Simon
Kettlebottom's Sea Terminology
Being
a list of Nautical Terms, for use by New Sailors,
~or~
Those who Wish to Sound like them.
- ABOUT SHIP! or READY ABOUT!
- A command of the boatswain to the crew, and implies that all the hands
are to be attentive, and at their stations for tacking.
- ALL IN THE WIND - The state
of a ship's sails when they are parallel to the direction of the wind,
so as to shake, or quiver.
- UNDER BARE POLES - When
a ship has no sail set.
- BITTER END - The last part
of a rope or chain. The inboard end of the anchor rope.
- DOWNHAUL - The rope by
which any sail is hauled down.
- NAUTICAL MILE - One minute
of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute
mile of 5280 feet.
- SCUPPERS - Drain holes
on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks (with drain pipes) in the
deck itself.
- Bonus term: SHIVER
ME TIMBERS! - Expression of astonishment with no historical origin.
Made up for a pirate film.
More definitions will
follow...
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