The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

The device that enables remote detection of "electromagneticly conspicous" objects through its ability to transmit radio signals and detect their return after being reflected from an object.

A disturbed column of water around and behind a pleasure craft as it makes its way through the water. It includes both the charastic "V" shaped wave pattern and the turbulent wated thrown Back by the propellers.

A detailed look: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/jul2001/994688283.Ph.r.html

Right side of the Ship when facing Forward.

Named as such after a contraction called a Steering Board, from ancient ships. This was a Rudder like contraption that was situated on the right side of the vessel (as the left or Port side of the vessel needed to be kept free for tieing up to the Dock)

To Ease a Rope a little, and then Belay it..

A disease historically common to seaman, caused by lack of Vitamin C the British Navy started to fight it bu adding lime juice to their water - this was the origin of the slan "Limey"

A Knot used to tie two ropes of unequal thickness together.

Also known as the weaver´s knot

A disease historically common to seaman, caused by lack of Vitamin C the British Navy started to fight it bu adding lime juice to their water - this was the origin of the slan "Limey"

A turn or swing of the Boat that puts the after quarter or Beam of the Boat against the waves in a heavy sea, creating a danger of swamping or capsizing.

A figure with the complete 360° directional system displayed as a circle with each degree graduated upon it, and with the 0° indicated as True North. Also called true rose. This is printed on nautical charts to indicate the reference direction.

(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 somewhat dirogatory term from the British navy that describes a post-captain that has been promoted to admiral on retirement such that they never served at that rank.

Before 1864 the British fleet was divided into Red, White, and Blue squadrons, with the admirals taking their rank from their squadronal colour. Blue being junior to white which was in turn junior to red.

A Yellow Admiral, therefore did not fit and thus had no real rank at all.

After the Napoleonic War (1803-1815) there ...

1. A shore that wind blows onto; it is best to Stay well off a Lee shore in a storm.

2. Sometimes used as a metaphor in an expression to signify danger.

A wire support Line from the masthead to the Bow - upon which the Headsails are hoisted.

The small light sails set above the skysails on square-rigged masts in light winds.

Square, usually Ship, rigged sailing vessels and large sailing merchantman, especially in the last days of commerical sailing.

The orginal term windjamer was intented as insult from the crews of steamships.

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

An instrument used to keep a printed record of atmospheric pressure, such as on a paper drum.

A sudden violent blast of wind.