The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

A device that emits a responce in the band used by RADAR Transcievers when it detects a signal from the same. It creates a distinctive pattern on the receiving RADAR display which can be used to locate the object.

To lean out over the side of a smaller sailing vessel to balance it against the force of the wind. In some vessels an apparatus is rigged to assist in leaning our further called a trapeze.

At right angles to the fore-and-aft Line of the Boat; rowboat seats are generally positioned Athwartships.

Any wrongful act knowingly done by the master to the detriment of the owner of either Ship or cargo; done without knowledge or consent of owner.

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.

1) A tiwsting Knot made in a Bight of a Line to Secure to a hook or pin. Ideal for use with a sling where neither free end of the Rope is available.

2) A name given to a slight ripple on the water caused by a breeze during a calm.

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...

1. To go from one Tack to the other when running with the wind coming over the Stern.

2. The moment when the Boom swings across the Hull while changing tacks in this manner.

If handeled correctly a Fore and Aft rigged vessel should be able to Gybe safely regardless of wind strength. This is accomplished through easing Preventer tackle (if any) and by hauling in the main sheets so that there is less travel for the main Boom during the Gybe.

An unintentional Gybe, which can be the result ...

The skill of getting a vessel from one place to another.

An opening in the Deck for entering Below.

In the plural Landlubber usually referred to the general populous on shore. Landlubber itself was a derogatory term whereas in the plural it becomes more general and less of a "put-down"

A loading/landing platform extending at an angle from the shore.

1) To Secure or bind something using Rope or twine.

(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 type of broad shallow open or partly decked center-board sailing vessel which originated around the 1850. They carried tremendous Sail area for their size.

A Spar Forward of Bowsprit that supports the Forward most staysails.

An older name for a Messenger used to assist in weighing the Anchor.

A strong tropical revolving storm of force 12(65 mph) or higher in the northern hemisphere. Hurricanes revolve in a clockwise direction.