This 'five-o' was a large high performance dinghy and the wire you were hanging on is called a trapeze. You were holding your side of the boat down while the pressure of the wind in the sails was trying to blow it over. A small part of the force on the sails was making the boat go forwards and the rest was what you were counteracting.

You and either Bob or Richard were the crew and whoever was steering was the helmsman. (NOT helmsperson!)

Next question, please.

S