In smooth water, what is recommended for sails?

• A. Flatten sails and point high
• B. Fuller sails for more power
• C. Increase sail area
• D. Ease mainsheet

Answer: (A)

In smooth water, the most efficient trimming goal is to balance lift and drag to let you sail closer to the wind without overpowering the boat. Flattening the sails reduces their camber, which lowers drag and helps the sail work more efficiently at a higher pointing angle. With less power per square foot but better lift-to-drag performance, you can point higher while keeping the boat controllable and fast on calm seas.

Reasoning about the other options: fuller sails would provide more power but increase drag and weather helm, making close-hauled progress harder in smooth water. Simply increasing sail area adds even more force and drag, which isn’t ideal for maintaining speed and stability. Easing the mainsheet reduces trim and power, slowing you down and making it harder to sail high toward the wind.