Definition

Verb (Nautical): To change a sailing vessel's direction by turning its stern, rather than its bow, through the wind. This maneuver is the opposite of tacking and is used to alter course when sailing downwind.

Usage

This is a specific nautical command and action. It describes the process of a ship changing its heading by turning away from the wind so that the wind passes across the stern.

Examples

• The captain ordered the crew to wear ship to avoid the approaching storm.
• In heavy seas, it can be dangerous to wear ship.
• The old sailing manual explained how to properly wear ship in a square-rigged vessel.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in the context of traditional sailing with wind-powered vessels. It is not used for modern engine-powered ships making routine turns.
• The phrase can be used descriptively to explain a historical naval tactic or a specific sailing technique.

Variants and Related Words

• Wearing (gerund/noun): The act or process of performing this maneuver.
  • The wearing of the ship was executed smoothly.
• To put about: A more general phrase for changing a ship's course, which can include both tacking and wearing.

Synonyms

• To gybe (or jibe): This is a closely related downwind turning maneuver for fore-and-aft rigged ships (like sloops). While both involve turning the stern through the wind, "gybe" specifically refers to the sail(s) switching sides with potential force. "Wear ship" is the broader traditional term, often associated with square-riggers.
• To change course downwind

Antonyms

• To tack: To turn a ship's bow into and through the wind to change direction.

Verb

1. turn away from the wind
   • The sailors decided it was time to wear ship