ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification Exam
| Complete Practice Exam Study Guide with Actual
Questions, Verified Correct Answers and
Rationales | Latest Update 2026/2027 – Already
Graded A+
Question 1
The mainsail should be raised when the sailboat is oriented _______ to _______.
A. Head, wind
B. Beam, horizon
C. Stern, dock
D. Starboard, buoy
Answer: A
Rationale: Raising the mainsail head-to-wind minimizes flogging and makes
hoisting easier.
Question 2
The combination of the true wind and the wind created by the boat's motion (that
we feel on the boat) is called ________ wind.
A. Relative
B. Apparent
C. True
D. Vector
Answer: B
Rationale: Apparent wind is the wind felt on the boat, combining true wind and
boat speed.
pg. 1
,Question 3
Changing tacks by turning the boat so its stern passes through the wind is called
___________.
A. Tacking
B. Coming about
C. Jibing
D. Gybing
Answer: C (also D)
Rationale: A jibe (gybe) turns the stern through the wind; a tack turns the bow
through the wind.
Question 4
The _______ is an underwater fin fixed on the bottom of the sailboat that provides
stability and lateral resistance.
A. Hull
B. Keel
C. Mast
D. Rudder
Answer: B
Rationale: The keel provides ballast and prevents sideways drift.
Question 5
The "golden rule" of sail trim is: "When in ___ let it ___."
A. Heading up
B. Gooseneck
C. Cleat hitch
D. Doubt, out
Answer: D
Rationale: When in doubt, let it out—ease sheets to depower.
Question 6
Change the sail's angle to the wind by ___.
pg. 2
,A. Ease or trim the sail
B. Change the boat's heading
C. Adjust the traveler
D. Move the crew weight
Answer: A
Rationale: Easing or trimming sheets changes the sail's angle to the wind.
Question 7
The - vessel's obligation is to maintain ______ and speed.
A. Stand-on, course
B. Early, substantial, stand-on
C. Give-way, course
D. Give-way, speed
Answer: A
Rationale: The stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed.
Question 8
The shape of the mainsail may be changed by adjusting tension in the edges of the
sail. Halyard or downhaul/Cunningham affects the ___.
A. Lee
B. Leech
C. Luff
D. Mast
Answer: C
Rationale: Halyard/Cunningham tension affects the luff (forward edge).
Question 9
Tightening the downhaul or Cunningham moves the draft of the mainsail ______.
A. Aft
B. Up
C. Down
D. Forward
pg. 3
, Answer: D
Rationale: Tightening the downhaul pulls the draft forward and flattens the sail.
Question 10
The fastest way to change the sail's power is to change its ___ to the ___.
A. Trim, boom
B. Angle, wind
C. Angle, mast
D. Sheet, clew
Answer: B
Rationale: Changing the sail's angle to the wind rapidly changes power.
Question 11
On-board orientation: section of boat between mast and stern.
A. Forward
B. Ahead
C. Fore
D. Aft
Answer: D
Rationale: Aft is toward the stern.
Question 12
Any sailboat under 26 feet in length with an engine must carry a ___.
A. Flares
B. Fire extinguisher
C. Life jacket
D. First aid kit
Answer: B
Rationale: Powered boats under 26 ft must carry a fire extinguisher.
pg. 4
| Complete Practice Exam Study Guide with Actual
Questions, Verified Correct Answers and
Rationales | Latest Update 2026/2027 – Already
Graded A+
Question 1
The mainsail should be raised when the sailboat is oriented _______ to _______.
A. Head, wind
B. Beam, horizon
C. Stern, dock
D. Starboard, buoy
Answer: A
Rationale: Raising the mainsail head-to-wind minimizes flogging and makes
hoisting easier.
Question 2
The combination of the true wind and the wind created by the boat's motion (that
we feel on the boat) is called ________ wind.
A. Relative
B. Apparent
C. True
D. Vector
Answer: B
Rationale: Apparent wind is the wind felt on the boat, combining true wind and
boat speed.
pg. 1
,Question 3
Changing tacks by turning the boat so its stern passes through the wind is called
___________.
A. Tacking
B. Coming about
C. Jibing
D. Gybing
Answer: C (also D)
Rationale: A jibe (gybe) turns the stern through the wind; a tack turns the bow
through the wind.
Question 4
The _______ is an underwater fin fixed on the bottom of the sailboat that provides
stability and lateral resistance.
A. Hull
B. Keel
C. Mast
D. Rudder
Answer: B
Rationale: The keel provides ballast and prevents sideways drift.
Question 5
The "golden rule" of sail trim is: "When in ___ let it ___."
A. Heading up
B. Gooseneck
C. Cleat hitch
D. Doubt, out
Answer: D
Rationale: When in doubt, let it out—ease sheets to depower.
Question 6
Change the sail's angle to the wind by ___.
pg. 2
,A. Ease or trim the sail
B. Change the boat's heading
C. Adjust the traveler
D. Move the crew weight
Answer: A
Rationale: Easing or trimming sheets changes the sail's angle to the wind.
Question 7
The - vessel's obligation is to maintain ______ and speed.
A. Stand-on, course
B. Early, substantial, stand-on
C. Give-way, course
D. Give-way, speed
Answer: A
Rationale: The stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed.
Question 8
The shape of the mainsail may be changed by adjusting tension in the edges of the
sail. Halyard or downhaul/Cunningham affects the ___.
A. Lee
B. Leech
C. Luff
D. Mast
Answer: C
Rationale: Halyard/Cunningham tension affects the luff (forward edge).
Question 9
Tightening the downhaul or Cunningham moves the draft of the mainsail ______.
A. Aft
B. Up
C. Down
D. Forward
pg. 3
, Answer: D
Rationale: Tightening the downhaul pulls the draft forward and flattens the sail.
Question 10
The fastest way to change the sail's power is to change its ___ to the ___.
A. Trim, boom
B. Angle, wind
C. Angle, mast
D. Sheet, clew
Answer: B
Rationale: Changing the sail's angle to the wind rapidly changes power.
Question 11
On-board orientation: section of boat between mast and stern.
A. Forward
B. Ahead
C. Fore
D. Aft
Answer: D
Rationale: Aft is toward the stern.
Question 12
Any sailboat under 26 feet in length with an engine must carry a ___.
A. Flares
B. Fire extinguisher
C. Life jacket
D. First aid kit
Answer: B
Rationale: Powered boats under 26 ft must carry a fire extinguisher.
pg. 4
