Answer
The base is 36 yards
Work Step by Step
Let $x$ yards be the base
Since the base of the triangular sail is 4 times the height, the height is = $\frac{x}{4}$.
Area of the triangular sail = 162 sq. yards
Therefore, $x \cdot \frac{x}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 162$
$x^2 = (162)(8)$
$x = \pm 36$
$x = -36$ (rejected)
Hence, x = 36 yards, the base is 36 yards.
