LWL

Length Waterline — the fore-and-aft length of the hull measured at the waterline; a major factor in hull speed.

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Related L-terms

Leeward

The side or direction away from the wind — where the wind is blowing toward.

Lee helm

A boat's tendency to turn her bow away from the wind if the helm is released — generally u…

Life raft

A self-inflating, canister- or valise-packed survival craft launched in an abandon-ship si…

Lubber line

A fixed reference line on a compass card housing that represents the boat's heading, read …

Land breeze

A night-time wind caused by land cooling faster than the sea, drawing air from shore out t…

Lee shore

Shoreline lying downwind of the boat; a hazard because the wind will steadily push a disab…

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