Lain ahull is a term that sailors use to describe a tactic that is sometimes employed in extreme weather conditions.
When a sailor hears the term “lain ahull,” they know that it refers to a state in which the vessel is stationary and the sails are hoisted as far down as possible. In essence, the ship is laid on its side, and the helmsman does not have control of the vessel.
This tactic is typically employed when a vessel is being battered by high winds, and the crew is unable to control the ship. Lain ahull allows the vessel to ride out the storm without having to perform any complicated manoeuvres that could make matters worse.
The term can be traced back to the 17th century and the era of sailing ships. During this time, it was not uncommon for vessels to be caught in rough weather for days or even weeks at a time. In fact, many sailors considered lain ahull to be a relatively safe option during a storm.
While the term is not used as frequently today, it remains an essential concept in the world of sailing. Understanding what lain ahull means and when to use it can be essential for sailors preparing for extreme weather conditions.
Lain ahull is a sailing term that means to lay a vessel on its side and hoist the sails down as far as possible as a tactic for riding out a severe storm. It is a technique that has been used for centuries and is still relevant today as an essential tool for sailors.