Reef

To reduce effective sail area in strong wind by rolling, folding, or partly lowering a sail.

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Related R-terms

Rode

The whole line-and-chain assembly linking the anchor to the boat.

Rhumb line

A course line crossing all meridians at the same angle — a straight line on a Mercator cha…

Reeve

To lead a line through a block, ring, or eye.

Radar

A microwave ranging system that bounces a rotating pulse off targets and displays their be…

Ready about

Skipper's command warning the crew to prepare for a tack.

Running rigging

All lines used to hoist, lower, and trim sails — halyards, sheets, reefing lines, outhaul,…

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