| Lanyard |
A line used to secure any small object. |
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| Latitude |
An angular measurement in degrees north or south from the equator, which is 0. |
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| Lazarette |
A storage compartment at the stern. |
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| Lee |
The side sheltered from the wind. |
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| Leech |
The back edge of a sail. |
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| Leech line |
A line running through the leech of a sail for tightening the sail. |
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| Leeward |
The direction toward which the wind is blowing. |
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| Leeway |
The drift of a vessel to leeward caused by the wind or tide. |
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| Lifeline |
A cable fence around the deck to assist in preventing crew from falling overboard. |
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| Listing |
The leaning of a boat to one side because of excess weight on that side. |
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| Log |
The record of a boat's progress. |
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| Longitude |
An angular measurement in degrees east or west of Greenwich, England, which is 0. |
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| Luff |
The forward edge of a sail. |
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| Luffing |
Stalling or flapping the sail at its forward edge, or over the entire sail. |
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| Mainsail |
The sail that is attached to the mast and boom. Also called main. |
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| Mainsheet |
The line that controls the boom. |