réttargæslumað

Rettargæslumað is a traditional Icelandic sailing term referring to a crew member who is responsible for observing the wind direction and speed. This person uses their observations to help the helmsman and other crew members navigate the ship and adjust the sails accordingly.

In the past, rettargæslumað was a crucial role in Icelandic fishing and whaling vessels. Without modern navigation tools, sailors relied heavily on their ability to read the wind and sea conditions to stay on course and avoid danger. The rettargæslumað would typically stand at the bow of the ship, scanning the horizon for wind currents, waves, and other signs of changing weather.

In addition to observing the wind, the rettargæslumað might also be responsible for sounding depths and navigating through treacherous waters. They would use a lead line to measure the depth of the water and estimate the location of any submerged rocks or reefs.

The term "rettargæslumað" is Icelandic and can be roughly translated to "sight-splinter" or "sight-steady". It refers to the rettargæslumað's ability to maintain a steady lookout and observe the surrounding environment with great accuracy. The role of the rettargæslumað has largely been replaced by modern navigation tools, but its importance in traditional Icelandic sailing remains an enduring part of maritime history and folklore.