Pintle

The pin of a rudder fitting that drops into a gudgeon on the transom, allowing the rudder to swing freely.

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Related P-terms

Painter

The line permanently attached to the bow of a dinghy or tender.

Puff

A short-lived increase in wind strength.

Points of sail

The classification of a boat's course relative to the wind — close-hauled, close reach, be…

Pinching

Sailing too close to the wind, resulting in a stalled luff and reduced boat speed.

P.F.D.

Personal Flotation Device — a lifejacket, buoyancy aid, or similar wearable buoyancy.

Port tack

Sailing with the wind coming over the port side; under the COLREGs, a port-tack vessel nor…

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