Question 4

The Correct Answer is D. **Explanation of Option D (Correct):** The wing and wing configuration (also known as "goose-winged" or "running square") involves setting the two primary sails (usually the mainsail and the jib/genoa) on opposite sides of the boat, like wings. This configuration is specifically used when the vessel is sailing directly or nearly directly away from the wind source, a point of sail known as **running** (sailing with the wind aft). By having the sails deployed on opposite sides, the boat maximizes the surface area exposed to the wind coming from behind, efficiently propelling the vessel forward. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) If the vessel is wearing:** Wearing (or gybing) is the maneuver of turning the stern of the boat through the wind. While a wing and wing configuration might exist immediately before or after a controlled gybe when running, the act of **wearing** itself is a maneuver, not the condition under which the sails are primarily set wing and wing. The sails would be set wing and wing for the sustained **run**, not for the transition. **B) When the vessel is tacking in a head wind:** Tacking is the maneuver of turning the bow of the boat through the wind, used when sailing upwind (against a head wind). When tacking or sailing upwind, the sails are sheeted tightly on the same side of the boat (close-hauled or reaching) to generate lift. The wing and wing configuration is impossible and counterproductive when sailing into the wind. **C) If the vessel is close hauled:** Close hauled is the point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible (upwind). In this configuration, the sails are pulled in tight, and both the mainsail and the headsail must be on the same side of the boat to create optimal lift and drive. Setting the sails wing and wing while close hauled is impossible because the boom would be pulled far to center.