nautical terms

Abaft: Crazy or demented, unable to think clearly. Although the crew was forward, the skipper was abaft.

Boom Crotch: This exceeds the bounds of decency. Ask an 'Old Salt.'

Boom Vang: We think this is supposed to support the boom crotch.

Close Haul: Holding one's haul close. Generally, the haul is held close except when it is down, then it is called a down haul. It is considered poor taste to carry one's haul down in mixed company.

Close Reach: Where skippers like crew members of the opposite sex to be within. Eased sheets often accompany this requirement.

Foresail: A useless sail put on boats to give the crews something to do and pass the time. The Jewish Navy has more sense. The Rabbis have ceremoniously removed foresails from all their boats.

Lay the mark: Attractive only to sailors who have been at sea a long, long time.

Lee Helm: A famous yactsman whose accomplishments include racing the entire GMORC on one tack. This naturally required some portages and done at the expense of not rounding any of the marks.

Leeward: Lecherous, or dissolute, for instance, leeward boats to take advantage of those to windward.

Yawl: A quaint Southern sailor's expression. Who can forget the charming cries of "Up Yawls!" on race day.