boat has a port(left) and starboard(right) side. In describing a boats side relative to the wind, which terms are used?

Answer: Windward and Leeward

The weather is the side on to which the wind is blowing, while the lee is the opposite or sheltered side of the boat. These are interchangable according to direction.

3. The closest a boat can "normally sail" is at a 45 degree angle into the wind.

Answer: True

This is the closest angle of attack in order to sail into the wind. The boat must be zig-zaged (tacked) from left to right to reach a destination from where the wind is blowing. Larger and older sailing ships had even less of an angle. This must have been tiring when exploring new waters.

4. What is the fastest point of sailing?

Answer: Reaching

Reaching is when the wind is at a right-angle to the direction of travel. The sails are let about half-way out and the vessel can reach optimum speed. Running is when the wind is directly behind, and the boat is being pushed along.

5. A sail works just like an airplane wing?

Answer: True

The same principles apply except that a sail is mounted vertically. Different pressures create lift, and work to propel the boat forward.

6. How are sailboats moved left or right?

Answer: Rudder

The rudder is attached to a tiller, or can be controlled by a wheel on larger vessels. The boat must be moving forward with speed to be effectively steered. This is called steerageway.

7. What is the sail used in addition to the main and jib, to add speed to a boat sailing downwind?

Answer: Spinnaker

The spinnaker sail is mainly used in racing situations, and is often brighly colored.

8. A tack is when the boat turns its bow through the wind and the weather side changes. What is the maneuver called when the boat is turned and the wind crosses the stern?

Answer: Jibe

The Jibe (aka gybe) is not used as often as the tack because it can be a violent move. It is mainly used in racing or to evade an obstacle. In high winds, it can be tough and should only be attempted by proficient sailors.

9. What is the most efficient use of the sails when sailing downwind?

Answer: Wing and wing

In sailing wing and wing, the main sail is let all the way out, and the jib is allowed to catch the wind on the other side of the boat. This allows for optimum wind on both sails, and the vessel is pushed forward.

10. What is a burgee?

Answer: Small pennant used to determine wind direction

The burgee is placed atop the mast to determine wind direction. It has a metal rod through it and works like a wind vane.

Source: Author westcliffe_146

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
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