Nautical Term: Bowsprit
Definition of Bowsprit
A long, horizontal spar that extends forward from the stem of a sailing vessel. The bowsprit supports the foremast stay and the forestay, which in turn support the forest sail. The bowsprit adds weight and stability to the vessel, especially in rough seas.
For example, in the paragraph below, the bowsprit plays a crucial role in supporting the forest sail and maintaining the stability of the vessel:
The schooner ‘Seawolf” was sailing through the rough waters of the North Atlantic. The waves were towering over the vessel, threatening to swamp it. The ‘Seawolf” was well-equipped to handle such conditions, however. Its sturdy hull and powerful rigging were more than a match for the relentless waves.
At the foremast of the ‘Seawolf”, the forest sail billowed in the howling wind. It was held aloft by the sturdy forest mast, which in turn was supported by the bowsprit. The bowsprit, a long, horizontal spar that extended forward from the stem of the ‘Seawolf”, played a crucial role in supporting the forest sail and
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