mainsheet

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mainsheet

The sailor adjusts the mainsheet to trim the mainsail.

Definition

Noun: 1. (Nautical) A line (rope or chain) that controls the angle of a sail relative to the wind. It is a key control line used to trim (adjust) the mainsail on a sailing vessel.

Usage

The term "mainsheet" is used specifically in the context of sailing and boating. It refers to the primary rope or tackle system used to pull the boom (the horizontal spar at the bottom of the mainsail) inwards or let it out, thereby controlling the sail's shape and angle to the wind.

Examples
  • Noun:
    • The sailor pulled hard on the mainsheet to bring the boom in as the wind shifted.
    • In strong winds, you must be careful when easing the mainsheet to prevent the boat from heeling too much.
    • The mainsheet system on this yacht includes a complex network of blocks for mechanical advantage.
Advanced Usage
  • "To sheet in": To pull on the mainsheet, bringing the boom and sail closer to the centerline of the boat.
    • We need to sheet in the main as we turn upwind.
  • "To ease the sheet": To let out the mainsheet, allowing the boom to move away from the centerline.
    • Ease the mainsheet slightly to depower the sail in this gust.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sheet (noun): A more general term for any line used to control the angle of a sail (e.g., jib sheet, spinnaker sheet). The "mainsheet" is the sheet for the mainsail.
  • Mainsheet traveler (noun): A track and car system across the boat on which the mainsheet block moves, allowing for more precise adjustment of the sail's angle.
  • Trimming (verb, gerund): The act of adjusting the sails using the sheets.
Synonyms
  • Sail control line: A more general descriptive term.
  • Trim line: Another functional description.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
  • To play the mainsheet: To make frequent, small adjustments to the mainsheet to optimize sail trim.
    • The helmsman asked the crew to play the mainsheet through the choppy waves.
Related Idioms
  • "Sheeted home": Describes a sail that is pulled in tightly, typically for sailing upwind.
    • With the main sheeted home, the boat picked up speed on the new tack.
mainsheet

The sailor adjusts the mainsheet to trim the mainsail.

Noun
  1. (nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind

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