Sailing & Racing Terms
Instructions: Set sail through this quiz about competitive sailing vocabulary!
- 1.
In sailing, what does 'tacking' mean?
ANailing something to the mastBTurning the bow of the boat through the wind to change directionCSteering straight aheadDLowering the sails - 2.
What does 'jibing' (or 'gybing') mean in sailing?
ATelling jokes on boardBTurning the stern of the boat through the windCTying knots in the riggingDDropping anchor - 3.
In sailing, what is the 'spinnaker'?
AA type of fish found near boatsBThe person who steers the boatCA device for measuring wind speedDA large, lightweight, balloon-shaped sail used when sailing downwind - 4.
What is a 'regatta'?
AA Mediterranean portBA series of boat races or a sailing competition eventCA type of sailing knotDA small sailboat - 5.
In sailing, what does 'leeward' mean?
AThe side facing into the windBToward the back of the boatCToward the left side of the boatDThe side or direction sheltered from the wind - 6.
What is a 'keel' on a sailboat?
AA type of sailBThe top of the mastCThe steering wheelDA weighted fin on the bottom of the hull that provides stability and prevents sideways drift - 7.
In sailing races, what is the 'start line'?
AThe first buoy on the courseBA line painted on the waterCAn imaginary line between a committee boat and a pin markDThe marina exit - 8.
What does 'heeling' mean in sailing?
ASteering with the feetBRepairing the boat's hullCWalking on the deckDThe boat leaning to one side under the force of the wind - 9.
In sailing, what is 'right of way'?
AThe right side of the boatBThe direction to the rightCThe rules determining which boat must keep clear to avoid collisionDPermission to enter a marina - 10.
What is a 'halyard' in sailing?
AA half-yard measurementBA safety harnessCA line (rope) used to hoist a sail up the mastDA type of anchor - 11.
In sailing, what is 'trimming' the sails?
ADecorating the sailsBAdjusting the sails' angle relative to the wind for optimal performanceCCutting the sails to sizeDFolding the sails for storage - 12.
What does 'beating' (or 'close-hauled') mean in sailing?
ASailing faster than other boatsBHitting the water with the hullCSailing as close to the direction the wind is coming from as possibleDSailing during a storm - 13.
In sailing, what is a 'protest'?
AObjecting to weather conditionsBRefusing to raceCA formal complaint filed against another boat for a rule violation during racingDA rally against sailing regulations - 14.
What is 'windward' in sailing?
AThe side or direction from which the wind is blowingBThe back of the boatCA brand of sailboatsDA calm area with no wind - 15.
In sailing, what is a 'capsize'?
AA type of sailing hatBThe size of the cap on the mastCThe capacity of the boatDWhen a boat overturns or is knocked onto its side
Answer Key
Tacking is a maneuver where a sailboat turns its bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other, allowing the boat to sail upwind in a zigzag pattern.
Jibing is when a sailboat turns its stern through the wind so the boom swings from one side to the other. It is the opposite of tacking and can be more dangerous due to the rapid boom movement.
A spinnaker is a large, colorful, balloon-like sail deployed from the bow of a sailboat when sailing downwind to capture maximum wind and increase speed.
A regatta is an organized series of boat races, typically for sailboats, held over one or multiple days at a specific venue.
Leeward (pronounced 'loo-erd') is the side or direction away from the wind, the sheltered side. Its opposite is windward, the side facing into the wind.
The keel is a weighted fin or blade extending below the hull that serves two purposes: it provides ballast (weight) to keep the boat upright and resists sideways drift (leeway).
The start line is an imaginary line between the race committee boat and a starting mark (often a buoy), which boats must cross after the starting signal.
Heeling is when a sailboat tilts or leans to one side due to the force of the wind on the sails, counterbalanced by the crew's weight and the keel.
Right of way in sailing refers to the racing rules (and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) that determine which boat has priority and which must give way.
A halyard is a line (rope) used to raise or hoist a sail, flag, or yard on a sailboat. The word comes from 'haul yard,' meaning to haul the yard (a spar supporting the sail).
Trimming is the act of adjusting the angle and shape of the sails relative to the wind direction to optimize speed and control.
Beating (or sailing close-hauled) means sailing as close to the direction the wind is blowing from as possible, typically at about 30-45 degrees from the wind, using a zigzag pattern.
A protest is a formal complaint submitted to a race committee alleging that another boat broke a racing rule, which is then heard by a protest committee that can impose penalties.
Windward means the side or direction from which the wind is coming. In racing, the windward mark is the upwind turning point that boats must sail toward against the wind.
A capsize occurs when a boat is turned over on its side or completely inverted, usually caused by excessive wind, waves, or crew error, especially common in smaller dinghies.