Kevlar

An aramid fibre used in high-performance laminate sails and safety gear; it is strong and resists stretch, but degrades with UV exposure.

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Related K-terms

Keel

The weighted vertical fin beneath the hull that resists leeway and, through its ballast, k…

Kedge off

To refloat a grounded vessel by laying a kedge anchor in deeper water and hauling the boat…

Knot

One nautical mile per hour — the standard unit of speed at sea.

Kedge

A secondary anchor, smaller than the bower, carried for manoeuvring or for kedging the boa…

Ketch

A two-masted rig whose shorter mizzen mast stands forward of the rudder post and is shorte…

Knockdown

A severe knock in which the boat is blown onto her side far enough that a spreader dips in…

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