Nautical Term: Hull down

Definition of Hull down

When a ship is described as being hull down, it means that the vessel’s hull is not visible due to its distance on the horizon. Only the masts and superstructure are visible.

For example, From the vantage point of the crow’s nest, the lookout could see several sails on the horizon. As the sun began to set, the hulls of the ships started to disappear, leaving only their masts and sails visible. This was the moment when the lookout knew that it was time to lower the sails and prepare for the night.

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