You are under sail on a close reach, and the wind is steady. While steady on course, you reef the mainsail and your speed slows. The apparent wind __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — decreases and draws aft

Reefing the mainsail reduces sail area and forward speed, altering the vector triangle of forces. Slower vessel speed decreases the forward headway component of apparent wind, causing the net apparent wind vector to drop in velocity and shift further aft toward the stern.