heave-to
Nautical standstill maneuver
Heave-to is a sailing maneuver that brings a vessel nearly to a stop while remaining stable in the water.
By setting the sails and rudder in opposition, the boat holds position without requiring active steering—useful in storms, emergencies, or when the crew needs rest.
We hove-to and waited out the squall.
The past tense is hove-to or heaved-to.
Sharp-headed fastener
- jibeAgree or correspond
- luffSail toward wind
- backwindDeflected air from sails
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
trim · helm · rudder · tiller · sheet · heading · course · windward
Severe sustained wind
Total cessation of movement
- driftGradual movement, no direction
- waitDelay until later
- holdMaintain in grasp
- restCessation of activity
respite · break · cessation · suspension · idle · stationary · loiter
tack
Sharp-headed fastener
reef · trim · helm · rudder · tiller · sheet · heading · course · windward · leeward
gale
Severe sustained wind
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
- tempestViolent windstorm or turmoil
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
drogue · endure · weathering
standstill
Total cessation of movement
rest · respite · break · cessation · suspension · idle · stationary · loiter
mayday
Radio emergency signal
lifejacket · distress · evacuation · refuge · shelter · survival · relief · aid
sloop
One-masted fore-and-aft rigger
schooner · yacht · dinghy · catamaran · cruiser · sailboat · offshore
heave-tomake way
Allow passage through
get underway · press on · make headway · bear away · full sail