Bear away To put the helm up and run off to leeward. To put before the wind. Before the mast An expression used to describe the station of seamen who had their accommodations in the forward part of the ship, as distinguished from officers who were berthed aft. Thus a man before the mast meant a common sailor and not an officer. There were always two binnacles on the deck of a ship of war, one being designed for the man who steered, the other for the person who superintended the steerage, whose office was called conning.
Boom See under brig .
Blue Peter A blue signal flag with white square in the center, hoisted on the foremast to indicate a vessel is ready to sail. Bowline A rope fastened near the middle of the leech, or perpendicular edge of the square sails, by three or four subordinate parts called bridles. Bowsprit A large spar which projects forward from the stem of a vessel. Its purpose is to extend the head sails, thereby counteracting the effect of the after sails and keeping the sail plan balanced. It is also one of the main supporters of the foremast, which is fastened to it by stays.