Handy and authoritative, this invaluable guide deserves a place on every sailor's bookshelf. Abridged from the acclaimed Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea, An A-Z of Sailing Terms provides detailed explanations of nearly 1,500 sailing terms, covering everything from "booby-hatch" and "growler" to "jack in the basket" and "throat seizing. " Included are entries on navigational and meteorological subjects, weather lore, sailing expressions, and catch phrases--"to the bitter end," for example, is a sailing term that has now passed to general use. The 150 illustrations are themselves a comprehensive guide to rigs and rigging, knots, tackles, and a wide variety of onboard fittings and equipment. Fully revised and updated, this useful reference also includes coverage of the latest racing rules and modern yacht design.