Boxhaul is a nautical term that is commonly used in sailing. This term is often heard in the context of sailing and refers to a specific type of maneuver that is used to change the direction of a boat. Boxhaul is a technique that is used in sailing when a boat needs to change direction quickly and efficiently. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of boxhaul, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Boxhaul is defined as a sailing maneuver that involves turning the boat through the wind so that the sails fill on the opposite side of the boat. This maneuver is used to change the direction of the boat when sailing upwind. Boxhaul is also sometimes referred to as “tacking” or “coming about.”
Origin
The origin of boxhaul is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early days of sailing. The term is thought to have been derived from the Old English word “hāl,” which means “to haul” or “to drag.” The word “box” is believed to have been added to the term to describe the shape that the boat takes during the maneuver.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of boxhaul is consistent across most dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines boxhaul as “to turn a sailing vessel through the wind so that the sails fill on the opposite side.” Merriam-Webster defines boxhaul as “to turn a sailing vessel’s head into the wind and then back through the wind on the opposite tack.”
Associations
Boxhaul is associated with sailing and is a common maneuver used in sailing races. It is also associated with the sea and is often used in nautical terminology.
Synonyms
The synonyms of boxhaul include “tacking,” “coming about,” and “wearing ship.”
Antonyms
The antonyms of boxhaul include “staying on course” and “maintaining a steady heading.”
The same root words
The same root words as boxhaul include “haul” and “halyard.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word boxhaul:
- The sailor had to boxhaul the boat to avoid a collision with another vessel.
- The crew practiced boxhauling during their sailing lessons.
- The captain ordered the crew to boxhaul the boat to change course.
- The sailor used the halyard to boxhaul the sailboat.
- The skipper decided to boxhaul the boat to take advantage of the wind shift.