The opening between the jib and the mainsail. Wind passing through this opening increases the pressure difference across the sides of the mainsail, helping to move the boat forward.

elegant, luxurious. Originally an acronym for Port Over Starboard Home. Created by British travelers to India or Australia, describing the preferred accommodations aboard ship, which lessened effects of the tropical sun on the cabins during the voyage.

The operation of secretly bringing goods into a country to avoid paying duty on the goods. Also applies to illicit goods.

The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit weight of a substance by one degree.

The ship's funnel or smokestack.

A raised portion of the hull forward of the cockpit intended to prevent water entering.

To permanently join two pieces of rope. It will not pass through a block since it increases the diameter

Air or vapor given off or expelled as a byproduct or result of an operation or treatment process.

A materials handling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY.

Wind coming from the south.

block

The rod connecting the disc to the lever on a valve.

See "Overland Common Points."

Along or around a coast.

The mount and housing for the compass, usually located on the wheel's pedestal.

A structure of heavy timbers placed between ground ways and cradle to support the ship during launching.

Blowdown.

A non-profit entity that represents the interests of a number of shippers. The main focus of shippers associations is to pool the cargo volumes of members to leverage the most favorable service contract rate levels.

A large balloon shaped lightweight sail used when running or reaching. Spinnakers are made of cloth very similar to that used for parachutes, which is why you may also hear them called chutes, or kites.

To put out a mooring, hawser or line from a ship to a point of attachment outside her.