Working sheet

The leeward sheet carrying load — the one actually trimming the sail at that moment.

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Related W-terms

Wing-and-wing

A downwind configuration in which the mainsail is set on one side and the headsail (often …

Whisker pole

A light spar temporarily set between the mast and the clew of a poled-out jib to hold it s…

Winch

A drum with a handle (manual) or motor (electric/hydraulic) that provides mechanical advan…

Weather side

See windward side — the side of the boat the wind strikes first.

Weather helm

The boat's tendency to turn into the wind if the helm is released; some is desirable for f…

Waypoint

A position — latitude and longitude — stored in a GPS or chartplotter and used as a step i…

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