The following is an essential glossary of yachting terms and nautical phrases that all keen and young aspiring R class sailors should learn before venturing out onto the briny sea, so that Master and Crew can develop that intimate and intuitive teamwork to sail faster and better than they ever have before. However in the heat of battle it is also important that the crew can to interpret what that ranting old Captain Bligh is screaming from the Masters position at the stern. Some commands require instant action or the Skippers panic may spread. Other commands can be safely ignored as the ramblings of a deluded and possibly drunk old fool. It is important that you as the Crew know what to do, after all the Skipper almost certainly doesn't.
Skipper has desperate hangover.
Looks hopeful that racing is cancelled. Requires firm but sympathetic smack to the head with the heavy weather racing boom to bring to racing mode. Usually accompanied by pleading look, white eyeballs, nervous stench and whining voice. Skipper has severe cold feet. Surprisingly not a cricketing term nor an invitation to bail out.