a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors. any sailors’ quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse. the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.
Why do they call it a quarterdeck?
By extension, on flush-decked ships the after part of the main deck, where the officers took their station, was also known as the quarterdeck. As powered ships came into use, the term was applied to the same approximate area of the ship (although the officers stations were moved to the bridge).
Why is it called a poop deck?
We quote verbatim: “The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis. Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern or “after” cabin, also known as the “poop cabin”.
What was the Sterncastle used for?
Definitions. An aftcastle. (nautical) the stern structure behind the mizzenmast and above the transom on large sailing ships which usually houses the captain’s cabin and perhaps additional cabins. Aftercastle provides a place of defense in the event of boarding.
Why is it called forecastle?
The fo’c’s’le or forecastle is the forward deck of the ship. It derives its name from sailing ship days when the raised forward deck was known as the forecastle. This was typically a raised, castle like structure where archers first could engage enemy ships. The anchoring gear or ground tackle may be seen here.
What is fore castle deck?
Definition of forecastle deck : a partial deck above the main deck at the bow of a ship over a forecastle.
Where is poop deck found?
In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear, or “aft”, part of the superstructure of a ship. The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis.
What is quarter on a ship?
Quarter: 1. The after parts of the ship on each side of the centerline. Quarter-deck: The part of the upper deck of a ship abaft the mainmast, also often included a poop deck. The quarter-deck was that part of the ship from which command was executed and thus it was often reserved for officers in naval vessels.
Why do Marines call bathroom the head?
“Head” in a nautical sense referring to the bow or fore part of a ship dates to 1485. The ship’s toilet was typically placed at the head of the ship near the base of the bowsprit, where splashing water served to naturally clean the toilet area.
How did sailors wipe?
Sailors in the Age of Sail used tow-rags. After using the head, the sailor could then clean his backside with the wet rag then drop the rope back over the side. The rag would then be cleaned either by being literally towed by the ship under sail or to be washed by the action of wave and current if at anchor.
What is the top castle on a ship?
An aftercastle (or sometimes aftcastle) is the stern structure behind the mizzenmast and above the transom on large sailing ships, such as carracks, caravels, galleons and galleasses.
