The Dictionary of English Nautical Language Database: Search Results
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Term:
leak (n)
Definition:
An opening in the hull that lets water in
Term:
leak (v)
Definition:
To take on water through gaps in the hull.
Term:
leaky (adj)
Definition:
Of a vessel that is not watertight.
Term:
leathers (n)
Definition:
Wrappings fastened around the oars at the point where they work in the oarlocks, to protect the oars from chafing, and make rowing quieter.
Term:
ledge (n)
Definition:
A reef or rock formation that is a hazard to navigation
See Also:
hazard, bank, sunker, ledge
Term:
lee (adv)
Definition:
From the ship’s position, the direction away from the apparent wind. Toward the side of the ship opposite the weather side.
See Also:
leeward
Term:
lee (adj)
Definition:
The side away from the direction of the wind.
See Also:
weather
Term:
lee deck (n)
Definition:
The side of the deck away from the wind, with some protection from wind and spray.
See Also:
lee, weather deck
Term:
lee helm (n)
Definition:
The tendency of a vessel to turn away from the wind. This is considered a dangerous characteristic since is makes steering difficult, and when the helm is left unattended the boat will tend to jibe.
See Also:
weather helm, balanced helm
Term:
lee shore (n)
Definition:
A shoreline that lies downwind of a ship’s position. The water’s edge in the direction toward which the wind is blowing. The term is used to describe a potentially dangerous situation since if the vessel loses control, it will be driven on that shore. “Never anchor under a lee shore.”
See Also:
weather shore, under the lee
Term:
leeboards (n)
Definition:
Heavy panels that pivot down into the water under the lee side of a light sailboat or sailing canoe and act as a keel or centerboard by improving lateral stability and tracking ability. These are also common in older designs of Dutch canal boats.
See Also:
centerboard, daggerboard
Term:
leech (n)
Definition:
The trailing edge of the three sided marconi sail. Also spelled leach.
Term:
leeward (pron: loo'ard) (adv)
Definition:
From or toward the side of the vessel that is away from the wind.
See Also:
alee, windward
Term:
leeway (n)
Definition:
1) Measurement of movement of a vessel to the side opposite the wind. 2) The amount of navigable seaway available to the lee of a vessel.
Term:
leg (n)
Definition:
The part of a course sailed on a single tack.
See Also:
board
Term:
leg of mutton sail (n)
Definition:
A sail that has the shape of a sheep’s leg. The term refers to the forerunners of the modern Bermuda rig, modified lateen sails mounted on spars that were stepped in thwarts, loose footed and canty.
See Also:
Bermuda rig
Term:
legend (n)
Definition:
The block of information on a chart that explains the symbols and terms used.
Term:
length on deck (LOD) (n)
Definition:
A measurement of a ship over the deck from the peak of the forward deck to the top of the transom.
See Also:
peak, transom
Term:
length over all (LOA) (n)
Definition:
One of the admeasurements of a ship, documenting the length of the ship from end to end, including any overhanging spars.
Term:
let go (v)
Definition:
To remove docklines from cleats and bitts and release them preparatory to getting underway.
See Also:
cast off
Term:
letters of marque (n)
Definition:
A document issued by a government granting permission for a private vessel to plunder a foreign state. The legal authority of a privateer.
See Also:
pirate
Term:
liberty ship (n)
Definition:
Any of the 2751 EC2 cargo ships built in the US during WWII and used to carry supplies to the Allies. The ships had a speed of 11 knots, and their five holds could carry over 9,000 tons of cargo. (Thanks to
US Merchant Marine)
