Definition

Noun

  • One’s time on watch or duty.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 17th century. From the early Dutch word, trek.

Comments

Usually refers to time on the helm. On vessels with no mechanical advantage, a trick at the helm requires a lot of concentration, limiting time on the helm to about 30 minutes or an hour. As automation has improved, steering has become much less straining on the shoulders (and concentration) of the helmsman.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.