after-yards

As the second anchor rose to the pull of the creaking windlass, we sheeted home the topsails, topgallantsails and royals and hoisted them up, braced head-yards aback and after-yards full for the port tack, hoisted the jib and put over the helm.

The Mutineers Charles Boardman Hawes

But the wind draws up the curtain of cloud by strands of rainy cordage, and men aloft are loosing the reefed topsail, bracing the after-yards and setting them for a run in on the larboard tack.

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 12, No. 28, July, 1873 Various

"Lay the after-yards square!" he said, in a voice which was heard by every man on deck, though his words were apparently spoken but little above his breath.

Great Sea Stories Various 1897

For, while they are watching her, she draws opposite the opening in the reef; then lets sheets loose; and, squaring her after-yards, is instantly hove to.

The Flag of Distress A Story of the South Sea Mayne Reid 1850

It was well that he did; for in a few minutes it fell dead calm, the vessel lost her steerage-way, the rain ceased, we hauled up the trysail and courses, squared the after-yards, and waited for the change, which came in a few minutes, with a vengeance, from the northwest, the opposite point of the compass.

Two Years Before the Mast Richard Henry Dana 1848

All hands were required for this purpose -- the fore-yards had to be braced round, the after-yards squared away.

The Missing Ship The Log of the "Ouzel" Galley William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

Then the helm was put a-port, the after-yards braced up, and again we were after them.

The Story of Nelson also "The Grateful Indian", "The Boatswain's Son" William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

"Square away the fore-yards!" shouted the captain (the after-yards had already been squared).

Sunshine Bill William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

Then the helm was put a-port, the after-yards braced up, and again we were after them.

The Grateful Indian And other Stories William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

Captain Robbins took command, of course, and was in time to haul the after-yards, the ship coming round slowly in so light a wind.

Afloat and Ashore A Sea Tale James Fenimore Cooper 1820