Magnetic North. The area on the surface of the earth toward which the needle of a magnetic compass points.
Term:
magnitude (n)
Definition:
The apparent brightness of a star as measured against a standard brightness scale.
Term:
mail boat (n)
Definition:
A British ship that calls at ports around the commonwealth carrying passengers and Royal Mail.
Term:
main (n)
Definition:
1) Deep oceans. The high seas. 2) Mainsail , Mainmast.
See Also:
off soundings, deeps, mainsail, mainmast
Term:
mainmast (n)
Definition:
The highest of the masts of a sailboat, or, on a ship with masts of equal height, the mast farthest aft.
Term:
mainsail (n)
Definition:
The principal and largest sail in a sailplan
Term:
mainsheet (n)
Definition:
The tackle used to control the angle of the mainsail to the wind.
See Also:
running rigging, sheet
Term:
make and break (adj)
Definition:
Describing the simple magneto ignition characteristics of a single cylinder engine once used in small motor boats. Often called a one-banger, these simple engines carried one or two flywheels to keep the engine turning until the next firing sequence.
Term:
make fast (v)
Definition:
1) To secure a line to a cleat with a hitch. 2) To secure a vessel to a dock.
Term:
make sail (v)
Definition:
To raise sails while getting underway.
See Also:
hoist
Term:
make water (v)
Definition:
To leak.
See Also:
leak
Term:
makefast (n)
Definition:
Any sturdy object to which a boat may be secured.
Term:
man (v)
Definition:
1) To take up a duty position, as in: “Man the pump, and clear the bilge.” 2) To supply a crew for a ship.
Term:
man of war, man o' war (n)
Definition:
A full rigged warship of the 17th Century, carrying square and lateen sails, and armed with cannons. The man o' war was a refinement of the Galleons of the 16th Century.
Term:
man overboard (interjection)
Definition:
1) A loudly shouted notification to the entire crew that a seaman has fallen off the vessel. 2) An emergency situation during which the crew is attempting to recover a crewman who has fallen off the vessel.
See Also:
man overboard drill
Term:
man overboard drill (n)
Definition:
A learning exercise for the entire crew to test their skills in recovering a seaman who has fallen off the vessel.
See Also:
man overboard
Term:
manifest (n)
Definition:
A document listing all the passengers and cargo on board.
See Also:
bill of lading
Term:
map (n)
Definition:
There is no such word in the lexicon of the sailor.
See Also:
chart
Term:
marconi rig (n)
Definition:
A triangular sail design having a pointed head by which it is hoisted to a tall mast.
See Also:
Bermuda rig, gaff rig
Term:
marina (n)
Definition:
A business complex offering docking and shore facilities for yachts.
