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for a dart

Glossary entry

English term or phrase:

snatching the sheet at the cavil

English answer:

cavils or cavil rails: horizontal timbers upon which ropes are made fast, usually carrying belaying pins

Added to glossary by liz askew
May 27, 2012 12:18
11 yrs ago
English term

snatching the sheet at the cavil

English Other General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
does the word "cavil" have any nautical meaning?

The Skyeman and Samoa holding passive the captives, I quickly set our
sail, and snatching the sheet AT THE CAVIL, we rapidly shot from the
canoe. The strangers defying us with their spears; several couching
them as if to dart; while others held back their hands, as if to
prevent them from jeopardizing the lives of their countrymen in the
Chamois.

Thank you!
Responses
4 +1 cavils or cavil rails: horizontal timbers upon which ropes are made fast, usually carrying belaying
Change log

May 27, 2012 12:18: changed "Kudoz queue" from "In queue" to "Public"

Jun 1, 2012 19:19: liz askew Created KOG entry

Discussion

Tony M Jun 3, 2012:
'snatch' In this nautical context, 'snatch' has a different meaning from usual; it refers to wrapping the sheet (= rope controlling the sail) half round one of the e.g. belaying pins, so as to change the direction of the rope's pull and/or thereby gain more 'purchase' on it.

NS OED:
snatch

"7 v.t. Naut. Place (a rope or line) in a snatch-block. M18."

The snatch-block was presumably located on the cavil-rail — though I suspect the term may be being used imprecisely here.
Bernhard Sulzer Jun 1, 2012:
Thanks David, it works now. Nice pics. :)
David Moore (X) May 31, 2012:
Bernhard, I think you computer's settings are possibly a little sensitive?

This is the link, and mine found it:

http://www.woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yachts/luke-powell-isle...

Hope this helps!
Carol Gullidge May 27, 2012:
hi Michael, just a suggestion: why don't you change the field to "sailing/navigation" (or whatever), as there are definitely some proZers out there who are experts in that field - I can think of several who have helped me out in the past :)

Responses

+1
29 mins
Selected

cavils or cavil rails: horizontal timbers upon which ropes are made fast, usually carrying belaying

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Note added at 29 mins (2012-05-27 12:47:30 GMT)
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pins

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Note added at 30 mins (2012-05-27 12:48:40 GMT)
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For Sale - Luke Powell Isles of scilly Pilot Cutter
www.woodenships.co.uk/sailing.../luke-powell-isles-of-scill... oak cavil rails across the stanchions with belaying pins give ample space to make fast halyards and mooring ropes. Additional belaying pins on a ...
Peer comment(s):
agree Tony M : Well found!
2 mins
Thank you! Fascinating stuff:)
neutral Bernhard Sulzer : Thanks for the link, liz. Nice pics.
1 hr
Try this: http://www.woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yachts/luke-powell-isle...
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
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