To Weigh the Anchor.—To heave it up from the bottom to the bow of the yacht.
Ashore.—On land, aground.
Astern.—Behind the yacht.
Athwart.—Across.
Athwart-Ships.—Any thing lying at right angles to the line of the keel, or nearly so.
Avast.—To cease pulling, to stop.
A-weather.—The helm is said to be a-weather when the tiller is put over to the windward side of the yacht; and "hard a-weather," when it is put over as far as it will go.
Awning.—A canvas covering stretched overhead, to give protection from the heat of the sun.
Back-Stays.—Ropes fixed at the topmasthead, and fastened to the sides of the yacht to sustain the topmast.
Ballast.—A quantity of heavy material placed in the hold of the yacht to give her proper stability.