Aback

A sail that has been trimmed so the wind pushes against the reverse side of the cloth, filling it from behind.

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Related A-terms

AIS-MOB

A personal AIS man-overboard beacon that, when activated (usually automatically on immersi…

Anchor windlass

An electric or manual winch mounted on the foredeck that hauls and lowers the anchor chain…

Autopilot

An electronic self-steering system that uses a heading or GPS input to drive a hydraulic r…

Aground

The condition of a vessel whose keel or hull is in contact with the seabed.

Abeam

Lying on a line perpendicular to the vessel's centerline — directly off her side.

Aboard

On, onto, or inside the vessel.

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