I agree I could have posed the question better.

However, if you don't like my questions, a smart guy like
you Jeff, is free to post some better ones!

Bring them on!



Bart Senior wrote
Solution:

Because you are about to shut off the engine!

The hints we Lazy, smart, sailor...

The reason is simple. If you are lazy and smart you don't
want to trim the sail twice. If you are a sailor, you would not
want to leave the engine on.

So, you trim the sail to luff slightly, as you motor. Then
shut off the engine, the boat slows down, the apparent wind
swings slightly aft, and you find the sail is now trimmed
correctly.

You can see how I knew immeditately this fellow was a
good sailor. He was thinking ahead.

It was a tough one.


Bart Senior wrote

Another question inspired by a Dutch sailor. I caught on
to what he was doing, because I was not occupied with
anything else at the time. No one else on board did.

Impress me with your genius! [15 points]

While motor sailing, close hauled, you trim your jib so that it is
slightly luffing?

Why would you do this?