The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary

The command to stop, or cease, in any operation.

A term for the engraving of the wind-rose on early charts and maps, extended after to include the compass-rose on later charts and maps.

To drop a Sail as quickly as possible.

A favorite dish for the crew of tall ships. It could consist of almost anything, but the propper dish consisted of layers of meat, vegetables, and fish alternating with crusts of bread and/or broken biscuit - affectionately referred to as a Two or Three decker based on the number of layers.

A shortening Knot, which enables a Rope to be shortened through a doubling along the length. The Sheepshank will easily untie if tension is not maintained.

A british naval song wirtten by David Garrick that starts:

´Come cheer up, my lads, ´tis to glory we steer,
To add something more to this wonderful year´

Set to music by Willian Boyce in 1759 and commerating that same year "the year of vistories" or "the wonderful year" as the song proclaims. This is based on the victories at Lagos, Quiberon Bay, and the capture of Quebec - which all occured in that year during the seven years war 1756-63.

It was later a traditional...

To put up the Helm to Windward so that the vessel turns further away from the wind.

When the wind, and thus the waves, are falling on a boat´s quarter.

(an older spelling for the word Luff)

1. (n) The leading edge of a Sail.

2. (v) The act of a Sail flapping in the wind.

3. (v) To bring the ship´s Head closer to the wind.

A team of members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary - Pacific that work to help the various units around the coast with their training and also evaluate members at higher levels - to help ensure that everyone is meeting the same standards.

With the straightforward meaning of being in a troublesome spot, the interesting thing is the origin of this expression.

The deep blue sea part is obvious - but in this case the "devil" is not the scary guy with horns but the Hull plank closest to the waterline where barnacles and marine growth gather the heaviest.

The crew on long voyages would always spend time maintaining the Ship and scraping the growth off this area was one of the nastiest of jobs.

Both due to the fact t...

A second Spar carried at the top of a Mast, used to fly more Sail.

Pockets in a Sail where battens can be placed to stiffen the Sail.

A sailboat or powerboat used for pleasure; ie: not a working Boat.

After mast  the 4th Mast on a five or 6 masted Schooner or sailing Ship carrying a spanker, or the mizzen Mast of a Yawl or a Ketch.

1. A hollow iron, steel or wood vessel  that is filled with water and sunk under another vessel by filling it with water. When the water is pumped out, the buoyancy of the Camel lifts the other vessel as well. Usually employed in pairs. At one time these

A system for clasifying wind strengths and sea conditions:

1 Light Air Or just sufficient to give steerage way.  
2 Light Breeze Or that in which a man-of-war with all Sail set, and clean full would go in smooth water from. 1 to 2 knots
3 Gentle Breeze 3 to 4 knots
4 Moderate Breeze 5 to 6 knots
5 Fresh Breeze Or that to which a well-conditioned man-of-war could just carry in chase, full and by. Royals.
6 Strong Breeze Single-reefed topsails and top-gal. Sail
7 Moderate Ga...