the situation of any ship or ships which are the most advanced in a fleet, or line of battle.

HEAD-Rope, that part of the bolt-rope which terminates any of the principal sails on the upper edge, which is accordingly sewed thereto. See the article BOLT-ROPE.

HEAD-Sails, a general name for all those sails which are extended on the foremast and bowsprit, and employed to command the fore part of the ship: such are the foreail, fore-top-fail, fore-top-gallant-fail, jib, forestay-fail, and the spritsail, with its topsail. This term is used in opposition to after-fails, viz. all those which are extended on the mizen-mast, and on the stays between the mizen and main-masts.

HEAD-to-wind, the situation of a ship or boat, when her head is turned to windward.

HEAD-Way, the motion of advancing at sea. It is generally used when a ship first begins to advance; or when it is doubtful whether she is in a state of rest or motion. It is in both senses opposed to retreating, or moving with the stern foremost. See the article STERN-WAY.