The command given to the crew to prepare to tack is what?

The command given to the crew to prepare to tack is what?

• A. Rail
• B. Reach
• C. Ready About
• D. Ready to Jibe

Answer: (C)

Tacking requires coordinating the crew as the boat turns the bow through the wind. Before you begin that turn, you call for everyone to get ready so the sails can be trimmed and the crew can move to the correct side without snagging lines or losing balance. The phrase used to signal this preparation is “Ready about.” It tells the crew to brace themselves, settle the sheets, and be prepared to shift weight and hands as the boat passes through the wind. This is the best choice because it specifically signals preparation for a tack. The other options don’t fit the situation: “Reach” describes a point of sail, not a command; “Rail” isn’t a standard preparatory command; and “Ready to jibe” would pertain to a gybe, which is turning the stern through the wind and involves a different maneuver and set of precautions.

Tacking requires coordinating the crew as the boat turns the bow through the wind. Before you begin that turn, you call for everyone to get ready so the sails can be trimmed and the crew can move to the correct side without snagging lines or losing balance. The phrase used to signal this preparation is “Ready about.” It tells the crew to brace themselves, settle the sheets, and be prepared to shift weight and hands as the boat passes through the wind.

This is the best choice because it specifically signals preparation for a tack. The other options don’t fit the situation: “Reach” describes a point of sail, not a command; “Rail” isn’t a standard preparatory command; and “Ready to jibe” would pertain to a gybe, which is turning the stern through the wind and involves a different maneuver and set of precautions.