Which action can help correct weather helm in light wind?

• A. Increase Mainsail Trim
• B. Ease Mainsail
• C. Push Centerboard Down
• D. Steer to Windward

Answer: (B)

Weather helm happens when the sail forces create a turning moment that pushes the bow into the wind. In light wind, trimming the mainsail in too tightly increases forward drive and shifts the sail’s center of effort forward, which makes the boat want to head up and the rudder work harder to counter that tendency. Easing the mainsail reduces that forward pull, shifts the force aft, and lets the boat sail more neutrally, decreasing the weather helm.

Of the other options, increasing trim would increase the forward pull and worsen helm, pushing centerboard changes without addressing the sail-induced turning moment, and steering to windward typically worsens the tendency to head into the wind rather than fixing it.