: lying or leading athwartship a thwartship spar.

What is Athwartship direction?

-shĭp. (nautical) Across the vessel sideways, i.e. in a direction at right angles to the fore-and-aft line of the vessel.

What does Specia mean?

1 : distinguished by some unusual quality especially : being in some way superior our special blend. 2 : held in particular esteem a special friend. 3a : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving.