Jury rig. Sails set on jury masts.
Kedge. A small anchor.
Leech. The after edge of a fore-and-aft sail. The ends of a square sail.
Lee helm. When a tiller or helm must be held to leeward to prevent the boat from falling off the wind.
Leeward. The direction toward which the wind is blowing. Away from the wind.
Leg. The distance sailed on a tack in one direction.
Log. An instrument used to measure a boat’s speed or the distance travelled. A record of the ship’s travel and what has been done each day. A book in which the log is kept.
Long leg. The longest course sailed when tacking.
Luff. To bring the boat’s head to the wind. The forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
Lying to. Heading close into the wind under reduced sail so as to remain practically stationary.