What should you do when wind velocity increases?

• A. Increase mainsail tension only.
• B. Decrease sail area and head up.
• C. Bear away to reduce angle.
• D. Ease mainsail and feather, anticipate by hiking.

Answer: (D)

When wind increases, the boat can become overpowered and heel more, so the first priority is to reduce sail power and keep the boat balanced. Easing the mainsail lets wind spill out, which reduces lift on the sail and lowers the heeling force. Feathering the sail means trimming it so it presents less surface to the wind, helping the sail react smoothly to gusts rather than slamming. Anticipating by hiking—you and your crew moving to the windward side to increase the righting moment—helps counteract the extra heel and keeps the boat upright and stable. The other options either add power, reduce sail area too abruptly without addressing balance, or rely on changing course rather than controlling the sail and crew position in the gust. So the best response is to ease the mainsail and feather it, and to hike to maintain balance.