Nautical Term: Rail

Definition of Rail

Rail refers to the uppermost edge of a nautical structure, most commonly the bulwarks. This edge serves as a protective barrier between the deck and the open sea.

For instance, imagine a sailor standing on the deck of a ship during a storm. The intense rain and waves threaten to wash the sailor overboard. At this critical moment, the sailor grabs hold of the rail, using it as a stable and secure point of support against the stormy elements.

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