Vane. A fly worn at the mast-head, made of feathers or buntine, traversing on a spindle, to show the direction of the wind. (See Dog Vane.)
Vang. (See Plate 1.) A rope leading from the peak of the gaff of a fore-and-aft sail to the rail on each side, and used for steadying the gaff.
'Vast. (See Avast.)
Veer. Said of the wind when it changes. Also, to slack a cable and let it run out. (See Pay.)
To veer and haul, is to haul and slack alternately on a rope, as in warping, until the vessel or boat gets headway.
Viol, or Voyal. A larger messenger sometimes used in weighing an anchor by a capstan. Also, the block through which the messenger passes.
Waist. That part of the upper deck between the quarter-deck and forecastle.
Waisters. Green hands, or broken-down seamen, placed in the waist of a man-of-war.
Wake. The track or path a ship leaves behind her in the water.
Wales. Strong planks in a vessel's sides, running her whole length fore and aft.