dismasted
Lost its spars
Dismasted describes a sailing vessel that has lost one or more of its masts, whether through storm damage, battle, or accident.
The term appears in maritime contexts and historical naval accounts: The ship limped into port, dismasted and barely afloat.
Figuratively rare, but when used suggests something stripped of its essential structure or power.
Destroyed vessel at sea
- capsizingWatercraft inverting suddenly
- groundingConnecting to earth
- sinkageDegree of settling
- collisionForceful contact between objects
wreckage · foundering · stricken · crippled · disabled · broken · shattered · splintered
Left without means to leave
- maroonedLeft stranded and helpless
- helplessUnable to act independently
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- vulnerableOpen to attack
incapacitated · immobilized · becalmed · drifting · rudderless · unsteerable · wallowing · floundering
Severe sustained wind
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
- tempestViolent windstorm or turmoil
- hurricaneViolent tropical windstorm
- typhoonWestern Pacific hurricane
cyclone · nor'easter · waterspout · fury · battering · pounding
Aftermost sail or mast
yards · topmast · crosstrees · spreaders · schooner · brig · barque · square-rigger
shipwreck
Destroyed vessel at sea
collision · wreckage · foundering · stricken · crippled · disabled · broken · shattered · splintered · snapped
stranded
Left without means to leave
- maroonedLeft stranded and helpless
- helplessUnable to act independently
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
vulnerable · incapacitated · immobilized · becalmed · drifting · rudderless · unsteerable · wallowing · floundering
gale
Severe sustained wind
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
- tempestViolent windstorm or turmoil
- hurricaneViolent tropical windstorm
typhoon · cyclone · nor'easter · waterspout · fury · battering · pounding
mizzen
Aftermost sail or mast
stays · yards · topmast · crosstrees · spreaders · schooner · brig · barque · square-rigger · clipper
jury-rig
Improvise temporary repair
shipwright · shipyard · refitting · stepping · spar · replacement · carpentry · makeshift · patching
distress
Severe anxiety or suffering
evacuation · salvage · tow · signal · flare · emergency · coastguard · survivor · castaway
dismastedmasted
Having vertical sail supports
fully rigged · rigged · square-rigged · under sail · ship-shape
dismastedseaworthy
Fit for ocean travel
battle-ready · operational · shipshape · under way · sailing