Downhaul

A line on some rigs that pulls down a sliding gooseneck to tension the luff of the mainsail, performing the same job as a Cunningham.

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Related D-terms

Draft

The vertical distance from the waterline to the deepest part of the keel — the minimum wat…

Dhow

A traditional Arabian sailing craft, typically single- or twin-masted and carrying lateen …

DGPS

Differential GPS — a GPS that uses correction signals from ground or satellite-based refer…

Dodger

A fabric and framework spray hood forward of the cockpit that shelters the crew from wind …

DSC

Digital Selective Calling — a feature of modern VHF and SSB radios that allows a pre-forma…

Deck

The mostly horizontal upper surface of the hull.

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