Nautical Term: Tripping line
Definition of Tripping line
A tripping line is a specific line utilized for the purpose of capsizing the sea anchor and thereafter hauling it back in. For instance, during stormy conditions, a mariner may need to secure his sea anchor to prevent it from dragging and potentially causing damage to the vessel. In such a situation, the mariner would deploy the tripping line, attach it to the sea anchor, and then allow the sea anchor to capsize, effectively detaching it from the tripping line. The mariner would then haul in the tripping line, securing the sea anchor in a stowed position, ready for deployment once more.
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