Nautical Term: Fluke
Definition of Fluke
A fluke refers to the broad, flat, and expanded part of an anchor, which serves as the anchor’s holding portion. When the anchor is lowered into the water and then grounded, the fluke of the anchor penetrates the ground, providing the necessary holding power for the anchor to keep the vessel stationary.
For instance, suppose a sailor needs to drop the anchor and secure the position of the sailboat in the middle of the ocean. The sailor would lower the anchor over the side of the boat, making sure that the fluke of the anchor lands on the seabed. Once the anchor is grounded, the sailor can pull on the anchor chain to tighten the holding power of the anchor and secure the position of the sailboat in the middle of the ocean.
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