How deep is a fathom? Or a big hug!

Here are a few more nautical terms for your interest.

A fathom is the mariners unit of measurement and a fathom is 6 feet. It comes from an Anglo-Saxon term foethem, meaning the space reached by fully extended arms and also an embrace. It is an easy method to use to get a rough measurement of line.

A boat fender is a device that is used to protect the side of a boat. In old wooden boats a fender was built into and part of a boat or ship’s hull. They were exterior timbers parallel to the frame.  Today a fender is one that is put over the side of the boat to fend off damage only when it is needed. A bumper is one that is left hanging out when under way. A bumper is “lubberly” or is what land lubber’s use and do. 😎

Fish: On a sailing ship a fish was a splint used on or to repair a broken spar. This meaning was old French and was probably from the French word fiche, to fix. It was also used to describe the bringing of an anchor home when hoisting the anchor from the sea.

Pinky: This is an old term used for an old type of New England fishing schooner which had a sharp stern and narrow, long counter, and usually heavy raked masts. It comes from the Dutch pinche meaning narrow.