Fetch

The distance of open water, to windward, over which the wind has blown — the longer the fetch, the larger the waves.

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Related F-terms

Fathom

A legacy unit of depth equal to six feet (1.8288 m).

Furl

To roll or gather up a sail so it stows neatly on a boom, stay, or inside a spar.

Fast

Secured — held in place, tied off.

Full

A sail drawing properly, filled with wind and not luffing.

Fairlead

A fitting — often a block, ring, or slotted plate — that redirects a line with minimum fri…

Flare

A pyrotechnic distress signal — handheld red flares are for close-range visibility, parach…

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