Which term means to loosen a line or sail to reduce wind loading?

• A. Ease
• B. Trim
• C. Jibe
• D. Reef

Answer: (A)

Depowering the sail by loosening a line is called easing. When you ease a sheet, you let the line out so the sail spills wind instead of holding it tightly. That lowers the sail’s driving force and the load on the rig, which helps control the boat in strong wind or gusts. You might ease the mainsheet to reduce main power or ease a jib sheet to reduce jib power, depending on which sail you’re depowering. By contrast, trimming is tightening and shaping the sail for speed, jibing is turning through the wind, and reefing is reducing sail area. So the term for loosening a line or sail to reduce wind loading is ease.