mile—A nautical mile equals one sixtieth of a degree of latitude, and varies from 6,046 feet at the equator to 6,092 in latitude 60 degrees.
mizzen—Generally the third mast from the bow of a ship carrying three or more masts is called the mizzenmast. The sails set from this mast have the word “mizzen” prefixed to their names, as mizzen topsail, mizzen topgallant sail, etc. Also parts of the mast prefix the word, as mizzen topmast.
moonraker (or moonsail)—In square-rigged ships the sail set above the skysail. (Very rare.)
moor—To moor is to make a ship fast to a mooring which is a kind of permanent anchor to which a buoy is attached.
Mother Carey’s chicken—A small seabird, properly called the stormy petrel (Procellaria pelagica).
nautical mile—See MILE.
naval architecture—The science of designing vessels.
navigation—The science which enables seamen to determine their positions at sea and to lay down courses to be followed.
nun buoy—A buoy which shows above water in the shape of a cone.
oakum—A substance to which old ropes are reduced when picked to pieces. It is used in calking the seams of boats and in stopping leaks.