Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Splice the main brace

The main brace on a sailing ship handled the main yard carrying the primary sail. If the brace gave out during a storm, a splice was the fastest way repair it. The best mariners on board were sought out for this difficult task. They were then rewarded with an extra ration of rum for splicing the main brace. The term has since come to mean a special issue of spirits to the crew.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01