| Ease |
To loosen or let out a line. |
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| Fairlead |
A deck fitting used to change the direction of a working line without excessive friction or chaffing. |
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| Fall off |
To move away form the wind. |
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| Feathering |
Sailing upwind so close to the wind that the sail is luffing. |
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| Fender |
Protective device placed alongside the freeboard to protect the hull. |
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| Foot |
The bottom part of a sail. |
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| Foremast |
The forward mast of a boat with more than one mast. |
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| Forepeak |
The compartment farthest forward in the bow of a boat. It is often used for storing the anchor of sails. |
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| Foresail |
The jib. |
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| Forestay |
A wire running from the bowsprit (or foredeck) to the top (or near the top) of the mast to support the mast. |
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| Freeboard |
The distance from the deck to the waterline. |
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| Furl |
To fold or roll a sail and secure it to its main support. |
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| Gaff |
A spar that supports the head of a sail. |
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| Galley |
A nautical term for kitchen. |
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| Genoa |
A large foresail (jib) that overlaps the mainsail. It's also sometimes called a genny and is the largest jib sail. |
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| Gooseneck |
A fitting that connects the boom to the mast. |
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| Go about |
To tack. |