68 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
hauling part of the halyards would also be clear to lead fonuard, thereby
making a good forestay for the time being. The mast is generally
fitted with a pair of wire shrouds which are set up with lashings at the
gunwale.
One or two rows of reef points are usually put in the sail with corres-
ponding reef cringles on the luff-rope for the tack, and on the after
leech for the sheet. These, of course, only come into use when the
sail is reefed.
SAILING A BOAT
With an Explanation of the Terms in General Use in Sailing Vessels.
When a vessel is sailing close to the wind she is said to be close-
hauled. If she has the wind abeam or abaft the beam she is said to be
"free."
It is customary and proper in sailing vessels to steer from the weather
^ side; that is, the helmsman always stands at the weather side of the
tiller. A better view of the sails is obtained than is possible from the
lee side, and more of the horizon can be seen ahead.
In small vessels, when steering with a tiller, the order "up helm"
means that the tiller is to be moved towards the wind (to windward),
the rudder, of course, canting to leeward, and the vessel's head paying off.
The term "down helm" means exactly the opposite to "up helm;"
fchat is, the tiller is to be moved away from the wind (to leeward), the
rudder is then canted to windward, and the vessel's head comes up
towards the wind.
The order " steady " is used in all kinds of vessels, both under sail
and steam. It means that the vessel's head is to be kept in that
particular direction in which it was at the instant of giving the order.
The helmsman should be told how much the course is to be altered
so that he may judge how much helm to give her, also when to ease
it so that she may not go beyond the desired direction. This also
applies when starboarding or porting the helm in a steamer.
When under sail the terms "up helm" and "down helm" are used
more than "port" or "starboard."
- When the wind is" right aft the order "up helm" or "down helm"
is understood according to which side of the wheel the man is steering
from.
When under examination or practising the Rule of the Road with
models it is best to use the terms "port" or "starboard" when the
wind is aft.