The adjustment of the standing rigging, the sails and the hull to balance the boat for optimum performance.

A topsail on the main mast.

A crack or hole that accidentally admits a gas or lets it escape.

Half of a sphere. On the globe hemispheres are used to describe the halves of the earth north or south of the equator.

To charge more than the proper amount according to the published rates.

A location that is not sheltered from the wind and seas. An open location would not make a good anchorage.

Seaward, a safe distance from shore; To keep an offing is to keep a safe distance away from the coast because of navigational dangers, fog, or other hazards.

A type of schooner without a bowsprit.

Rope made of the fibers of the hemp plant and used for small stuff or less than 24 thread (1.75 inch circumference). (Rope is measured by circumference, wire by diameter.)

A shore that wind blows onto; it is best to stay well off a lee shore in a storm

Abbreviation for "Government Bill of Lading."

A card marked in degrees and having sightings on it that is used to take bearings relative to the ship, rather than magnetic bearings as taken with a compass.

A small boat intended to be used only for short sails or racing.

To attain headway (to get going or pick up speed).

A publication setting forth the charges, rates and rules of transportation companies.

An L/C guaranteed by both the issuing and advising banks of payment so long as seller's documents are in order, and the L/C terms are met. Only applied to irrevocable L/C's. The confirming bank assumes the credit risk of the issuing bank.

Completely filled with water.

Sailing upwind so close to the wind that the forward edge of the sail is stalling or luffing, reducing the power generated by the sail and the angle of heel. Also known as pinching.

One who earns his living by service at sea.

A colorless odorless very poisonous gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon. Found in some ambient air conditions.