4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thank you all for your characteristically generous response on this one. I had almost decided that they were talking about breaking waves (surf) but I thought it wise to check with the author this morning. The answer I received was "Si intende il punto della spiaggia dove arriva l'onda. Per intenderci il punto della spiaggia bagnato. BATTIGIA" Although the precision of this definition is open to debate, I think the closest I can get in English is "reach of the sea" as leff has kindly proposed. For those who, like me, were thinking in terms of tide lines, you may be right, but to my mind this concept doesn't really encompass the dynamic nature of the sea, particularly in stormy weather. I suppose what they really want to say is the point at which you would prefer not to be standing in your Sunday clothes on any given day of the year. Because of the nature of the document I am translating, it's interesting to consider the legal discussions that might ensue concerning the precise location of this hypotethical line in the event of warranty claims. Special thanks are due to Russell for your poetic relief. Maximum respect and appreciation for your help Derek "