Why is dressing in layers, with genuinely waterproof outer gear, particularly important when sailing compared with many land-based activities?

A. Clothing choice makes no meaningful difference to comfort or safety on a boat

B. Conditions on the water change faster and feel colder than the equivalent air temperature ashore (wind chill, spray, and the cooling effect of being wet all add up), and getting properly cold and wet doesn't just cause discomfort — it degrades judgement, dexterity, and can contribute meaningfully to fatigue and even hypothermia risk over time

C. Waterproof gear is only necessary during named storms, not routine sailing

D. Layering is a preference with no practical safety rationale behind it

A. Port and starboard change depending on which way the boat is facing

B. Port is the left-hand side and starboard is the right-hand side of the boat, when facing forward (toward the bow) — these terms are fixed to the boat itself, not to the direction you happen to be looking

C. Port refers to the front of the boat and starboard refers to the back

D. These terms are only used on larger commercial vessels, never on small craft

A. Always move as quickly as possible regardless of conditions

B. Keep one hand for yourself and one for the boat — maintain a secure handhold wherever practical, and move deliberately rather than rushing, especially in any kind of sea state

C. It doesn't matter how you move around, as long as you get where you need to be

D. Only the skipper needs to think about safe movement around the boat