Breastline

A short line led directly from the vessel to the dock, holding the hull close alongside.

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Related B-terms

Boltrope

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

Bulkhead

An athwartships interior wall that stiffens the hull and subdivides the internal space.

Boom vang

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

Beam reach

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

Bottom

The underwater surface of the hull.

Bend

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

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