What does Sun over the yardarm mean?

Lancaster Maritime Museum - "The sun's over the yardarm." In general use today this phrase refers to the time of day when it's considered acceptable to have an alcoholic drink - usually early evening.

Where does the saying the sun is over the yardarm come from?

The expression is believed to have originated in the north Atlantic where the sun would rise above the upper mast spars (yards) of square sailed ships around 11am. This coincided with the forenoon 'stand easy' when officers would go below and enjoy their first rum tot of the day.

What does when the sun goes over the yardarm mean?

A traditional nautical saying to indicate that it is time for a morning drink.

What is the yardarm on a ship?

A "yardarm" is a horizontal bar on the mast of a ship, and it is supposed that when the sun passed it at a certain time of day (around noon), sailors were allowed to drink. Well, the sun is over the yardarm, so why don't we order some wine with our brunch?

What is the meaning of yardarm in English?

Definition of yardarm

: either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship.

The Sun's Over the Yardarm

Where is the yardarm on a boat?

The yardarms on a sailing ship are the horizontal timbers or spars mounted on the masts, from which the square sails are hung. (The word yard here is from an old Germanic word for a pointed stick, the source also of our unit of measurement.)

What does stow the sails mean?

Unless the sail is to be used again very soon, the next step is to "stow" it. To do this, the crew must go out along the yard in order to bundle the sail up tightly and tie it down with gaskets.

What is a boat with 2 masts called?

A ketch is a two-masted sailboat whose mainmast is taller than the mizzen mast (or aft-mast), generally in a 40-foot or bigger boat. The name ketch is derived from catch. The ketch's main mast is usually stepped in the same position as in a sloop.

What is the bottom of ship called?

A structural keel is the bottom-most structural member around which the hull of a ship is built. The keel runs along the centerline of the ship, from the bow to the stern.

What is a boat without a keel called?

A keelboat is generally larger than 20 feet and can be as large as a megayacht at 200 feet. A boat smaller than 20 feet without a keel is referred to as a dinghy. A dinghy has neither a keel nor a ballast. To resist sideways movement it has a centerboard or a daggerboard that can be lowered or raised as needed.

What is the largest sail on a ship called?

The lowest and normally largest sail on a mast is the course sail of that mast, and is referred to simply by the mast name: Foresail, mainsail, mizzen sail, jigger sail or more commonly forecourse etc.

What does red on deck mean in yachting?

Port (direction). The left side of a boat when facing the bow. Signified by Red. The opposite side from Starboard. Trick to remember - 'After a party, there's no red port left'.

What do sailors say when they see land?

“Ahoy!” – sailors would use this exclamation among themselves to call out to each other. “Land Ho!” – an exclamation that a sailor would make when they spotted the land.

What is a Jenny on a sailboat?

Jenny A genoa jib. A large jib that overlaps the mast, also Genny.

What is a royal yard?

royal yard. The fourth yard from the deck, on which the royal is set.

What is slang for a Navy sailor?

An enlisted sailor that becomes an officer in the Navy is often referred to as a “Mustang”.

How do you say goodbye to a sailor?

Answer: It is common to wish a sailor goodbye by using the term: "may you have fair winds and following seas". The use of the expression "fair winds" is used to wish a person a safe journey or good fortune. Whilst "following seas" is used to express a smooth journey.

What are new sailors called?

NUB - any new sailor can be called a NUB, which stands for “Non-Usable Body”

What is a bedroom on a yacht called?

Cabin – A room inside the boat, which can refer to the entire interior or just one room designed for sleeping. 8.

What is the kitty on a yacht?

Kitty is a shared cash-box from which all the running expenses are covered. All the money not used is split equally and returned to the crew at the end of the trip. Additional costs highly depend on the way you and your crew want to spend the trip.

Why is it called a salon on a boat?

The cabin area of a boat or yacht devoted to seated relaxation, often combined with dining table. (rail transport) the part of a rail carriage or multiple unit containing seating for passengers. Dated form of salon (“living room in a house”).

What are the 4 sides of a ship called?

Now let's learn the words for the front, rear, left and right sides of the boat. The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern. When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side. And starboard is the corresponding word for the right side of a boat.

What is the pole on the front of a ship called?

bowsprit. noun. a long pole that sticks out from the front of a ship.

What is below deck called on a ship?

Orlop deck: The deck or part of a deck where the cables are stowed, usually below the waterline. It is the lowest deck in a ship.

Why do boats heel?

A certain amount of heel allows the boat to sail on its lines, gives the rudder bite, and helps create lift. (That's why you will see racing crews huddled on the leeward rail in light air to induce heel.)