Apparent wind

The wind actually experienced on board, produced by combining the true wind with the wind caused by the boat's own motion.

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Related A-terms

Aground

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

Alternator

An engine-driven generator that converts mechanical rotation into alternating current, whi…

Astern

In the water behind the vessel, or moving backwards.

Amidships

At or toward the middle of the vessel, whether fore-and-aft or athwartships.

Asymmetric spinnaker

A downwind sail (also called a cruising chute or gennaker) with a fixed tack but no pole, …

Anchor windlass

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

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