While reading "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum, I've come across many sailing terms and phrases unique to the author's period, or at the very least unfamiliar to me. I thought it would be fun to list them here and have interpretations offered. Check back frequently as I will continue to add more as I move through Joshua's adventure. A couple of notes to aid: Joshua's sloop was named "Spray" (photo at right) and like all mariners he referrers his craft with the use of feminine pronouns. Just post a comment to offer your interpretations.
1. "When the sloop was in the fiercest squalls, with only the reefed forestaysail set, even that small sail shook her from keelson to truck with it shivered by the leech." pg. 91
2. "When all had been done that I could do for the safety of the vessel, I got to the fore-scuttle, between seas, and prepared a pot of coffee over a wood fire, and made a good Irish stew."
3. "I saw breakers ahead before long. At this I wore ship and stood offshore, but was immediately startled by the tremendous roaring of breakers again ahead and on the lee bow." pg.91
4. "Great Boreas!"
5. "I was put to my wit's end as to how I should weigh anchor."pg. 98
6. "I hoised them all in with the throat-halyards, which I too to the windlass." pg. 106
7. "And why should not one rejoice also in the main chance coming so of itself?" pg. 114
8. "This brought the sea more on her quarter, and she was the wholesomer under a press of sail."
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Aye Matey, speak yer mind!