US Sailing Basic Keelboat Practice Test

What term describes a straight course between two points?

Reef Reeve Rhumb line Roach

Correct Answer:

Rhumb line

Explanation:

A rhumb line is the path that keeps a constant bearing from start to finish. On navigation charts, this appears as a straight line, which is why it’s described as a straight course between two points. The key idea is that you’d maintain the same compass direction along the entire route, even though it isn’t the shortest path on the globe (that would be a great-circle route). The other terms refer to things not about navigation courses: reef is a rock or coral formation, reeve is to thread a rope through something, and roach relates to sail or hull shape, not a navigation line.

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