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The term is "3 sheets IN the wind" from the ol' square rigger days. a square sail had four sheets {(one at each corner) actually 2 sheets at the at the bottom larb'r'd and starb'r'd corners and 2 braces at the top larb'r'd and starb'r'd corners} in a serious blow if the sails were not reefed (because of running after or from the enemy, or a sudden change in the weather) they could break one or more sheets. If one sheet was broken the sail was still functional (albeit only half the power of the full
sail.) If a second sheet broke the sail had no power, but there was still a chance to recover the sail by reefing the sail up to the ward. Almost always the first lines to break were the sheets not the braces. with the two sheets gone , or 'in the wind', The steering ability of the ship was not seriously hampered, it would be slow and a little unsteady (think someone half way to a good drunk). but the calamity came if a third sheet went 'IN the wind' i.e. 'flappin IN the breeze', once the rig has lost a brace the yard will swing round pointing to lu'ard causing much tribulation in the riggin'. Generally the only hope was to cut it away before it did serious damage like demasting the ship. Now at this point a ship is difficult to steer and will wallow drunkenly and stagger in the waves like a drunkin sailor!!! woolaa the term "he's three sheets in the wind, matey an ifin' someones don't hep 'em he's libel ta fall down an crack he's skull!" just so no one gets confused a square sail had other lines to it as well for instance a mainsail would also have Clewgarnets, Outer Buntlines, Middle Buntlines, Inner Buntlines, Leechlines, Lifts, Tacks, as well as the a fore mentioned sheets and braces.
Scotty McCollaum
S/V Petra - 55' Brandlmayr
Tacoma, Wa. USA
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