Buoyancy

The upward force exerted by water on a submerged body — the property that lets an object float.

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Related B-terms

Battery monitor

An instrument that integrates current flow over time to report the true state of charge an…

Bow

The forward end of the vessel.

Broad reach

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

Bilge

The lowest internal part of the hull, where water inevitably drains and collects.

Beating

Working to windward by sailing a succession of close-hauled tacks.

Bottom

The underwater surface of the hull.

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