Foul, wind. A wind which prevents the vessel heading the desired compass course, compelling her to beat.
Free, wind. A wind which allows the vessel to head the course desired. The amount to spare from the close-hauled course is sometimes designated. E.g., the wind four points free; the wind would allow the vessel to come four points nearer the wind than her course requires.
Frigate. See "Vessel."
Gage, weather and lee. A vessel, or fleet, is said to have the weather gage, when it is to windward of its opponent. Lee is opposite to weather.
Haul, to. To haul (to) the wind is to change the course to that nearest the direction whence the wind comes.
To haul down the colors: to strike, to surrender.
Heave Down. To incline a vessel on one side, by purchases at the lower mastheads.
Heave-to. (Hove-to.) To bring-to, (which see), and then to lay some sails aback, in order to keep the ship without movement ahead or astern.
Heel, to. To incline a vessel on one side by shifting the weights on board, such as guns. "On the heel": to be thus inclined.
Helm. The tiller, or bar, which like a handle turns the rudder, and thus changes the course of the vessel.