Labor, Lacing, Laid Deck, Laid Up, Laid Rope, Lake, Land Breeze,
Landfall, Landlocked, Landlubber, Landmark, Lanyard, Larboard, Lash,
Lateral Lift, Lateral Motion, Lateral Resistance, Latitude, Launch, Lay,
Lay-A-Course, Lay Line, Lay Up, Lazarette, Lazy Guy, Lazy Jacks,
Lazy Sheet, Lead, Lead Line, Leading Edge, Leading Lights, Leading Marks,
League, Led, Lee, Lee Helm, Lee Shore, Leeboards, Leech, Leech Line,
Leeward, Leeway, Left-Hand Lay, Leg, Length-Over-All, Lie, Lie A-Hull,
Lie A-Try, Lie Off, Lie Over, Lie To, Life Jacket, Lifeline,
Life Preserver, Life Raft, Lift, Lift-In, Light List, Limber Holes,
Line, Line-Of-Position, List, Load-Water-Line, Local Meridian,
Local Time, Locks, Log, Log-Book, Long Wave, Long Period Wave,
Longitude, Look-Out, Loose-Footed, LOP, LORAN, Low, Low-Pressure Storm,
Low-Tide, Low-Water, Lubber, Lubber's Line, Luff, Luffing,
Luff-Groove-Device, Luff Rope, Lug-Rigged, Lugs, Lugsail, Lull,
Lunar Day, Lunch-Hook, Lying Ahull, Lying To.
LABOR
A term used to describe a Vessel Pitching or rolling while Underway.
LACING
Twine or nylon lacing-tape used for Lashing and Whipping, etc.
LAID DECK
Wood planking on a Deck of a Vessel laid parallel, Fore And Aft, up
to and following the sides of the Hull from Stem to Stern.
LAID UP
A boat in Dry Dock.
LAID ROPE
Term used to describe the final direction of the twisted strands
that make up a Rope.
(See S-LAID ROPE and Z-LAID ROPE)
LAKE
A large body of fresh or salt water surrounded by land.
LAND BREEZE
Wind moving from land to water.
LANDFALL
The sighting of land from a Vessel during a Voyage.
LANDLOCKED
A Body-Of-Water surrounded by land that does not meet the United
States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements for Navigable Waters.
LANDLUBBER
(Lubber)
One who has little or no experience on the water.
LANDMARK
A distinctive reference point located on Shore used for Navigation.
LANYARD
A short Line used to fasten and Secure things on a sailboat.
[e.g., sail ties]
LARBOARD
(See PORT)
LASH
(Lashing)
To bind or fasten the ends of a Line with chord, lacing-tape, or
Sail Twine.
LATERAL LIFT
(Lift)
The aerodynamic driving force exerted by the wind on the airfoil of
a Sailing Vessel Making Way.
(Also, see ANGLE-OF-ATTACK)
LATERAL MOTION
(See SIDESLIP)
LATERAL RESISTANCE
A term used to describe the reduction of a sailing Vessel's sidewise
motion, induced by Wind pressure, by the use of the immersed part of
the boat, usually the Centerboard, Bilge Boards, or Keel.
LATITUDE
(Parallel)
Navigation lines on a Chart running East and West, equidistant
apart, measured in degrees from the Equator (0°) to the North
and South poles.
(Also, see LONGITUDE).
LAUNCH
1. To put a boat into the water from land by crane or trailer.
(Also, see LIFT-IN)
2. A motorboat, used as a ferry between land and a Moored Vessel.
(Also, see SHORE BOAT)
LAY
(Z-Twist)
The twist of a stranded rope to the right.
(Also, see LEFT-HAND LAY)
LAY-A-COURSE
To sail in a plotted direction without Tacking.
(Also, see PLOT)
LAYLINE
The line a boat sails to reach its destination without Tacking.
LAY UP
To prepare a boat for winter storage.
LAZARETTE
A small compartment built into the Hull of the boat, usually located
on the sides or the extreme Stern of the Cockpit.
LAZY GUY
1. A Spinnaker Guy not in use.
[Opposite of WORKING GUY]
2. A Line attached to the Boom to prevent an Uncontrolled Jibe.
(Also, see PREVENTER)
LAZY JACKS
Lines attached at several points along both sides of the Boom and
joined Aloft at a small Turning Block about two-thirds up the Mast,
with a single Halyard coming down from the Block to a Cleat on the
Deck. Lazy Jacks allow for a manageable Douse and easy Hoist. With
regard to Dousing, the Lazy Jack’s Halyard is Tensioned before the
Sail Halyard is released, so that the Lines are Taut in order to
collect the Sail along the Boom as it is lowered. When Hoisting, the
Lazy Jacks Halyard is eased so that the Sail can be raised without
Fouling on the Turning Block. The Lines should remain Slack while
Underway to maximize the airfoil effect of the sail.
LAZY SHEET
A Sheet not in use.
[Opposite of WORKING SHEET]
LEAD
1. (Pronounced: "Leed")
Term used to indicate the direction of the pull of a Line
[e.g., "The Lead of the Working Line is Rove through the Fairlead."],
or starting from a particular place or object.
[e.g., "Cap Shrouds Lead from the Masthead to the Chain Plates."]
2. (Pronounced: "Led")
A heavy and comparably soft bluish-gray malleable metal primarily used
as a plummet for sinking things in the water such as a Lead Line.
(Also, see LEAD LINE)
LEAD LINE
[Pronounced: "Led Line"]
A Line with measuring marks and a Lead weight on the end used for the
purpose of determining water depth. The weight may also have a small
cavity fashioned into its underside for gathering Bottom samples.
(Also, see SOUNDING)
LEADING EDGE
The forward edge of the Sail.
(Also, see LUFF)
LEADING LIGHTS
Aid-To-Navigation (ATONS) lights that are placed at specific intervals at
the mouth of a Harbor or Channel, so that when the Vessel is maneuvered
to a position where the lights are lined up, a bearing is indicated for
the Vessel to safely enter the Harbor or navigate the Channel at night.
(Also, see TRANSIT MARKS)
LEADING MARKS
(See DAY MARKERS)
LEAGUE
A term used to indicate three Nautical Miles.
LEE
1. The Quarter or region of the boat away from the Wind.
2. That which is protected or sheltered from the Wind.
LEE HELM
When the Sails are Trimmed such as to cause the Helm to Steer away
from the direction of the Wind.
(Also, see WEATHER HELM)
LEE SHORE
Land Shore facing the Wind. A deadly place for a Sailing Vessel.
LEEBOARDS
Adjustable boards or stainless steel blades that project into the
water from the Leeward Gunwale of a Vessel to induce Lateral
Resistance.
[Usually found on Planing Hulled Vessels such as Scows.]
LEECH
The Aft edge of a Sail.
(Also, see TRAILING EDGE)
LEECH LINE
A Line used to tighten the Leech of a Sail.
LEEWARD
[Pronounced, "Loo-ward"]
The direction away from the Wind.
[Opposite of WINDWARD]
LEEWAY
The sideways movement of a boat as driven by the Wind.
LEFT-HAND LAY
(S-Twist)
The twist of a stranded rope to the left.
(Also, see LAY)
LEG
1. The distance a Sailboat travels through the water on one Tack when Beating.
2. The distance between Marks in a Sailboat race.
LENGTH-OVER-ALL (LOA)
The measured length of a Vessel from Stem to Stern.
[Not to be confused with Load-Water-Line (LWL)]
(Also, see BOAT-LENGTH)
LIE
A Vessel not Making Way because it is either Moored (i.e., the Vessel
may Lie at Anchor) or the Vessel is configured to Lie A-Hull
because it is riding out a storm.
LIE A-HULL
(A-Hull)
To lash the Helm to Leeward under Bare Poles, allowing the Vessel
to Lie a bit off Broadside to the oncoming Sea.
LIE A-TRY
Sailing under little or no Sail in Heavy Weather (Gale Force Winds),
Making Way with the Bow into the Wind while keeping the Vessel
safely in the Troughs.
(Also, see BARE POLES)
LIE OFF
To halt a Vessel’s motion a safe distance from Shore or other Vessels.
LIE OVER
(See HEEL)
LIE TO
Reducing the forward motion of a Vessel by Steering the Bow as
close to the Wind as possible without going into Irons.
LIFE JACKET
(Life Preserver)
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that is worn like a jacket or vest.
LIFELINE
1. Coated cable wire running through Stanchions placed equal-distant
apart on Deck at the Gunwales, Bow to Stern, for the purpose of
preventing people from falling overboard.
(Also, see HANDRAIL)
2. Wire Cable, sometimes called a Jackstay, strung along and/or across
the Deck and attached to strong points such as Standing Rigging, the
Mast, Pulpit rails, etc., onto which the Safety-Harness-Lifeline is
connected during Heavy Weather.
3. Line about fifty to seventy feet long that is Made Fast to
the Vessel or the Helm and trailed Astern to be grabbed if one
falls Overboard while Under Way.
LIFE PRESERVER
Any Personal Flotation Device (PFD) such as a Cushion, Life Jacket,
Ring, or Vest, etc.
LIFE RAFT
A small inflatable survival craft.
LIFT
A Veering Wind that allows the boat to Sail above its mean Course.
(Also, see KNOCK and LATERAL LIFT)
LIFT-IN
To put a boat in the water by Crane.
(Also, see LAUNCH)
LIGHT LIST
A publication containing information and precise locations of
Navigation aids (Lighthouses, etc.).
LIMBER HOLES
Any of a series of holes pierced through frames between compartments
and/or lower Deck floors to allow water to flow into the Bilge for
pumping.
LINE
(Running Rigging)
Any braided or laid Rope used to control and Trim Sails.
LINE-OF-POSITION
(Position Line)
A Line-Of-Position (LOP) is a line drawn on Navigation Charts
connecting a set of measured reference points to determine a
Vessel's location on the water. For example, a Fix is determined
by crossing two or more LOPs on a Chart. It is important that
LOPs be clearly labeled. An LOP with both time and direction
labels is known as a Bearing. An LOP whose direction is self
evident from the two points that establish it requires only a
time label and is known as Range.
(Also, see DEAD RECKONING)
LIST
A continual leaning of a Vessel, either Starboard or Port, due to
improper Ballast.
LOAD-WATER-LINE
(LWL)
The Waterline of a Vessel when loaded to capacity.
LOCAL MERIDIAN
A specific Longitudinal location of a particular place on the surface
of the Earth.
LOCAL TIME
Time in which noon is defined by the Transit of the Sun over the Local
Meridian.
LOCKS
A series of man-made Canals where water levels are either raised
or lowered for the purpose of allowing boats to transverse land
that separates one body of water from another.
LOG
1. To enter information into a Log-Book.
2. An electronic device mounted through the hull or a paddle wheel
trailed behind the Vessel on a Line, used to measure the distance
traveled Through-The-Water.
LOG-BOOK
(Log)
A written record of a Vessel's position, boat speed, Wind speed
and direction, Weather, the boats Heading and Course, as well as
other pertinent information and data recorded during the Voyage.
LONG WAVE
(See LONG PERIOD WAVE)
LONG PERIOD WAVE
(Long Wave)
A Free Wave with its length being greater than the water depth.
(Also, see SWELL)
LONGITUDE
(Meridian)
Navigation lines on a Chart running North and South from pole
to pole, measured in degrees East or West from the Prime
Meridian (0°), which runs through Greenwich, England.
(Also, see LATITUDE)
LOOK-OUT
The individual On Board who is responsible for keeping a constant
audio and visual watch for other Vessels and other Hazards on and
in the water while Underway. The major cause of boat collisions is
a failure to post and/or maintain a Look-Out.
(Also, see WEATHER EYE)
LOOSE-FOOTED
A Sail with its Foot not attached to the Boom.
(Also, see CLUB FOOTED)
LOP
(See LINE-OF-POSITION)
LORAN
(LOng RANge Navigation)
An electronic instrument using radio waves from various stations
whereby the Latitude and Longitude of a Vessel are determined from
the time displacement between radio signals from two or more fixed
transmitters.
[Note: LORAN is becoming obsolete with the advent of GPS.]
LOW
A meteorlogical term used to describe an Atmospheric Pressure system
characterized by relatively Low pressure at its center. A Low is
associated with Heavy weather and strong winds.
(Also, see CYCLONIC)
LOW-PRESSURE STORM
(See CYCLONE)
LOW-TIDE
(See LOW-WATER)
LOW-WATER
(LW)
The minimum height reached by a falling Tide.
(Also, see HIGH-WATER)
LUBBER
(See LANDLUBBER)
LUBBER'S LINE
The index mark inside a Compass used to read the Heading of a Vessel.
LUFF
1. The Leading Edge of a Sail.
2. To point the Bow of a Sailboat into the Wind causing the Sail
to Depower and flutter.
[e.g., To Luff up or Luffing The Sail]
LUFF-GROOVE-DEVICE
(See HEADFOIL)
LUFFING
A term depicting a flapping Sail when the air flow is stalled as a
result of either Sailing too close to the Eye-Of-The-Wind or not
Sheeting-In enough when Sailing on a Reach.
[e.g., "To determine Angle-Of-Attack, Sheet-In until the Sail stops
Luffing."]
(Also see FOOTING and PINCHING)
LUFF ROPE
(Luff Cord)
Rope or Cordage sewn into the Leading Edge of the Sail for the
purpose of Securing the Mainsail to the Mast or Headfoil.
(Also, see BOLTROPE)
LUG-RIGGED
(See LUGSAIL)
LUG
(Bullet)
(See SLIDE)
LUGSAIL
(Dipping Lug)
A Fully Battened, Quadrilateral, Fore-And-Aft Sail with the Head of the
Sail Bent to an inclined Yard attached to the Mast. The Lug is the
lower end of the Yard. A Lugsail is always Set Leeward to the Mast.
(Also, see CHINESE LUG and GAFF RIGGED)
LULL
A temporary calm or drop in Wind velocity.
LUNAR DAY
The interval of time between two consecutive returns (Transits)
of the moon over the same Meridian.
LUNCH-HOOK
A light Anchor for Mooring a small Vessel for a short time.
LYING AHULL
1. A Vessel not Under Power and Abeam to Waves and Wind.
2. A maneuver used during rough seas where the sailboat is stripped
of sails and the Helm is Lashed down with the Rudder dead ahead.
[NOTE: It has been found that the Lying Ahull Maneuver in rough seas
tends to drive the Vessel so that it is drifting Abeam to Seas and
Wind, putting the boat into a Broaching position thus increasing the
potential for a Knock Down.]
LYING TO
A Vessel with little or no forward motion with the Bow Head-To-Wind,
usually with the aid of a Sea Anchor.
