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10. GLOSSARY
Aft
Towards the
stern
end of the boat
Backing down
Rowing backwards by pushing rather than
pulling the oars
Backwatering
Rowing backwards as above. See
backing
down
Bilge
The lowest point of the inside of the boat
where water will collect
Bilge keel
The moulded rails either side of the keel,
designed to reduce rolling and as aids to
righting the boat if capsized
Blade
The flattened end of the oar, opposite the
oar handle
Bow
The forward end of the boat, also the
oarsman sitting on the
thwart
nearest
the
bow
Bow tube
A reinforced tube moulded in the
bow
of
the boat used to prevent chafe of the
plastic when moored to a buoy or when
being towed
Bridle
A rope which divides the pull of a tow rope
between 2 fittings, to reduce the strain on
both of them
Builders Plate
A sticker at the stern indicating compliance
with European Community regulations and
giving basic safety information
Button
The device fixed to the
collar
which locates
the oar in the
rowlock
CE Mark
A mark indicating compliance with
European safety regulations
Cleat
A device for securing a rope to the boat
