press of canvas
Noun: The greatest amount of sail that a ship can carry safely under specific conditions, typically in a strong, favorable wind.
This is a specific nautical term. It describes a ship operating at its maximum safe sailing capacity. It implies the ship is moving with speed and purpose, having deployed all the canvas (sails) that the current wind conditions allow without risking damage to the masts or rigging.
- The captain ordered a press of canvas to outrun the approaching storm.
- With a fair wind behind them, they made excellent speed under a press of canvas.
- Carrying a press of canvas, the clipper ship cut through the waves.
The phrase often evokes a sense of urgency, pursuit, or a need for maximum speed. It is frequently found in historical naval contexts or in literature about sailing ships. - To carry a press of canvas: To sail with this maximum amount of sail set. - To crowd on a press of canvas: To aggressively set all possible sail to increase speed.
- Crowd sail: A similar phrase meaning to set as much sail as possible.
- Carry sail: A more general term for having sails set.
- Canvas (noun): In this context, refers to the sails themselves, historically made of canvas fabric.
- Full sail
- All sail set
- Maximum sail
This is a fixed phrase. The words "press," "of," and "canvas" are used together with this specific meaning. It is not commonly used in modern everyday language but remains standard in historical and nautical writing.
- the greatest amount of sail that a ship can carry safely