Definition

Noun: * The greatest amount of sail that a ship can carry safely under the current conditions of wind and sea. It refers to setting all possible sails to achieve maximum speed.

Usage

This is a nautical term used to describe a ship operating at its maximum potential speed by deploying its full complement of sails. It implies an effort to gain the most advantage from the wind, often in situations requiring haste, such as pursuit, escape, or trying to make a deadline.

Examples

• "To outrun the storm, the captain ordered a press of sail."
• "With a press of sail, the clipper ship made record time across the Atlantic."
• "The frigate crowded on a press of sail to intercept the merchant vessel."

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used with verbs like carry, crowd on, make, or set.
  • The schooner was carrying a press of sail.
  • They crowded on all possible press of sail to catch the favorable tide.

Variants and Related Words

• Press of canvas: A synonymous phrase, where "canvas" refers to the material of the sails.
• Full sail: A more general term for having all sails set, but not necessarily implying the maximum safe limit under specific conditions.
• Under full canvas: Similar to "full sail."

Synonyms

• Full sail
• Press of canvas
• All sail set

Notes

• This term is largely historical and literary, associated with the age of sailing ships. In modern sailing, the concept is similar but described with different terminology related to sail trim and configuration for optimal performance.

Noun

1. the greatest amount of sail that a ship can carry safely