What is the centerboard's primary responsibility?

• A. Rigging
• B. Steering
• C. Navigation
• D. Propulsion

Answer: (B)

Providing lateral resistance to prevent leeway is what the centerboard primarily does. By offering a surface that resists the wind pushing the hull sideways, the boat stays more on its intended path, especially when sailing upwind. This reduced sideways drift means the helm (steering) can more effectively point the boat where you intend, because the rudder is working with a hull that isn’t sliding off to leeward as much. The other functions listed aren’t the centerboard’s role: rigging relates to sails and lines, navigation is about charting and traveling a course, and propulsion is about moving the boat forward, which on a sailing craft isn’t provided by the centerboard itself.