Tightening the downhaul does what to the sail?

• A. Pulls down on the luff and flattens the sail
• B. Increases the sail area
• C. Raises the boom
• D. Loosens the leech

Answer: (A)

Tightening the downhaul increases tension along the luff, pulling the leading edge down toward the deck and down the mast. That extra tension flattens the sail, reducing its draft (camber). A flatter sail holds its shape better when sailing close to the wind and in stronger wind, which is useful for depowering and maintaining control. It doesn’t increase the sail area, it doesn’t raise the boom, and it doesn’t loosen the leech—the downhaul specifically tightens the luff to shape the sail.