Nautical Term: King-spoke
Definition of King-spoke
A king-spoke refers to the uppermost spoke of a ship’s steering wheel. This spoke is significant because when the rudder is positioned amidships, the wheel is at neutral, and the king-spoke aligns with the ship’s centerline. This alignment serves as an essential visual reference for navigators and helmsmen.
As an example, imagine a sailor standing at the helm of a sailing ship. He has one hand on the spokes of the ship’s wheel to maintain its current position, while his other hand rests on the ship’s railing, scanning the horizon for any potential hazards.
The sailor glances down at the ship’s wheel and notices that the uppermost spoke, the king-spoke, aligns perfectly with the ship’s centerline. This alignment reassures the sailor that the ship is currently heading straight and true, allowing him to focus his attention back on the horizon and the safety of his ship and crew.
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