The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

The total lenth of a vessel´s Hull measured from the furthest point Forward the the aftermost part - not including spars that protrude (eg: Bowsprit)

To steer the Boat more into the wind, this could have the effect of causing the sails to flap or Luff.

The direction of an object expressed as an agnle in degrees or Compass points from the vessel´s meridian, or , sometimes, from the direction of the Bow, Stern, or Beam.

An answer to the question "Where Away"

Canvas spread above the Deck as a protection against the sun or rain

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"

If not the only, then one of the few knots named after a person. This is a perminant stopper (or button) Knot that can be tiew with three or more strands. It is oftin tied in the end of a three-lay Rope and can be used as an ornamental finishing for Rope handles or even bell Rope knots.

There is a legend that goes with this Knot: supposidly...

Mathew Walker was a sailor, convicted of some crime, and at his trial the judge offered him clemency if he could demonstrait a Knot that the judge c...

Playing by climbing around in the Rigging. Especially when done as high as possible.  

1. To slack a tackle and thereby increase the distance apart of the blocks in that tackle by manually running the Rope backwards through the sheaves.

2. The action of passing another vessel.

3. Sometimes used to refer to a refit of a vessel - inspecting and repaiting propulsion and mechanical systems on Board.

error in the ship´s magnetic Compass caused by the Heel of the Ship. Usualy due to the Ship of the surrounding objectes with respect to the Compass card (which remains level due to its gimball) This may even affect compass´ employing correcting magnets as the respective positions will still be affected by the Heel of the vessel.

1. The curve of a vessel´s bottom where it merges into the side.
2. The space in a vessel beneath the sole.

A nickname for British sailors coined by the Americans. It referrs to the British regulation that all registered ships had to cary a supply of lime juice and issue the same to the crew to prevent Scurvy.

1) The distance a vessel keeps from shore

2) The part of sea viewable in the distance from shore (beyone any Anchorage) any where vessels would navigate.

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

A triangular Foresail in front of the Foremast.

A nickname for British ships coined by the Americans. It referrs to the British regulation that all registered ships had to cary a supply of lime juice and issue the same to the crew to prevent Scurvy.

A Spar running Forward from the Bow of a vessel. It functions as a horizontal Mast for the spritsail, fore-topmast staysail and, in conjunction with the Jibboom, the Jib.

A Navigation instrument used to measure the apparent height of a landmark whose actual height is known, such as the top of a lighthouse. From this information, the ship´s distance from that landmark can be calculated.

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...