STRETCHING, in navigation, is generally understood to imply the progression of a ship under a great surface of sail, when close-hauled. The difference between this phrase and standing, is apparently in the quantity of sail, which, in the latter, may be very moderate; but in stretching, generally signifies excess: as, we saw the enemy at day-break stretching to the southward, under a crowd of sail, &c.
To STRIKE, in navigation, to run ashore, or to beat upon the ground in passing over a bank or shallow.
To Strike also implies to lower or let down any thing; as an ensign, or topsail, in saluting; or, as the yards and topmasts in tempestuous weather. It is, however, more particularly used to express the lowering of the colours, in token of surrender, to a victorious enemy.
STRING in ship-building, the highest range of planks in a ship’s ceiling; or that which lies between the gunnel, and the upper edge of the upper deck-ports, as expressed by T in the Midship-Frame, plate [VII].
To STRIP the masts, defuner, is to unrig a ship, or deprive the masts of their machinery and furniture; an exercise which is otherwise called dismantling.
STROKE, a single sweep of the oars in rowing. Hence they say, Row a long stroke! longue rime! which is intended to push the vessel forward more steddily. See the article Oar; as also the French term Nager, and the phrases following it.
Plate xi.
Geometrical Elevation of the Stern of a 1st 2d Rate.
Strokesman, the person who rows the hindmost oar in a boat, and gives the stroke, which the rest are to follow; so that all the oars may operate together.
STROP, etrope, a piece of rope spliced into a circular wreath, and used to surround the body of a block; so that the latter may be hung to any particular station about the masts, yards, or rigging. Thus, fig. 37. and 38. in plate [II]. represent two block-strops of different sorts. See Block and Eye.