Reading the Sheer Line

Lay a strip of tracing paper over the side view of the ship. Mark just three points along the upper edge, one at either end and one amidships.

In the field notebook

Join the points with one slow stroke. Now trace the edge itself in a second colour. The difference between the two curves shows where the hull rises most sharply. Try the same exercise with the lower edge. The two curves give the vessel its character even before you add a mast.

Keep the first line visible so you can compare your impression with the drawing.

Further reading at the Viking Ship Museum ↗