You are at the helm of a schooner-rigged sailing vessel under sail on the port tack, on a beam reach, with all appropriate sails set and properly trimmed. You are instructed to "bear off quickly". To utilize your sails to assist with the turn, you should __________.

Question

Accepted Answer

Option D: slack the main sheet. Slacking the main sheet depowers the aft sail plan, shifting the vessel's center of effort forward and forcing the bow away from the wind. This aerodynamic manipulation executes a rapid bearing off maneuver under sail.