Bight

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

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Related B-terms

Bimini

A fabric sun awning stretched over a stainless-steel frame above the cockpit to shelter th…

Bail

To remove water from inside the vessel, traditionally with a bucket or scoop.

Ballast

Weight — usually carried low in the keel — that lowers the centre of gravity and gives the…

Boltrope

A length of rope sewn inside the foot or luff of a sail so the sail can be slid into a gro…

Backstay

A piece of standing rigging running from the masthead (or partway down) to the stern, resi…

Block

The marine term for a pulley — a sheave in a housing through which a line runs.

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