weather sheet
Noun: A line (rope or chain) on a sailing vessel used to control the angle of a sail relative to the wind. It is a specific part of the running rigging.
The term "weather sheet" is used in nautical contexts to refer to the controlling line for a sail. It is most commonly used when discussing sail trim and boat handling. * The sailor tightened the weather sheet to flatten the sail. * Ease the weather sheet to let the sail out.
In sailing terminology, the "weather sheet" specifically controls the sail on the windward side of the boat (the side facing the wind). Its counterpart is the "lee sheet," which controls the sail on the leeward side (the side sheltered from the wind). During a tack or gybe, sailors switch which line is the active weather sheet.
- Sheet (noun): The general term for a line used to control the angle of a sail. A "weather sheet" is a type of sheet.
- Lee sheet (noun): The sheet controlling the sail on the leeward side of the boat.
- Jib sheet (noun): A sheet specifically attached to the jib sail.
- Mainsheet (noun): The sheet attached to the boom of the mainsail.
- Control line: A more general engineering term.
- Rope (in nautical context): While "rope" is generic, on a boat, specific ropes are given names like "sheet."
The meaning of "weather sheet" is highly specific to sailing. It does not refer to a type of fabric or bedding ("sheet" as in bed sheet) or a meteorological report ("weather" as in climate). The compound meaning is entirely nautical.
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(nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind
