Draft

The vertical distance from the waterline to the deepest part of the keel — the minimum water depth the vessel needs to float.

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Related D-terms

De-power

To reduce the drive produced by the sails, by (1) pinching into the wind so the sails luff…

Depth sounder

An electronic instrument (also called an echo sounder) that measures depth below the trans…

Dyneema

A brand of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre; as strong as steel wir…

Downhaul

A line on some rigs that pulls down a sliding gooseneck to tension the luff of the mainsai…

Dinghy

A small boat, sailed or rowed, used for pleasure or as a yacht's tender.

Dinghy davits

A stern-mounted arch or pair of arms fitted with tackle so a tender can be lifted clear of…

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