Asymmetric spinnaker

A downwind sail (also called a cruising chute or gennaker) with a fixed tack but no pole, cut asymmetrically so it can be set and trimmed like a large genoa on a reach.

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Related A-terms

Adrift

Afloat with no means of propulsion or attachment, carried along by wind, current, or tide.

Aft

Toward, at, or behind the stern.

ARPA

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid — radar software that tracks targets automatically and comput…

Abeam

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

Amidships

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

Apparent wind

The wind actually experienced on board, produced by combining the true wind with the wind …

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