While reducing sail, a crew member reports the forestay feels slack. The mast is still standing. What is the significance and what action is taken?

A. A slack forestay means the forestay may have been damaged or the turnbuckle loosened in the knockdown. If the forestay fails, the mast falls aft (aft-swept spreaders can hold it temporarily but not under load). Action: check the forestay terminal and turnbuckle visually; apply inner forestay or baby stay if fitted; avoid putting the headsail under full load; consider jury rigging a spare halyard to the bow as a temporary forestay; head for harbour

B. Sheet the headsail in hard — this tightens the forestay under load

C. The mast is standing — forestay condition is irrelevant until the vessel reaches harbour

D. A slack forestay is normal in light winds — only a concern in heavy weather

A. Release the mainsheet immediately — reducing sail power is the priority to prevent full knockdown. A free mainsheet allows the main to depowering (luff). Simultaneously steer to head up into wind if possible. Every second of full sail pressure at 70° heel risks the mast hitting the water

B. Apply full helm to bear away downwind — this immediately levels the boat

C. Radio the Coastguard — they need to know immediately before the capsize occurs

D. Hold course and speed — the squall will pass in seconds and the yacht will right herself without action

A. All crew move to the windward side — their weight will right the vessel faster

B. Account for all crew — confirm everyone is either aboard or on a safety line. Then: ease all sheets completely so sails cannot fill when she rights. The boat will usually self-right from 90° when sails are freed. Do not start the engine until the righting is confirmed and no lines are near the prop

C. Deploy the liferaft immediately — a knockdown flat is a capsize and the vessel must be abandoned

D. Start the engine and motor out of the heel — thrust will right the vessel