5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
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V
Veer: 1, the wind veers when it shifts
in clockwise direction; 2, to pay out
anchor cable or rope in a gradual,
controlled way.
W
Wake: the disturbed water left astern
of a boat.
Waterline: the line along the hull at
which a boat floats.
Waterline length (WL): the length of
a boat from stem to stern at the
waterline. It governs the maximum
speed of displacement hull and
effects a boats rating.
Weather helm: ( opp. of lee helm).
Weather side: the side of a boat on
which the wind is blowing.
Wetted surface: the area of the hull
under water.
Whisker pole: a light pole used to
hold out the clew of a headsail when
running.
Winch: a mechanical device,
consisting usually of a metal drum
turned by a handle, around which a
line is wound to give the crew more
purchasing power when hauling taut
a line, e.g. a jib sheet.
Windage: those parts of a boat that
increase drag, e.g., rigging, spars,
crew, etc.
Windlass: a winch with a horizontal
shaft and a vertical handle, used to
haul up the anchor chain.
Windward: the direction from which
the wind blows; towards the wind
(opp. of leeward).
Y
Yawl: a two masted boat with a
mizzen stepped aft of the rudder
stock/ post.
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