CHAPTER XVI.
GLOSSARY OF NAUTICAL TERMS.
Those nautical terms whose meanings have already been defined at some length in this work, will not be repeated in this glossary.
Aback.—Said of a sail when its sheet is to windward and it drives the vessel astern.
About.—On the other tack.
A-lee.—The position of the helm when it is put in an opposite direction to the wind.
A-peek.—When the chain is hove taut and the vessel is over her anchor.
A-trip.—Said of an anchor when it is hauled clear of the ground—same as weighed.
Balance Reef.—A diagonal reef in a fore-and-aft sail extending from throat to clews.
Battens.—Pieces of wood fastened to the reef-bands of lug sails to make them stand flat.
Beamy.—Broad; said of a vessel when her breadth is great in proportion to her length.