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

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

C. 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

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

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

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

C. 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

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

C. 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

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