Glossary Archive

To loosen a line, rope, or sheet on a vessel, reducing tension. Slack off is a term commonly used in maritime contexts to describe the act of easing or reducing the tension on a rope, line, or sheet aboard a vessel. This action is often performed to adjust the position or strain of a sail,...

The short period of still water occurring at the turn of the tide, when the tidal current changes direction and its speed is minimal. Slack water is a term used in marine and tidal contexts to describe the brief interval of calm water that occurs between the ebb and flood tides. During this period, the...

The underpart of the forward part of the hull hitting the water when pitching in heavy seas

Flag semaphore indicating the letter S.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter S.

A metal or plastic fitting on the luff or foot of a sail running in a track on the mast or boom

To let go quickly

An inclined ramp leading into the sea

A small to mid-sized sailboat larger than a dinghy, with one mast bearing a main sail and head sail.

Gap between two sails.