Yardarm
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A yardarm is the outermost extremity of a yard—the horizontal spar or pole on a mast from which square sails are suspended on a sailing vessel. These tapered ends are crucial for supporting rigging and adjusting sail trim to catch the wind. The term is often referenced in the phrase "Sun's over the yardarm."
Key Characteristics and Usage:
Location: The two tapering ends of the cross pole (yard).
Function: Used for attaching sails and managing rigging, such as braces.
"Man the Yards": A ceremonial command where sailors would climb the rigging and stand on the yards to salute a port.
Punishment: Historically, culprits were sometimes "dropped from the yardarm" (ducked into the sea).
Idiomatic Expression:
"Sun's over the yardarm" refers to the time (traditionally late morning) when it was acceptable for officers to start drinking, often used today to mean it is time for a drink.
Key Characteristics and Usage:
Location: The two tapering ends of the cross pole (yard).
Function: Used for attaching sails and managing rigging, such as braces.
"Man the Yards": A ceremonial command where sailors would climb the rigging and stand on the yards to salute a port.
Punishment: Historically, culprits were sometimes "dropped from the yardarm" (ducked into the sea).
Idiomatic Expression:
"Sun's over the yardarm" refers to the time (traditionally late morning) when it was acceptable for officers to start drinking, often used today to mean it is time for a drink.