Bow thruster

A small transverse propeller mounted in a tunnel near the bow that pushes the bow sideways at low speed, making close-quarters manoeuvring much easier.

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Related B-terms

By the lee

A run in which the wind is coming over the same side of the boat as the boom — a configura…

Broad reach

A point of sail with the wind coming over the quarter — roughly 135° from the bow.

Bow

The forward end of the vessel.

Boom vang

A tackle (also called a kicking strap) running from the base of the mast to the boom, pull…

Bight

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

Bitter end

The very last part of a line — the end opposite the working end.

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