Rules of Racing
You must give way to a boat on this side.
What is starboard?
This controls the direction of the boat.
rudder
Turning the bow through the wind is called this.
tacking
Wind direction is shown by this on top of the mast
wind indicator
The Optimist is sailed by how many sailors
one
If you are on starboard tack, do you usually have the right of way?
Yes
This long piece sticks down into the water to reduce sideways drift.
daggerboard
Turning the stern through the wind is called this.
gybing (jibing)
Dark patches on the water usually mean this
more wind
Which Olympic sailing classes often begin with sailors who learned in Optimist
many Olympic classes
If another boat is on starboard tack, what should you do if you are on port
keep clear (give way)
This line controls the sail's power
mainsheet
Sitting on the side of the boat to keep it flat is called this.
hiking
Whitecaps usually tell sailors this.
the wind is getting stronger
What shape is the Optimist sail
roughly square (four-sided)
If you accidentally hit a mark during a race, what should you do?
take a One-Turn Penalty, 360
This pole holds the bottom of the sail.
boom
When sailing upwind, where should you usually look?
ahead for wind and other boats
Puffy clouds and shifting winds often mean what
changing weather
What is the nickname many sailors use for the Optimist
Opti
Even if you have the right of way, what should you always try to avoid?
a collision (hitting another boat)
This spar holds the top of the sail.
mast
Why is a flat boat usually faster?
it creates less drag and sails more efficiently
What should sailors do if lightning is nearby
go ashore immediately
Name one thing that makes a great Opti sailor besides speed.
good sportsmanship, smart tactics, boat handling, or perseverance?