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Terms 151 to 165 of 207 sailing terms in the database

Glossary Navigation

Sailing Word	Definition
RIB	Acronym fir Rigid Inflatable Boat; an inflatable boat with a rigid bottom.
RO	Race Officer
Roach	The curved part of a sail's leech; the part of the leach that extends beyond the straight line between the head and clew.
Rub-Rail	An extended rail that runs along the sides of the hull; protects the hull from damage when she comes onongside a dock or pier.
Run	To sail downwind.
Runner	Short for Running Backstay
Running Backstay	A pair of backstays that run from the aft corners of the hull to either the masthead (on a masthead rig) or the hounds (on a fractional rig).
Self-Bailer	A fitting in the bottom of the hull of most dingies that drains the boat as she moves through the water.
Shackle	A metal fitting for attaching blocks, lines, or chain; similar a link of chain that can be opened and closed.
Sheet	The primary line used to adjust sails by letting them in or out.
Shroud	A wire which supports the mast from side to side.
Skiff	A very fast dinghy; a dinghy with the ability to sail faster than the wind.
Snap Shackle	A shackle with a spring loaded pin to lock the shackle closed.
Spar	A generic term for any pole on the boat--mast, boom, spinnaker pole.
Spinnaker	A large downwind sail; made of lighter weight fabric than upwind sails, often brightly colored.