During the past several hundred years the boating community has developed a language all its own. This book offers over a thousand examples of nautical terms and phrases from that language. There are, many more, some so esoteric that they're used by just a small group. People who are new to the world of boats often have difficulty understanding the meaning of many of the new words to which they are now exposed Often, it must seem as though they're listening to a language other than English.. This book is not intended to list every one of the obscure terms, but I hope it will give the reader an understanding of a broad cross-section of those that may arise in the course of being a boating enthusiast.
Most people use at least a few of these terms or phrases in everyday conversation without realizing the nautical nature of the term. The first entry in this book is a prime example - we are taken aback by an unmanageable condition. Sometimes we take a sounding to see how much leeway we have and grant a wide berth to those who may be off-course. And the phrase bitter end takes on a special meaning for anyone who's been unfortunate enough to see the loose end of their anchor rode disappear over the bow and into the deep.
I hope that reading a boating-related magazine or having a conversation on the dock will be much less puzzling after browsing through these pages and that you'll find the book useful as a handy reference even after you've become an old hand.
Enjoy your newfound knowledge.
