When clearing a pier against a current, the Coxswain should go ahead slowly and then put the rudder over toward the ______.

When clearing a pier against a current, the Coxswain should go ahead slowly and then put the rudder over toward the ______.

• A. Bow
• B. Stern
• C. Pier
• D. Port

Answer: (C)

The key idea is using a controlled yaw to keep the boat clear of the obstruction in a current. When you’re moving forward slowly past a pier, turning the rudder toward the pier creates a turning moment that makes the stern swing away from the pier. This helps you maintain a safe margin as the current and hull flow work together to move you past the obstruction. If you steer away from the pier, the stern would be pushed toward it, increasing the risk of contact. The focus here is on using the rudder to direct the stern away from the pier while you pass, with slow, careful forward motion to maintain control.

The key idea is using a controlled yaw to keep the boat clear of the obstruction in a current. When you’re moving forward slowly past a pier, turning the rudder toward the pier creates a turning moment that makes the stern swing away from the pier. This helps you maintain a safe margin as the current and hull flow work together to move you past the obstruction. If you steer away from the pier, the stern would be pushed toward it, increasing the risk of contact. The focus here is on using the rudder to direct the stern away from the pier while you pass, with slow, careful forward motion to maintain control.