US Sailing Basic Keelboat Practice Test

Which term refers to the person responsible for steering the boat?

Helmsman Head-to-wind Helm Headstay

Correct Answer:

Helmsman

Explanation:

The main idea is naming the person who steers the boat. The term for the person at the steering position is the helmsman. The helm refers to the steering apparatus itself (wheel or tiller), so calling the person the helm isn’t correct. Head-to-wind describes a direction or sailing attitude—bow pointing into the wind—rather than a person. The headstay is a cable that supports the mast and has nothing to do with steering. So the best term for the person steering is helmsman.

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