Nautical Term: Take in
Definition of Take in
1. To take in the sails refers to the action of lowering and furling the sails to reduce their area and the force of the wind on them. This maneuver is essential for reducing sail area in heavy winds, for entering and leaving port, and for changing direction or tack.
Example: During the Atlantic crossing, the captain ordered the crew to take in the sails as a heavy storm approached. They furled the mainsail and jib, securing the lines to the cleats. The crew then secured the reef points and took in the topsails, leaving only the storm trysail and jib for the heavy winds and rough seas of the storm.
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