[40] Midway between the sides of the vessel.
[41] Instead of larboard, when speaking of the helm, port is the proper term, in contrariety to starboard, used for the sake of distinctness in directing the helmsman.
[42] Stout ropes which lead, one from each side the main boom, near its outer end, through a block on its respective side the mast, just under the cross-trees, whence it descends about half-way, and is connected to the deck or gunwale by a tackle.
[43] Jib and foresail.
N.B. If you are obliged to jibe as above, you must, in the following directions for bringing the wind on your beam, read larboard for starboard, and vice versâ.
BRINGING THE VESSEL WITH THE WIND ON THE LARBOARD BEAM.[44]
[44] That is, athwart or across the waist of the vessel, called a-beam, because it is in the same direction that her beams lay, or at right angles with her keel. Her head is then eight points from the wind.—The wind is said to be abaft the beam, or before the beam, according as the vessel’s head is more or less than eight points from the wind.
Supposing that you have not jibed, starboard the helm a little, and let the vessel spring her luff[45] with her head to the northward. Slack the boom guy, and haul in the main-sheet. Haul aft[46] the jib-sheet, and bowline[47] the foresail.
[45] Sail nearer to the wind.
[46] That is, toward the hinder part or stern.