Beam

The greatest width of the vessel measured at its widest point.

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Related B-terms

Bow thruster

A small transverse propeller mounted in a tunnel near the bow that pushes the bow sideways…

Bight

Any loop or curve formed in a rope between its two ends.

Bearing

The angular direction of one object from another, expressed in compass degrees.

Bend

To make fast — attaching a sail to a spar or stay, or tying a line to a sail.

Beam reach

A point of sail in which the wind blows at roughly 90° to the boat's direction of travel.

Boom

The horizontal spar that extends aft from the mast and carries the foot of the mainsail.

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