Your 20-ton ketch-rigged sailing vessel is sailing close hauled on the port tack in a moderate breeze with all sails properly trimmed. You wish to bear off quickly to avoid a floating hazard. To utilize your sails to assist with the turn, you should __________.

Question

Accepted Answer

Option B: slack the mizzen sheet. Slacking the mizzen sheet reduces the driving force at the stern. This imbalance causes the vessel's stern to be pushed to leeward by the wind, rapidly swinging the bow to leeward to avoid hazards.