Furling mainsail

A mainsail designed to roll up inside the mast (in-mast) or inside the boom (in-boom), allowing stepless reefing from the cockpit.

Test your knowledge

Know your nautical terms? Play the free SkipperCheck daily maritime quiz — COLREGs, navigation, VHF radio, seamanship. Earn points, climb the global leaderboard.

Play the Daily Quiz →

Related F-terms

Foul weather gear

Waterproof clothing — jacket, trousers (salopettes), sea boots — for sailing in wet or hea…

Flare

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

Fend off

To push the vessel clear of an obstacle by hand, foot, or boat hook.

Fetch

The distance of open water, to windward, over which the wind has blown — the longer the fe…

Fast

Secured — held in place, tied off.

Forward

Toward the bow.

← Back to full glossary