| Cabin |
The sleeping quarters aboard a boat. |
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| Capsize |
To turn a boat over. |
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| Cast off |
To release lines holding a boat to shore or mooring. |
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| Catamaran |
Twin hulled boat. |
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| Chock |
A guide for a docking, mooring or anchor line attached to the deck. |
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| Cleat |
A metal fitting to which a rope is belayed. |
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| Clew |
The lower aft corner of a sail. |
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| Close-hauled |
Sailing as close as possible to the wind. |
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| Close reach |
Sailing towards the wind but not yet close-hauled. |
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| Cockpit |
The area, below deck level, that is somewhat more protected than the open deck, from which the tiller or wheel is handled. |
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| Compass |
A navigational device, which shows the direction of magentic north. |
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| Course |
The point of the compass on which a boat is sailing. |
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| Dinghy |
A small open boat, usually carried aboard a yacht for going ashore. |
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| Downhaul |
A line, attached to the tack that adjusts tension in the sail. |
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| Downwind |
To leeward. |
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| Draft |
The depth of a boat at its lowest point below the waterline. |
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| Drift |
To be carried by a current. |