The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

Used on most GPS receivers and Chart plotters as the primary Heading reference - since GPS can only plot a position the calculated Heading it estimated based on changes over tile is a Course Over Ground.

1. To slack a tackle and thereby increase the distance apart of the blocks in that tackle by manually running the Rope backwards through the sheaves.

2. The action of passing another vessel.

3. Sometimes used to refer to a refit of a vessel - inspecting and repaiting propulsion and mechanical systems on Board.

1. Away from the direction from which the wind is blowing.

2. Sheltered from the wind.

One minute of Latitude, 1.85 km or 6076 feet - aproximately 1/8 longer than the US statute mile of 5280 feet.

A favorite dish for the crew of tall ships. It could consist of almost anything, but the propper dish consisted of layers of meat, vegetables, and fish alternating with crusts of bread and/or broken biscuit - affectionately referred to as a Two or Three decker based on the number of layers.

1) To Secure or bind something using Rope or twine.

Playing by climbing around in the Rigging. Especially when done as high as possible.  

To put up the Helm to Windward so that the vessel turns further away from the wind.

A term, from the Navigational Rules, used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.

1. The tallest Mast of the Ship, on a Schooner, the Mast furthest Aft.

Also Bosun, bos´n, bo´s´n, and bo´sun, all of which are pronounced Bosun. A crew member responsible for keeping the Hull, Rigging and sails in good repair.

1. Outside the confines of the Hull.

2. Away from the side of the Hull when referring to an object that is on the Inboard side of the Hull.

3. A detachable engine mounted on a boat´s Stern.

Lines used to haul up sails and/or yards (thus the origin: haul - Yard).

A Sail having battens that run the full horizontal length of the Sail.

A sailing vessel with at least 2 masts, Foremast and Mainmast, with the Mainmast being the taller.

The Word derives from the term "schoon/scoon" meaning to move smoothly and quickly.

A Spar usually fixed horizontally to a Mast that supports a Sail.

A signboard attached to a Daybeacon to convey navigational information presenting one of several standard shapes and Colors. Daymarks usually have reflective material indicating the shape, but may also be lighted.

A system for clasifying wind strengths and sea conditions:

1 Light Air Or just sufficient to give steerage way.  
2 Light Breeze Or that in which a man-of-war with all Sail set, and clean full would go in smooth water from. 1 to 2 knots
3 Gentle Breeze 3 to 4 knots
4 Moderate Breeze 5 to 6 knots
5 Fresh Breeze Or that to which a well-conditioned man-of-war could just carry in chase, full and by. Royals.
6 Strong Breeze Single-reefed topsails and top-gal. Sail
7 Moderate Ga...