Glossary

Catenary

The curved shape that a rope assumes when it is hung loose from two points that are roughly horizontal

Cleat�the line off

Tie the line to a cleat on the dock.

Fetch

The distance over water that the wind acts on to generate and grow waves. The longer the distance the bigger the waves which is why lakes don't get as large of waves as the ocean.

Gybe

Term for violent swinging of the mainsail as you turn the boat downwind and the wind suddenly catches the other side of the sail

Jib

The small sail in front of the mainmast

Ketch

A two masted sailboat whose mizzen or back mast is short and in front of the ship's wheel

Light off

A Navy term meaning to turn on or start up

Main

The largest sail on the boat

Mizzen

The small sail in back that hangs off of the mizzen mast

Painter

The line used to tie the dinghy to the boat.

Scope

The ratio of the lenght of anchor chain let out to the depth of water.

Secure

A Navy term meaning to shut down or turn off

Spreader

The structural member on the mast that holds the shrouds out from the mast, giving it additional strength.

Cleat�the line off

Tie the line to a cleat on the dock.

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