As a vessel falls off the wind from close-hauled to a beam reach, the tendency for the vessel to move sideways through the water will __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — decrease

When a vessel is close-hauled, the wind force is directed significantly against the hull, causing maximum leeway. As the vessel falls off to a beam reach, the angle of attack changes, allowing the keel or centerboard to generate more lift, which effectively reduces the tendency to move sideways through the water.