The practically steady winds blowing toward the equator, N.E. in the northern and SE. in the southern hemisphere.

An occasional sprinkling dashed from the top of a wave by the wind, or by its striking an object.

Sailing term used to indicate a sailing vessel underway with no headsails set.

The part of a block which is opposite the swallow, which is where the line enters.

A keel that runs the length of the boat.

Sailor's term for being about to get married, a splice being used to join two ropes together.

A type of flag used to identify a boater's affiliation with a yacht club or boating organization.

A small multi-pronged anchor used on dinghies and small boats. Also used to drag along the bottom to recover something that has sunk.

The space between any decks.

Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds: U.K.,112)

Pieces of ice, about the size of a small house, that have broken off a glacier.

A unit used to measure the barometric pressure of the atmosphere. 1 millibar equals 0.03 inches of mercury.

A ship owned and armed by a private individual that is empowered by a government to fight with enemy ships and capture enemy shipping in time of war.

Pull the sail in by pulling on the sheet.

A figure marked on the side of merchant vessels to indicate allowed loading depths. Named after Samuel Plimsoll, English Member of Parliament and maritime reformer.

A bunk which runs under the cockpit

A book with a record of every occurrence and incident concerning the ship.

A person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).

A container with no sides and frame members at the front and rear. Container can be loaded from the sides and top.