Rhumb line

A course line crossing all meridians at the same angle — a straight line on a Mercator chart, suitable for passages up to a few hundred miles; for longer distances a Great Circle is shorter.

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Related R-terms

Rode

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

Rake

The fore-and-aft tilt of the mast relative to vertical.

Rig

The spars, standing rigging, and sail plan collectively — or the act of rigging the boat f…

Ready to jibe

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

Roach

The curved extension of a sail's area aft of a straight line drawn from head to clew.

Range

The line of sight formed when two marks ashore line up, showing the centre of a channel or…

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