Holding tank

An on-board tank that stores sewage from the heads until it can be pumped out ashore or, where permitted, discharged outside coastal limits.

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Related H-terms

Heel

The sideways lean of the hull caused by wind pressure on the sails.

Head down

To bear away — to alter course away from the wind.

Hull

The main body of the vessel, excluding the rig, spars, sails, and appendages.

Headboard

A small reinforcing plate built into the head of a sail to spread halyard load.

Hard over

Turning the helm, tiller, or wheel as far as it will go in one direction.

Hard a-lee

(Also 'helm's a-lee', 'lee-oh', 'lee-ho') The skipper's command telling the crew that the …

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