A-bracket
A metal triangular bracket supporting a propeller shaft beneath the hull, just ahead of the propeller. The form usually is a V
A-Lee
On the opposite side from which the wind is coming. The helm is a-lee when it is put down to Leeward.
Abaft
Behind. A position abaft the mast like behind the mast. The opposite used to be afore, but today it is not used anymore. In collisions and other important occasions the word is commonly used in the phrase ‘Abaft the beam’.
To go about
To go about is to track the vessel through the wind. That is, to turn a sailing boat towards the wind, till the wind is dead ahead and to continue until the wind is on her other side.That done, she is about.
Accommodation
The habitable part of a boat. Do not confuse it with the accommodation ladder. The Accommodation ladder is over the ship’s side to help you come on board
Adrift
Refers to something that is drifting on the water, such as a boat whose mooring has broken.
Aground
When the boat is resting on the bottom in a place where she would otherwise be afloat. Resting in the boatyard she is Ashore