Connor

Recently, I have been engrossed in the Aubrey-Maturin novels of Patrick O' Brian. Having swiftly completed the first two, I am (quite impatiently) waiting for the third book, H.M.S. Surprise. When I originally started Master and Commander, I, being a certified lubber, had quite the trouble understanding the unique language he uses in his novels. Luckily, I also have the two companion guides, A Sea of Words and Harbours and High Seas, which have been invaluable in helping me understand the novels. Unfortunately, I still have trouble with the lexicon surrounding the thirty-two points of the compass rose, specifically to do with wind direction. For example, things like 'the wind was 3 points abaft the beam', 'the wind was on her starboard quarter', or 'the wind was two points free'. If someone could help me understand, It would be greatly appreciated.

Recently, I ve been engrossed in Patrick O Brian s Master and Commander. While the book is near amazing, the terminology used is quite confusing, especially to someone with no prior naval experience. The companion to this novel, A Sea of Words, is invaluable in assisting one decipher the complex language used in the story. Unfortunately, for all its help, I still don t have a full understanding of the 32 points of the compass rose. For example, on page 150, it states "With the wind two points on her quarter". From which direction is this? I understand basic terms like fore, aft, port, starboard, leeward, and windward, but if someone could help me understand more precise directions, it would be much appreciated.