Terminology from the Age of Sail

For a custom word search, make your selections below. For an alphabetical listing select Alphabetical Search. Search is NOT case-sensitive.

1. definition or term - term ONLY i.e. oar will find the definition for oar.
2. any reference to - finds any match i.e. tool will find all shipwright tools.
3. text containing - finds any partial match i.e. oar will ALSO find inboard.


Alphabetical Search | All Entries | Modern Terms
Advanced Keyword Search divider
Search result for definition: reef
Reef: (verb) To take in or lessen the area of a sail without furling it. Depending on the location and size of the sail (and time-period), sails would have the option to be single reefed, double reefed, treble reefed or close reefed, the last indicating that all the reefs had been taken in and the minimum surface area was exposed. Between 0 and 4 reef bands were common, often 2 were present. Also (noun) the area between the reef bands and the nearest edge of a sail, either head or foot.
Reef Band: A strip of extra canvas attached across a sail to strengthen it where the reef points are located.
hover over
Reef Points: Short tapered lengths of rope located across and reeved though the sail which can be tied together or hauled onto a yard to keep part of the sail out of use in strong winds. These reef points were reinforced with reef bands to prevent the sail from tearing.
Reef Tackle: A tackle for hauling up the reef bands onto a yard and thus lessening the effective sail area in strong winds.
divider

– Top –

 

Concept, content & Design: The Art of Age of Sail