Textbook of Seamanship

When looking for old salt lingo, or just need to know what that yard is called you can refer to this fantastic reference.

Its like living in that age.

To shanghai someone

This was common practice as crimps would try to get enough bodies on board of sailing vessels to round the cape of good hope. Any means was allowed, and they were waiting already when ship anchored after a long voyage. In Dutch this is called 'Ronselen'.
This practice was finally stopped through the Seaman's Act in 1915. Until then it was a criminal offense to jump ship once you signed up for it.