nautical trip meaning

Glossary of sailing and nautical terms

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In order to become a true sailor, you’ll first need to learn some essential sailing terms. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! In this A-Z of yachting terms, we’ll briefly explain yacht terms, parts, equipment, sailing commands, and even some pirate jargon.

For you to understand the ins and outs of a boat you should know where it starts and where it ends. The front of a boat is known as the bow while the back is called the stern. Also, while the left of the boat is called the port side, the right is called starboard. Now that you’re familiar with the different sides of a boat, let's get down to real sailing business. 

• ABANDON SHIP! – You have probably heard this in movies and you know it doesn't bring any good. You should leave the vessel immediately as it looks like your ship is in some imminent danger.
• ABOARD – When you’re aboard, you are on a boat. The opposite of ashore. 
• ABOVE DECK – Above deck means you are standing on the deck, not above it.
• ABREAST – We call vessels that are side to side - abreast.
• ADRIFT – Don't panic but if your vessel is adrift it means it has sailed off without you. Okay, you can panic a little.
• AGROUND – If the water is not deep enough, then you go aground and your vessel’s bottom touches the ground.
• AHEAD – This means something is in front of the boat, for example your destination is ahead.
• AHOY – Another way to say hello, with a little pirate tone.
• ALL HANDS HOAY – Everyone should get on the deck. 
• AMIDSHIPS – The middle of a vessel, whether from her length or width. 
• ANCHOR – A chain with a hook on the end that falls to the bottom of the sea and prevents your yacht from sailing off without you. Used for parking your yacht in a bay.
• ANCHORAGE – A great spot for holding, anchoring and sheltering your vessel.
• APPARENT WIND – A mixture of the true wind direction and the wind created by the sails.
• ASHORE – Being on the shore, and not on your vessel. 
• ASTERN – Opposite of ahead is astern, in other words behind. 
• AYE, AYE – A reply to a command to show that it will be carried out.
• BAGGYWRINKLE – A soft covering for cables that prevents friction between sails.
• BAREBOAT – Sailing a yacht on your own without a crew or skipper. 
• BATTEN DOWN – If you hear “Batten down the hatches!” make sure you secure any hatchets and loose objects so you don’t lose anything important.
• BEAM – The width of your vessel.
• BEARING – Bearing is the direction in which we are headed. The reference point can be a compass or the heading direction.
• BELOW – Instead of being “above deck,” you can also be “below” it.
• BERTHS (Sleeping) – The number of people able to sleep on a specified vessel.
• BERTHS (Mooring) – The location in a harbour or port for mooring a vessel
• BEAM REACH – Is the position of a sail when the true wind hits it at a 90 degree angle.
• BILGE – The deepest part of the vessel’s hull, where water can enter.
• BOAT HOOK – A pole with a hook on the end. You can use it to grab and pick up a rope, collect something that has fallen overboard, or push the vessel off the port.
• BOOM – This is the horizontal pole that runs along the bottom of the sail. A part that often hits unsuspecting victims on the head in small vessels. Not a very pleasant experience.
• BOW –The front of the vessel also known as the ”pointy end” of the boat. 
• BOW LINE – A rope that’s tied onto the front of the vessel that stops the vessel from moving sideways when moored.
• BOWLINE – To confuse you, this is a completely different from the bow line. It’s pronounced “boh-lin” and it’s a knot which creates a loop at the end of a rope.
• BRIDGE – The part of the vessel from where you steer and control the speed.
• BRIGHTWORK – Brightwork is the shining woodwork or polished metal that you can see on a vessel.
• BUOY – A buoy is a floating device that marks a position, a hazard, or shallow sea. Some are also used to moor vessels.
• BROAD REACH - Sailing downwind with the wind is hitting the sails at an angle between 91 and 170 degrees. 
• CABIN – Separated living units, like a bedroom.
• CAPSIZE  – When a vessel leans too far causing it to flip over. This can result in the sinking of the ship. 
• CAST OFF – When you cast off you let go of a rope from where your vessel has been moored up.
• CHAFING GEAR – It sounds quite uncomfortable, but it's not for you. “Chafing gear” is a tube or some type of fabric that you wrap around a rope to stop it from rubbing on a rough surface.
• CHART – A nautical map that gets you from point A to point B.
• CLEAT – A fitting on vessels used to tie or secure ropes. 
• COCKPIT – An opening from where you can control the vessel.
• COIL – When it’s time to put away ropes, you make a neat, circular coil with them.
• COMPASS  – A navigational instrument that revolutionised travel.
• COURSE – The route you follow across the water.
• CURRENT – The current is actually the movement of water, usually caused by tides or wind.
• DEAD AHEAD – Dead ahead means straight ahead.
• DEAD ASTERN – Meaning behind you. The complete opposite of dead ahead.
• DECK – Not the deck of playing cards. This is a surface that covers any part of a vessel on which you can walk on.
• DINGHY – A small inflatable boat attached to the yacht. It is sometimes easier to go with the dinghy. 
• DOCK – A pier, float or a wharf where you can moor your vessel.
• DRAFT/DRAUGHT – It can mean two things, the depth of a vessel underwater or the fullness of a sail.
• DUNSEL –  This part has no use on a ship. Don't be a dunsel! 
• EASE – To let the sails out.
• FATHOM – In sailing, a fathom is a nautical unit of length. It matches six feet or approximately two metres.
• FENDER – The colourful cushions that hang over the edge of a vessel to prevent damage to the boat or pontoon.
• FLOOD – This doesn't have to be super dramatic, it can simply be used to describe an incoming tide.
• FORE-AND-AFT – A centre-line of a vessel that runs lengthwise, parallel to the part of the hull that goes deeper into the water below it. 
• FOREPEAK – An open area in the front front of the vessel.
• FOULED – A fouled piece of equipment is blocked, tangled, or tarnished.
• GALLEY – A vessel’s kitchen. Go on, we know you’re hungry.
• GANGWAY – The gangway is where you can get in and out of the vessel.
• GEAR – When you hear “Get your gear!” it means ropes, lines, blocks, and other equipment on board.
• GENOA/JENNY – Might be quite confusing if your name is Jenny. A Genoa or Jenny is a sail that overlaps the mainsail.
• GRAB RAILS – When in danger of falling off the boat, it’s a good idea to hold onto the grab rails to prevent that. 
• GROUND TACKLE – The bits that touch the ground such as the anchor and its gear.
• GUNWALE – The rail that goes around the edge of the deck. 
• HALYARD –  All the ropes used to pull sails up.
• HATCH – An opening in the vessel’s deck that has a water-resistant cover.
• HEADING – The direction the vessel is going in.
• HEADWAY – A headway vessel is going forward, while the sternway is moving backward.
• HEADS – The heads are actually the toilets, the loo, dunny… It can also be the upper corner of a triangular sail.
• HELM – If somebody asks you to take the helm, drop everything you are doing and take the wheel. The helm is the wheel or tiller that controls the vessel.
• HELMSPERSON – The best and the worst job on board. The person steering the wheel.
• HOLD – The inside of the yacht’s hull.
• HULL – The main body of a vessel, the part that floats.
• INBOARD – Simply inside the vessel’s edges.
• IN IRONS – When the boat is difficult to manoeuvre under sail.
• IRON MIKE – A slang for auto-pilot. Not a famous boxer.
• ITINERARY – The route of travel on your holiday. Usually planned in advance but needs to remain flexible to respond to weather conditions and personal preference
• JACOB’S LADDER – The type of rope ladder that you’d use to climb up something. It can be lowered from the deck when passengers come on board. 
• JETTY – A jetty is a structure made to create breakwater, shelter, erosion control, or a channel. 
• JIBING/GYBING – On a vessel, jibing means turning away from the wind until the wind comes from the other side.
• KEEL – The central structural base of the hull, the “backbone” of a vessel.
• KNOT – Not just a loop you tie in a rope or string, but also a unit of speed (equals one nautical mile an hour)

• LATITUDE – Geography knowledge can be used here. The latitude is the distance north or south of the equator. It’s measured in degrees and up to 90˚ north and 90˚ south. Each degree of latitude accounts for 60 nautical miles.
• LAZARETTE – A storage space at the back of the vessel.
• LAZYJACK – Wires leading from the mast (the big central metal pole) to the boom (pole that runs along the bottom of the front partl) that helps lowering the sails.
• LEE – The down-wind side of a vessel or shore which is sheltered.
• LEE CLOTHS – To avoid falling out of bed in the middle of the night, you can use a lee-cloth to keep you safe.
• LEEWARD – This is the direction away from the wind, as opposed to windward, which means into the wind.
• LOA – The maximum length of a yacht including overhanging ends that extend beyond the main bow and main stern.
• LOG – The log measures speed and records the vessel’s course.
• LONGITUDE – This is the distance east or west of the meridian line at Greenwich, UK, which is measured in degrees. There are 180˚ west and 180˚ east of Greenwich.
• LINE – This is a general term for a rope or line on a vessel that has a control function.
• LWL – Load waterline length or the length of a yacht that is in contact with the water.
• MAINSAIL – The main sail that sits behind the main mast on a yacht.
• MAST –The big metal pole that reaches from the bottom of the yacht to the sky. The sails hang from the mast.
• MED MOORING – The art of reverse parking a yacht into a small gap, a typical mooring technique in most Mediterranean harbours.
• MIDSHIP – The middle of the vessel. 
• MONOHULL – A boat with one hull. The classic sailor’s yacht
• MOORING – When you moor a vessel, you tie it to a buoy or a pier. And then hope it won’t go adrift.
• NAUTICAL MILE – A measure of distance when on water. It’s around 6,076 feet, 1,852 metres, 2,025 yards, or one minute of latitude. 
• NAVIGATION – Keeping to the route of a vessel when on a voyage from point A to point B.  Basically, figuring out where you are and where you are going. 
• OCEAN – Don’t think this one needs explaining, but anyhow a huge blue surface, pretty wet too.
• OPERATIONAL LANGUAGE – The language that the crew use to give instructions. 
• OUTBOARD – When something is outboard, it’s beyond the vessel’s sides.
• OVERBOARD – It’s probably best to avoid this one. When someone or something is overboard, it’s over the side of the boat.
• PIER – A pier is a loading platform held by posts that extends out from the shore.
• PILOTAGE – Piloting when you navigate using visible features on land or water.
• PORT – The left side of the vessel is called the port side. It is also another name for a harbour.
• PROW –A poetical alternative term for bow.
• QUAY – A stone or metal platform lying alongside or above the water. Usually used for parking, loading and unloading vessels.
• REACHING – For most sailboats, this is the fastest way to travel. A close reach is toward the wind, and a broad reach is slightly away from the wind.
• REEFING – The preferred method of reducing sail area so it is easier to control. Especially useful in higher winds and bad weather conditions. 
• REGATTA – A series of boat races.
• RIGGING – The ropes and wires that control the sails and support the masts.
• RIP RAP – A pile of rocks and rubble made to form a breakwater, often surrounding an off-shore lighthouse or vulnerable harbour. 
• RUDDER – When you change directions on the vessel, it moves the rudder which in turn steers the vessel. It’s usually a vertical plate or a board connected to the back.
• SAILS – The most important part for sailing. An eco-friendly engine that converts wind power into boat speed. 
• SALOON – The living area, you go here to relax.
• SATELLITE NAVIGATION – You have probably used regular navigation that uses radio transmissions before. However, the equipment on a vessel is a bit more complex and sophisticated.
• SCUPPERS – Scuppers are the holes in the deck that let the water drain off. 
• SEA COCK – A sea cock is a faucet in the hull that can be turned off when not in use.
• SEAMANSHIP – All the skills of boat handling can be called seamanship. It could be maintenance, repairs, piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging.
• SEA ROOM – It’s actually used to describe a safe distance from the shore or other hazards. 
• SEAWORTHY – If a vessel can safely sail in rough weather, we call it seaworthy.
• SECURE – When something is secure, it is tied safely.
• SET – When the current is flowing toward a particular direction, it is set!
• SKIPPER – The most important person on your yacht, the person in charge and responsible for the safety of all aboard 
• SLACK – Something that is not fastened.
• STERN – The rear of the yacht. Also can be the skipper’s voice tone if your yacht floats away.
• SOUNDING – This has nothing to do with sounds, it is actually a measurement of water depth.
• SPRING LINE – This is a rope that stops a boat from moving forward or backward while being fastened to a dock. Also used during docking and undocking.
• SQUALL – A squall is a sudden, violent wind that often brings rain. Get your bad weather gear ready!
• STAND-ON VESSEL – A “stand-on vessel” is a vessel that has right of way and should maintain its speed and direction. A give-way vessel should take steps to avoid a stand-on vessel 
• STARBOARD – Starboard is the right side of a vessel when looking towards the front/bow
• STEM – The front of the vessel.
• STERN – The back of the vessel.
• STERN LINE – This is a rope leading from the stern (back) of the vessel.
• TACKING – Zig-zagging into wind so the wind passes from one side to another. 
• TILLER – A tiller is a bar or handle that you use to turn a vessel’s rudder to change directions.
• TOPSIDES – This is the bit of the vessel that’s between the waterline and the deck.
• TRIM – No, not a haircut trim. This trim means making adjustments to sails to maximise their efficiency.
• TRADE WINDS – These winds blow from the north east in the Northern Hemisphere and the south east in the Southern Hemisphere. Sailors use them because they push vessels toward the equator.
• TRANSOM – The transom is a wall at the back of a vessel. 
• TRUE WIND DIRECTION – The direction from where the wind is actually coming from.
• UNDERWAY – When you are on the sea, your vessel is underway. In other words, it’s not moored, at anchor, or aground.
• VESSEL –  A craft for traveling on water, usually a larger boat or a ship.
• WATER – The liquid you can drink and float on.
• WATERLINE – A painted line on the vessel that shows where the vessel ends and the sea starts. 
• WAY – The path that a vessel leaves after itself when it moves across the sea.
• WATCH – When you are on a watch on board ­you have to work with your fellow watch members.
• WINCH – A rotating, horizontal drum, powered either by electric motor or human motion
• WINDWARD –This means to go into the wind, and it’s tough to sail windward. 
• YACHT – All kinds of vessels that are either powered or have sails

• Paddle Board

A to Z of Nautical Terms: A Complete Glossary of Boat Terminology

Are you a new boat owner? Whether you bought a jet ski or a 40-foot cabin cruiser, you’re going to need to understand the lingo while you’re out on the water. Here’s a glossary of basic nautical terms to have you sounding like a sailor.

Toward the stern of the vessel.

A sail position with the wind striking on its leeward side.

Around or near the stern of the vessel.

At a right-angle to the boat’s center-line.

Lashing the helm to the leeward side to ride out bad weather without the sails set.

The center of the deck of the vessel between the fore-and-aft.

Automatic Identification System.

Apparent Wind

The speed and direction of the wind combined with the boat’s movement and the true wind speed and direction.

To look behind the boat while driving in reverse.

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid.

Athwartships

At a right-angle to the aft-and-fore line of the vessel.

The act of measuring the angular distance on the horizon circle in a clockwise method, typically between a heavenly body and an observer.

When the wind starts to shift in an anti-clockwise direction.

Back a sail

Sheeting the sail to the windward direction, so the wind fills the sail on the leeward side.

The stay supports the aft from the mast, preventing its forward movement.

Baggywrinkle

The teased-out plaited rope wound around the stays or shrouds preventing chaffing.

Iron or lead weights are fixed in a low-access area of the vessel or on the keel to stabilize the boat.

A flexible and lightweight strip feeds into the sail leech’s batten pocket, supporting the roach.

Ballast Keel

A ballast bolted to the keel, increasing the vessel’s stability to prevent capsizing.

The widest point of the vessel or a traverse member supporting the deck. On the beam, objects are at a right-angle to the center-line.

Taking the action of steering the vessel away from the wind.

To tag a zig-zagging approach into the wind or close-hauling with alternate tacks.

The object’s direction from the observer measured in magnetic or true degrees.

To fasten the rope around the cleat using a figure-8 knot.

Securing the sail to the spar before hoisting it or connecting two ropes using a knot.

A sleeping quarters on a boat or a slip occupied by a vessel in a marina or harbor.

The loop or bend in a knot.

The round, lower part of the hull where the water collects.

The pulley fixed inside a plastic or wooden casing with a rope running around a sheave and changing to pulling direction.

Boot-Topping

The narrow-colored stripe is painted between the topside enamel and bottom paint.

The heeling action of the boat when it slews to the broadside while running downwind. Abroach usually occurs in heavy seas.

Broad Reach

The point of sailing the vessel between a run and the beam reach with the wind blowing over the quarter.

The partitioning wall in the vessel athwartship.

A measurement of distance equal to 0.1-sea mile, 185-meters, or 200-yards.

Center-Line

The center of the vessel along the aft-to-fore line.

Center-Board

A board lowers through a slot on the keel for reducing leeway.

The fitting slipping over the boom like a claw. It attaches to the main sheet after you finish reefing the sail.

Chart Datum

The reference level on the charts below which the low tide level. The sounding features below the chart datum. The datum level varies depending on country and area.

The metal, wooden, or plastic fitting used to secure ropes.

Close-Hauled

The skill of sailing close to the wind, also known as beating.

The lower, aft corner of the sail where the leech and foot meet.

Close Reach

The point where you’re sailing between the beam reach and the close-hauled or when the wind blows toward the forward of the beam.

The direction that you steer the vessel in degrees. Mariners can use true or magnetic readings or use a compass to plot the course.

Close-Winded

The act of sailing a boat close to the wind.

The rope loop at either end of the line reef points or an eye in a sail.

The difference between the direction indicated by the magnetic meridian and the compass needle, caused by carrying metal objects aboard the vessel.

Sailing with the wind blowing to the aft, in line with the center-line of the vessel.

Displacement

The displacement hull design displaces boat weight in the water and is only supported by its buoyancy.

The weight of the water displaced by the vessel is equal to the vessel’s weight.

The rope used to pull down the spar or sail.

To float the vessel with the wind or current. Or the distance covered by the boat while drifting in the current, measured in time.

The distance between the lowest point on the keel and the center-line of the vessel measured as a vertical distance.

The sea anchor thrown over the stern of a life raft or boat or to reduce drift.

Digital Selective Calling (a function on Marine radios ).

A retractable keel drawn into the vessel’s hull.

Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon.

Estimated Position.

Estimated Time of Departure.

Estimated Time of Arrival.

The fitting adjusting the feeding line allows you to change the direction of the lead line.

The raised border on cabin tables, chart tables, preventing objects from falling off the surface.

Measurement of water depth and rope lengths.

• 1 Fathom = 6-feet = 1.83-meters.

The vessel positioning plotted by two or more positioning lines.

The vertical distance between the top of the deck and the waterline.

The closest stay running between the masthead and stemhead, hankering the mainsail.

A large-size headsail is available in various sizes, overlapping the mainsail before hoisting in fresh to light winds on all sailing points.

Two concentric rings pivot at right-angles to keep objects horizontal despite the swaying motion of the boat.

Global Navigation Satellite System.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

To change tack by turning the boat into the eye of the wind.

Booming out the headsail in a windward position using the whisker pole to hold it on the opposite side of the mainsail.

The fitting anchoring the mast to the boom, allowing free movement in all directions.

This metal rail surrounds the boat’s edges, allowing easy gripping to prevent falling overboard.

Turning the stern through the wind to change from one tack to another.

The spinnaker guy controls the steadying rope for the spar through the aft-fore position of the spinnaker pole. The foreguy keeps the spinnaker pole in the forward position.

Global Positioning System.

The rope hoisting the lower sails.

Highest Astronomical Tide.

The fitting for attaching the sail’s luff to a stay.

The deck opening provides the crew with access to the berth or cabin interior.

The streamlined surround of a forestay featuring the groove allows for the sliding attachment of the luff sides of the headsail.

Head-to-Wind

When the bow of the vessel points into the direction of the wind.

The forward motion of the vessel through the water.

The toilet.

The action of backing the jib and lashing the tiller to the leeward side in rough weather conditions. The heave-to encourages the vessel to reduce headway and lie quietly.

When the vessel exaggeratedly leans to one side.

International Maritime Organization.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

International Telecommunication Union

The lines on weather maps joining places with equal atmospheric pressure.

The temporary device for replacing damaged or lost gear.

The line running from aft-to-fore on both sides of the vessel. The jackstays allow for the clipping attachment of safety harnesses to prevent being lost at sea when falling overboard.

A secondary, smaller, lightweight anchor.

A dual-masted sailboat featuring a mizzen mast that’s slightly smaller than its mainmast, with a stepped forward position of the rudder post/stock.

The center-line of the vessel features the attachment of the ballast keel, allowing for the lowering of the center-board.

Kicking Strap

The line for pulling down the boom or keeping it in the horizontal position when on a run or reach.

A short length of line attached to an important object that you don’t want to lose, such as the jet ski key. The lanyard can connect to your wrist or lifejacket.

The aft edge of the triangular sail. Both side-edges of a square sail.

Lowest Astronomical Tide.

The shore on which the wind is blowing.

The natural tendency of vessels to bear away from the direction of the wind.

Moving in a direction away from the wind. The direction in which the wind is blowing.

The vessel’s leaning to one side due to improper distribution of weight in the boat’s hull.

The leading edge of the sail. Luffing up is turning the head of the boat into the wind.

The sideways motion off course resulting from the wind blowing on one side of the hull and sails.

The instrument for measuring the distance and speed of a boat traveling through the water. It is also the act of recording the details of a voyage in a logbook.

Marinized engine

A car engine or motorbike motor adapted for use in watercraft.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The keel socket locating the base of the mast.

Measured Mile

The distance marked on charts measures one nautical mile between islands at sea or onshore ranges.

The short after-mast on the yawl or ketch.

This imaginary longitudinal line circling the earth, passing through both poles, cutting at right-angles through the equator.

Mean Low Water Neaps.

Mean High Water Neaps.

Mean High Water Springs.

Mean Low Water Springs.

Maritime Mobile Service Identity.

The rope used for pulling out the sail’s foot.

Overall Length (LOA)

The extreme length of the vessel. The measurement from the aftmost point of the stern to the foremost points of the bow. This measurement excludes the self-steering gear, bowsprit, etc.

An emergency call requesting immediate assistance.

The bowline on a tender or dinghy for towing or making fast.

To gradually let out the rope.

The left-hand side of the vessel when looking forward.

Point of Sailing

The angles of the wind allowing for the sailing of the boat. Or the boat’s course relative to its direction and the direction of the wind.

Your vessel is on its port track when the wind is striking the boat’s port side first, and the mainsail is out to the starboard side.

Line of Position/Position Line

The line on charts shows the bearing of the vessel and the position where the boat mist lie. Or two positional lines providing a location fix.

The steel guard rail fitted to the bow to provide additional safety for the crew when working around the boat’s edge.

The steel guard rail fitted around the stern of the boat to prevent the crew from falling overboard.

The section of the vessel midway between the beam and the stern.

The difference in water levels between the high and low tides is the range of tides. Or the distance at which you can see the light.

The act of reducing the sail surface area through folding or rolling additional materials onto the forestay or boom.

Reefing Pennant

The sturdy line allowing you to pull down the leech cringle or luff to the boom while reefing.

When sailing with the wind blowing onto the beam, with all sailing points between close-hauled and running.

Riding Sail

The small sail you hoist to maintain the steerage way during stormy weather.

The imaginary line cuts through all meridians at the same angle. Or the course of the vessel moving in a fixed direction.

Rigging Screw

The deck fitting allowing for tensioning of the standing rigging.

The act of sailing with the wind to the aft of the vessel and with the sails eased into the wide-out, full position.

The curve in a leech sail extending beyond the direct line formed from clew to head.

Running Rigging

All moving lines like halyards and sheets used for trimming and setting sails.

Search and Rescue.

A vessel with two or more masts and the mainmast featured in the aftermost position.

Search and Rescue Transponder.

The toe-rail holes allowing water to drain off the deck.

The room in which the vessel can maneuver clear of submerged dangers.

The shut-off valve for the underwater outlet or inlet passing through the vessel’s hull.

This is French for “radio silence.” You’ll use it when reporting a distress call or incident at sea.

The act of hoisting a sail. Or how the sails fit or the direction of a tidal stream or current.

A procedure word for identifying safety calls.

A steel link featuring a removable bolt crossing the open end. The shackle comes in various designs, from “S” to “U” shapes and more.

The cables or ropes typically fund in pairs, leading from the mast to the chainplates at the deck level. These shrouds prevent the mast from falling to the side, and it’s part of your standing rigging.

The rope attaching to the boom to the sail’s clew allows for the trimming and control over the sail.

Skin Fitting

A through-hull fitting featuring a hole in its skin allows for air and water passing. The seacock is the accessory used for sealing the cavity when not in use.

A boat with a single-masted design for one headsail and one mainsail.

The general term for any metal or wooden pole on board a boat. The pole gives shape to the sails.

Safety of Life at Sea.

Speed Over the Ground

A lightweight, large balloon-shaped sail for running or reacting.

The horizontal struts attach to the mast and extend to the shrouds to assist with supporting the mast.

The act of joining wires or ropes using a weaving process interlacing the fibers in the cable or rope.

The sail will stall if the airflow over the sail surface breaks up, causing the vessel to lose its momentum.

Standing Part

The part of the line you don’t use when making a knot. Or the part of a rope you use to tie around the knot.

The metal post bolted to the deck in an upright position to support the guard railing.

Standing Rigging

The stays and shrouds provide permanent support to the mast.

Starboard Tack

The vessel is on the starboard tack when the boom is out to post, and the wind strikes the boat’s starboard side.

The right-hand side of the vessel when looking forward.

The rope or wire supports the mast in the fore-and-aft direction. It is a part of the standing rigging for your boat.

The sternward movement of the vessel towards the backward direction.

Steerage Way

The vessel has steerage when it reaches sufficient speed, allowing for steering or answering the helm.

The loop of rope or wire attaches the spar to the block to make a sling.

The railing around the vessel’s stern prevents the crew from falling overboard. Modern yachts do not have the elegant wooden railing of older models. Instead, they feature tubular steel or aluminum railings, called Pushpits.

Telegraph Buoy

The buoy marks the position of a submerged cable.

To pull on the end of the rope or cable, wound around a winch.

The compass mounted over the captain’s berth, allowing for the easy reference to what’s going on in the vessel’s helm.

The metal fitting forming eyes at the end of cables, wires, or ropes.

A description for any small boat, usually inflatable models. These boats will take supplies and people between a larger vessel and the shore.

Thermal Wind

The wind occurring from the difference in the heating of the sea and the land by the sun. The sun heats the land faster than the sea, resulting in the onshore wind from the sea replacing the air rising over the land, causing the “sea breeze” phenomenon.

Thumb Cleat

A small cleat featuring a single horn.

The wooden pegs featuring vertical pairs in the gunwale for constraining the oars for rowing.

Topping Lift

The rope linking the mast to the boom end. It supports the boom, allowing for its lowering and raising.

The progress on the vessel’s journey over the ocean. The trajectory line of the boat.

The sides of the hull between the waterline and the deck.

The netting stretching across the hulls of a catamaran.

A watch period or watch duty at the helm of the vessel.

Traverse beams forming part of the stern and fixed to the sternpost of a wooden ship.

Tricolor Lamp

A lamp displaying red in proper port sectors, green in the starboard sectors, and white astern. Some authorities permit the tri-color light on smaller boats instead of conventional stern and bow lights.

Turk’s Head

A decorative knot featuring variable numbers of interwoven strands that form a closed loop.

The direction and velocity of wind measured by stationary observers. Apparent wind is wind experienced by moving objects.

Sturdy steel fittings used for attaching standing rigging to the spar or mast.

The low, forward corner of the sail. Or the action of turning the boat through the wind to get it to blow on the other side of the sails.

Sailing close-hauled to work windward on an alternate course. The wind is on one side then the other.

The low strip of steel, wood, or strapping running along the edge of the deck. You’ll use it in combination with the hand railing to hold your feet to the deck to prevent falling overboard.

The rise and fall of the ocean are caused by the moon’s gravitational effect on the earth and the ocean.

The line moving from the mast had to the spar or the boom used in raising it.

To adjust the sail angle using sheets to achieve optimal efficiency from the sail. Or it describes the action of adjusting the load, influencing the fore-and-aft angle at which it floats.

The course of the boat making good on its travel plan. A fitting of on the boom or mast to the slide on the sail fit. The fitting along which the traveler runs for altering the sheet tension.

The speed and direction of the wind when anchored, stationary on the water, or land.

Turn Buckle

The apparatus used for tightening the standing rigging on the vessel.

A line used in raising something like a spinnaker pole vertically.

The vessel is underway when it releases it fastening to shore when it is not aground or at anchor.

See kicking strap.

The wind will veer when shifting in a clockwise direction. Veering can also mean paying out anchor rope or cable in a controlled manner.

Velocity Made Good

Very High Frequency

The disturbed water left behind (astern) the boat as it moves forward in the water, usually caused by a motor.

Weather Helm

The tendency of the vessel to turn into the wind.

The distance between the radio waves.

Weather Side

The side of the vessel to which the wind is blowing.

World Geodetic Survey of 1984 (most common chart datum).

A mechanical device featuring a cable or line attached to a motor. The winch pulls the boat aboard the trailer and helps with the vessel’s launch from the trailer. The winch also gives more pulling power to withdrawing nets or other apparatus from the water.

Whisker Pole

A lightweight pole used for holding the clew out of the headsail when on a run.

The winch features a vertical handle and a horizontal shaft used in hauling up the anchor chain.

The parts of the vessel that increase the drag on the boat. Examples would be the spars, rigging, etc.

The direction from which the wind blows toward the wind (the opposite way to leeward).

Cross Track Error. The perpendicular distance between two waypoints off track.

A dual-masted vessel with its mizzen stepped aft of its rudder post/stock.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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Glossary of Nautical Terms: The Ultimate Guide to 500+ Boating and Sailing Terms

Navigating the world of boating and sailing requires a good understanding of many nautical terms. From the anatomy of a boat to the mechanics of sailing, there are many terms that any boater or sailor needs to know.

Knowing some basic nautical terms is vital for safety, effective communication, and mastering the art of boating and sailing, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice.

In this article, we’ve gathered 500+ nautical terms to cover general boating and sailing jargon. Enhance your knowledge and sail with confidence!

Let’s dive into the fascinating language of boating!

Nautical terms list

A b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z.

Aback – when the wind strikes the sails from the opposite side of the vessel than intended (lee side).

Abaft – toward the stern or rear of the boat.

Abaft the beam – a point on the boat’s side or stern that is behind a line perpendicular to the beam, which is the widest part of the boat.

Abeam – at right angles to the centerline of a boat.

Aboard – on or in a boat.

Abreast – side by side.

Adrift – a boat that is floating without any propulsion or anchor holding it in place.

Aft – toward the back of the ship (stern).

Aground – a boat that has run aground or is stuck on a reef or sandbar.

Ahead – forward of the ship, in forward direction.

Ahoy – a nautical greeting used to call or draw attention.

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Aids to Navigation – navigational tools such as lighthouses, buoys, and beacons, that supplement natural landmarks, to help boats navigate safely.

AIS – Automatic Identification System.

Alee – side of the boat that is sheltered from the wind, opposite to windward.

Aloft – overhead, above the deck of the boat. .

Amidship – at or near the middle part of the boat.

Anchor – a heavy object used to grip to the ground underwater and keep a boat in place.

Anchorage   – a suitable place in a body of water where boats can anchor or moor.

Apparent wind – The perceived wind speed and direction experienced the crew on a moving boat.

ARPA – Automatic Radar Plotting Aid.

Astern – behind or towards the rear of a boat. Opposite to ahead.

Athwartships – perpendicular to the centerline of a ship or boat.

Aweigh – the position of an anchor when it is being lifted from the seabed.

Azimuth – horizontal angle between a fixed reference point and the direction or bearing of an object. Typically measured in degrees and clockwise direction.

Back a sail – process of reversing the direction of a sail in order to slow down or stop a boat.

Backstay – a wire or rope that supports the mast from the stern of the boat and prevents its forward movement.

Backwinded – when the wind hits a sail on the opposite side to which it was intended to be set.

Baggywrinkle – protective covering that is placed on the rigging of a sailing vessel to prevent wear and tear from the sails.

Bail – to remove water from a boat using a bucket or other container.

Bailers – devices used for removing water from a boat.

Bale – a large bundle or package of goods or supplies that are tightly bound together for storage or transportation on a boat.

Ballast – a heavy material that is placed in the hull of a ship or boat to increase its stability and control its buoyancy.

Ballast keel – type of keel designed to provide ballast to a sailing vessel, typically a sailboat or yacht.

Bar – a shallow area of water that forms at the entrance or exit of a harbor or river.

Barber hauler – a line or wire attached to the jib or spinnaker sheet used to adjust its angle.

Batten – a thin, flat piece of wood or metal used to reinforce a sail.

Batten down – to secure hatches and other openings on a boat to prevent water from entering.

Beam – the widest part of a boat, usually in the middle.

Beam reach – a point of sail where the wind is blowing perpendicular to the side of the sailboat.

Bear away /  Bear off – to steer the boat away from the wind.

Bearing – compass direction of an object relative to the boat’s position and expressed in degrees from true or magnetic north.

Beat – to sail upwind by tacking back and forth (zigzag) at an angle to the wind.

Belay – to secure a rope or line to a cleat or other fitting to prevent it from running out.

Below – lower deck or level of a boat.

Bend – to tie or fasten a rope or line to an object, such as a sail or anchor, using a knot or hitch.

Berth – (1) a place in a harbor where a boat can be docked or moored. (2) a bed or sleeping area on a boat.

Bight – bend or loop in a rope.

Bilge – the lowest part of a boat’s hull where water that enters the boat collects.

Binnacle – a case that holds a boat’s compass.

Bitter end – the end or final part of a line or chain.

Blanketing – a tactical sailing maneuver where one boat blocks the wind from reaching another boat to slowing it down.

Block – a pulley used to change the direction or mechanical advantage of a rope.

Bluewater sailing – to sail on the open ocean as opposed to coastal or lake sailing.

Boat – a craft or vessel designed to float on water and typically propelled by oars, sails, or an engine. Can be used for transportation, recreation, or commercial purposes.

Boat hook – device used for reaching or pulling objects in the water, or for pushing off from docks or other boats.

Boatswain – (pronounced “bosun”) a crew member responsible for the maintenance of the boat and its equipment.

Bobstay – supporting wire stay that runs from the bow of a boat to the end of the bowsprit, helping to hold it steady and secure.

Bollard – a short, thick post used for securing ropes or cables on a ship or dock.

Bolt Rope – a rope sewn onto the edge of a sail, to attach the sail to the rigging of the boat.

Boom – horizontal spar that extends from the mast of a sailboat and holds the foot of the sail. 

Boom Crutch – a device used to hold the boom up and in place when the sail is not in use, usually while the boat is anchored or moored.  The crutch is stowed when the boat is sailing.

Boom vang – a device on a sailboat that helps control the shape and tension of the mainsail by applying downward force to the boom. Helps to control the sail’s twist, and keep the boom from lifting.

Boot stripe – painted stripe on the hull of a boat that runs the length of the boat at or near the waterline.

Boot tope – a boot stripe at the boat’s designed waterline.

Bow – the front or forward section of the boat.

Bowline – (1) a docking line at the bow or forward part of the boat.(2) knot used to create a fixed loop at the end of a line that will not slip or come undone under load.

Bow thruster – a device used to maneuver a boat in tight spaces.

Bowsprit – a spar extending forward from a ship’s bow, primarily used to anchor the forestay for the jib or other headsails.

Breast line – a dock line going perpendicular from the centerline of the boat to the dock. Used to temporarily hold a boat close to the dock .

Bridge – the area of a ship from which it is navigated and controlled.

Bridle – line or wire attached to the boat at both ends and used to distribute the load. 

Brightwork – varnished or polished surfaces such as wood or metal on a boat.

Broach – when a boat suddenly turns broadside to the wind and waves, causing it to heel over excessively and potentially leading to a loss of control.

Broad reach – point of sail where the wind is coming from behind the boat but not directly downwind.

Bulkhead – a dividing wall or partition separating different compartments within a boat.

Bullseye – a block with one or more holes through the center used for leading lines, halyards, or sheets.

Bulwark – vertical extension of the boat’s hull that increases the height of the sides and helps to prevent water from coming on board and to keep the crew in.

Bunk – narrow bed often built into the wall or arranged in tiers to maximize space.

Buoy – a floating device used as a navigational aid or to mark the location of hazards or obstructions.

Burdened vessel – a vessel that, according to navigational rules must give way to a “privileged vessel”. It is more commonly called a “give-way” vessel.

Cabin – an enclosed area on a boat used for living quarters or storage.

Cabin sole – the floor or deck of the cabin on a boat.

Cable – (1) Heavy chain or rope attached to an anchor. (2) A unit of length equal to 120 fathoms or 720 feet (219 meters) in US customary units (USCS).

Can – a type of navigational buoy.

Canvas – material used for sails in the early days. Still used for boat covers, dodgers, biminis, and other accessories.

Capsize – to turn over or flip a boat.

Capstan – a machine used to raise heavy objects such as anchors.

Cargo – goods or materials transported by ship or other means of transport.

Cast off – to untie a boat from a mooring or dock, or to release a line from a cleat or bollard.

Catamaran – a boat with two parallel hulls.

Catboat – sailboat with a single sail mounted on a mast set well forward in the bow of the boat.

Celestial navigation – method of navigating a boat by using the positions of celestial bodies such as stars, the moon, and planets.

Centerboard – a board lowered through a slot in the centerline or keel to help reduce sideways drift. Also spelled centreboard.

Centerline – line at the center of a sailboat, from the bow (front) to the stern (rear), that divides the boat into port and starboard halves.

Chafe – damage to a line, or cable caused by rubbing against a rough surface or another object.

Chafe gear/ Chafing gear – gear used to prevent chafe. Chafe gear materials commonly include rubber, canvas, and leather.

Chain plates – metal plates that are part of the sailboat rigging system, and are used to attach shrouds and stays to the deck.

Chart – a map used for navigation.

Chart datum – level surface provided on a chart and used by boaters to determine water depth at any given point and to ensure safe passage.

Chine – intersection between the bottom and sides of a boat, that creates an angle or ridge along the hull. Not found in round bottom boats.

Chock – a fitting attached to the deck and used to guide anchor, mooring or dock lines.

Clear the decks – to remove or tidy up everything from a boat’s decks to prepare for action or to clean the ship.

Cleat – a fitting on a boat’s deck to which a rope or chain can be tied.

Clew – the lower aft corner of a triangular sail or the lower corners of a four-sided sail.

Close hauled – a point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible.

Close reach – point of sail where the wind is coming over the side of the boat at an angle between a beam reach and a close hauled.

Clove hitch – a type of knot used to attach a line to a post, pole, or another line.

Coaming – raised edge or border around an opening or a raised area on a boat to prevent water from entering the cockpit, hatch, or other openings.

Cockpit – the area of a boat or ship where the steering and navigation equipment is located.

Coil – to arrange a line in a series of circular loops, ready for stowing.

Comms – short for “communications”, referring to communication equipment and systems on a ship.

Companionway – a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another.

Compass – a navigational instrument used to determine direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic poles.

Compound sheer – curvature of a boat’s deck from the bow to the stern, where the height of the deck changes both horizontally and vertically. .

Container ship – a type of ship designed to transport standardized shipping containers.

Course – the intended direction of a boat’s movement.

Coxswain – the person who steers and directs a small boat.

CQD – a distress signal used in radio communication before the adoption of SOS . A combination of two signals: “CQ” (“sécu“, from the French word sécurité) which means “alert message to all stations”, and “D” to indicate “distress”. See meaning of CQD .

Crane – a machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects on a boat.

Crew – the people who operate a boat.

Cringle – small eye or grommet in a sail used to attach lines or fittings.

Cuddy – small shelter on a boat used for storage or for the crew to take refuge from the weather.

Cunningham – a control line that is used to adjust the tension of the luff (forward edge) of a sail.

Current – the flow of water in a particular direction, often caused by tides or winds.

Cutter rig – a type of sailboat rigging that features two or more head sails, or foresails, mounted on the forestay.

D signal – a signal used in maritime communication to indicate “keep clear, I am maneuvering with difficulty.” It is represented by a yellow and blue square flag (Delta flag).

Daggerboard – similar to a centerboard, it slides up and down in a slot in the hull. Common on catamarans, trimarans, and some small monohull sailing boats.

Davit – a crane-like device used for lowering or raising small boats on a ship.

Dead ahead – Directly in front of the boat and its centerline.

Dead astern – Directly behind the boat or straight aft.

Dead reckoning (DR)/ Deduced reckoning – estimated position based on course, speed, and time from a known past position.

Dead run – when the wind is directly behind a sailboat. The boat is running directly downwind.

Deadhead – a floating log or piece of timber that poses a hazard to navigation.

Deadlight – a type of weather cover designed to fit into a larger opening in a boat’s hull or deck and used to close off an opening in bad weather.

Deck – the horizontal surface of a boat’s hull above the waterline.

Deck plate – a metal or plastic plate that covers an opening in the deck of a boat, providing access to equipment or storage spaces such as the bilge or fuel tank.

Depth sounder – a device used to measure the depth of water.

Deviation – difference between the true north and magnetic north which affects the accuracy of the compass. Is caused by a vessel’s own magnetic field or metallic objects.

Dinghy –  small boat often used as tenders to larger boats, to ferry people and supplies to and from shore.

Displacement – (1) the weight of the water displaced by the boat when afloat. (2) the weight of the boat itself, including all the equipment, fuel, and supplies on board.

Displacement hull – a hull design that displaces a volume of water equal to the boat’s weight for improved buoyancy.

Dock – a structure built along the shore or waterfront for boats to moor, tie up, or load and unload passengers or cargo.

Dodger – cover that extends above the cockpit of a boat to provide shelter from wind, spray, and rain.

Double ender – a type of boat or ship that has a pointed bow and stern, which are similar in shape and size, allowing for better stability and maneuverability.

Downhaul – a line used to apply downward tension or pull on a sail or other piece of equipment.

Downwind – when the wind is blowing from behind a vessel or in the same direction the boat is traveling. Sailing away from the wind.

Draft – the depth of a boat’s hull below the waterline.

Drift – distance and direction a vessel is carried off course due to external forces such as wind, waves, or current.

Drogue – sea anchor device that is attached to the boat by a line and deployed overboard to create drag and slow down drift.

Drop keel – a retractable keel that can be lowered and raised as needed.

Dry dock – a structure used for repairing, building, and maintaining boats out of the water.

DSC – Digital Selective Calling, a method of communication used in maritime radio systems.

Ease – to slacken or loosen.

Ebb – the flow of tidewater away from land, usually occurs between high and low tide.

EP – Estimated Position.

EPIRB – Emergency position indicating radio beacon, a device used to alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency.

ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival.

ETD – Estimated Time of Departure.

Fairlead – a fitting on a boat’s deck used to guide ropes or cables.

Fairway – a navigable channel or area of water.

Fall off – to steer a vessel away from the wind. Also known as Head Down.

Fathom – a unit of measurement equal to 6 feet (1.83m), used to measure water depth.

Fender – a cushioning device, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.

Ferry – a boat or ship used to transport passengers and vehicles across a body of water.

Fiddle – a raised guard around the edge of a table, counter, or other flat surfaces to prevent objects from falling off.

Figure Eight Knot – a type of stopper knot, that looks like the number eight, and is used to prevent the end of a rope from passing through a retaining device such as a ring, grommet, or block.

Figurehead – a carved ornament mounted on the bow of a boat.

Fix – the vessel position determined by taking bearings or sightings on three or more objects or landmarks.

Flare – (1) a device used to signal for help or to mark the location of a person or object in the water. (2) the outward curve of a boat.

Fleet – a group of ships.

Float – a buoyant object used for marking channels or hazards in the water.

Flood – the incoming or rising tide. Opposite to ebb.

Flotsam – debris or wreckage from a ship that is floating on the surface of the water.

Fluke – the part of an anchor that digs into the seabed to hold the vessel in place.

Foghorn – a loud horn used to signal in foggy conditions.

Following sea – wave pattern approaching a vessel from astern, following the vessel’s direction of travel.

Force 8 – gale level winds with average speeds of 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 mph) according to the Beaufort Wind Scale. Level 12 is a hurricane .

Fore – towards the front or bow of a ship.

Forecastle – Sometimes abbreviated fo’c’sle, the forward-most part of the ship, often used as the crew’s living quarters.

Foredeck   –  the boat’s deck at the bow or front of the vessel.

Foremast – the mast located nearest to the bow (front) on a boat with more than one mast. Usually the second tallest mast.

Forepeak   – small compartment at the forward end of a ship, below deck, and used for storage of equipment, sails, or anchors.

Foresail – sail located forward of the mast on a sailing vessel.

Forestay – a stay that supports the mast from the front of the boat.

Foretriangle – the triangular area of sail between the forestay, mast, and deck of a sailing vessel.

Forward – towards the front or bow of a boat.

Fouled – Fouled- entangled or obstructed.

Fractional rig – Fractional rig- sailing rig in which the forestay does not run to the top of the mast but instead attaches at a point below the top, or “fractional” point.

Freeboard – the vertical distance between the waterline and the main deck of a boat.

Furl – to roll up and secure a sail.

Gaff – a spar positioned diagonally across the mast and used to support and control the sail.

Galley – the ship’s kitchen or cooking area.

Gangway – a movable ramp or platform used for boarding or disembarking a boat.

Gasket – a rope used to secure a sail to a spar or mast. Term mainly used in square-rigged ships.

Gear – various pieces of equipment and supplies used to operate and maintain a boat, including sails, lines, winches, anchors , electronics, safety gear, etc.

Genoa – a type of headsail that is larger than the jib and overlaps the mainsail. It is said the sail originated in Genoa Italy, hence its name.

Gimbals – a device used to keep a compass or other instrument level and stable.

Give – a vessel that requires taking action and keeping clear of the Stand-on vessel.

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

GMT – Greenwich Meridian Time. Became Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in 1972.

GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System.

Go about – to turn the boat through the wind during the tack.

Going to weather – sailing against wind and seas.

Gooseneck – fitting that attaches the boom of a sailboat to the mast. Designed to allow the boom to pivot up and down and side to side.

GPS – Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for determining location and navigation path.

Grab rails – cabin fittings for hand-holding and personal safety when moving around the boat.

Great Circles – method of defining the shortest distance between two points on the globe’s surface.

Grog – a mixture of rum and water served to sailors in the 18th century.

Ground tackle – equipment used to anchor a boat. Includes the anchor, anchor chain or rope, and any other equipment required for anchorage.

Grounding – when a boat runs aground on a shallow area or rocks.

Guard rail – also known as a lifeline, is a safety railing system that runs around the perimeter of a boat, to prevent crew and passengers from falling overboard.

Gunwale – the upper edge of a boat’s side.

Guy – a steadying line used to control the end of a spar.

Gybe – another term for jibe.

Half – a flag flown at a lowered position as a sign of mourning.

Halyard – a rope or line used for hoisting or lowering a sail.

Hanks – metal fittings or hooks used to attach a sail to a stay of a sailboat.

Hard alee – a command given on a sailing vessel to turn the helm and have the bow of the boat through the wind as quickly as possible.

Hard Chine – hard or abrupt intersection between the bottom and sides of a boat, that creates an angle or ridge along the hull. Not found in round bottom boats.

Hard over – to turn the steering wheel as fast as possible.

HAT – Highest Astronomical Tide.

Hatch – an opening in a boat’s deck used for access or ventilation.

Hawser – a large rope used for towing or mooring a ship.

Head – (1) the toilet or bathroom on a boat (2) the upper corner or end of a triangular sail.

Head Down – to steer a vessel away from the wind. Also known as Fall Off.

Head to Wind – when the bow of the boat points directly into the wind.

Header – when wind direction changes, causing the boat to head down.

Headfoil – streamlined rod surrounding the forestay, and used to furl and unfurl the headsail.

Heading – the direction in which a boat bow is pointed or aimed. Usually expressed as an angle in degrees relative to the north or another reference.

Headsail – sail located forward of the mast on a sailing vessel. See Foresail.

Headstay – a stay that supports the mast from the front of the boat. See Forestay.

Headway – forward motion or progress made by a vessel through the water. opposite to sternway.

Heave to – to stop a boat’s forward progress.

Heel – the lean of the boat to one side and caused by the winds force on the sails.

Helm – the steering apparatus of a boat, including the wheel or tiller .

Helmsman – crew member at the helm and responsible for steering the boat.

Helmsperson – person who steers the boat. See Helmsmans.

Hike – to lean out over the side of the boat to balance it.

Hike out – the practice of leaning over the windward side of a sailboat in order to keep it balanced and prevent it from tipping over.

Hiking stick – a device used to control the tiller from a certain distance.

Hitch – a knot used to attach a rope or line to an object, such as a post, ring, or hook.

Hoist – to raise something, usually a sail, up a mast or spar using halyards or other lines.

Hold – the interior space of a ship or vessel used for storing cargo or goods.

Hook – slang for anchor.

Hove to – see heave to.

Hull – the main body or frame of a boat.

Hull speed – the maximum speed at which a keelboat can travel through the water.

Icebreaker – a type of ship designed to navigate through ice-covered waters.

IMO – International Maritime Organisation.

In irons – when a sailboat heads directly into the wind, becomes stuck or stalled, and is unable to move forward or steer effectively.

Inboard – inside the hull of a boat, as opposed to outside or outboard.

IOR – International Offshore Rating.

IRPCS – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Isobars – lines that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure on a weather map.

ITU – International Telecommunication Union.

Jack line – a length of webbing or wire that is secured to a boat’s deck, running fore and aft, that is used to attach a safety harness and tether to the boat.

Jackstay – a line or wire that runs between two points on a vessel to support or guide a load between those points.

Jacobs Ladder  – a rope ladder that is used to climb aboard a ship or to climb up to the crow’s nest of a mast.

Jetsam – goods or materials intentionally thrown overboard from a ship in distress to lighten the ship’s load. Different from flotsam, where items are accidentally lost and float at sea.

Jetty – a long structure that extends from the shore into a river or ocean.  Used as a platform for fishing or for docking boats. Typically made of concrete, stone, or other materials.

Jib – a triangular sail at the front of a boat.

Jibe – to turn a sailboat so the wind hits the sail from the opposite side by turning the boat’s stern through the wind. Also Gybe.

Jiffy reefing – a technique used to quickly reduce the sail area of a sail in high winds.

Jury – a temporary arrangement or makeshift repair used to replace damaged or lost gear.

Kedge – small, secondary anchor of a boat.

Keel – the centerline structure running along the bottom of a boat’s hull.

Keelson – a longitudinal beam or structure that runs along the bottom of a boat hull, parallel to the keel, typically found in larger vessels.

Ketch – a two-masted sailboat, with the main mast located forward and the smaller mizzen mast aft. 

Kicking strap – also known as a boom vang or simply a vang, is a line or mechanical device used to control the boom on a sailboat.

Knot – a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour (1 knot = 1.15 miles per hour = 1.85 kilometers per hour).

Landfall – the first sighting or arrival at land after a voyage at sea.

Lanyard – a line used for securing or attaching equipment on a boat.

LAT – Lowest Astronomical Tide.

Latitude – a measure in degrees of a boat’s position north or south of the equator.

Launch – (1) to put a boat into the water from a dry dock or trailer (2) a small, open motorboat used for short trips to and from shore or ship.

Lazarette – small storage compartment on a boat, typically located aft and below the cockpit or deck.

Lazy jac k –  lines used to help control the mainsail of a sailboat when it is being lowered.

Lead – term used to indicate the direction in which a line runs.

Lee – the sheltered side of a boat, away from the wind.

Lee cloths – pieces of fabric or netting used to create a barrier along the side of a berth (sleeping area) to prevent the user to slide out due to boat movement.

Lee helm – condition where the boat tends to steer away from the wind.

Lee shore – a coast or shoreline located to the lee (downwind) of a boat. It is generally recommended to keep a safe distance from lee shores when navigating in windy or rough conditions.

Leech – the rear edge of a sail, typically the edge of the sail that is not attached to a mast, spar, or another rigging.

Leech Line – a line used to tighten the leech.

Leeward – the direction away from the wind. Opposite to Winward.

Leeway – the sideways drift of a boat caused by wind force or currents.

Life Jacket – A buoyancy aid that helps a person float and stay afloat in the water, reducing the risk of drowning. Also known as a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) .

Lifeline – a line or cable used to prevent crew members from falling overboard.

Lifesaving equipment – devices used to save lives in case of an emergency, such as lifeboats, life rafts, and life jackets .

Light – a navigational aid used to indicate the location of hazards or to guide ships into port.

Lighthouse – a tower or structure with a bright light used to guide ships at sea.

Line – a rope or cable used on a boat for various purposes, such as securing cargo or tying up to a dock.

List – the leaning or tilting of a boat to one side due to uneven weight distribution.

Log – (1) device used to measure a boat’s speed and distance traveled (2) a record of the details of a voyage. See logbook.

Logbook – a record of a boat’s activities, including its course, speed, and events.

Longitude – a measure, in degrees,  of a boat’s position east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Lubber’s line – reference line or mark on a boat’s compass that helps the user determine the boat’s heading or direction of travel.

Luff – the edge of a sail closest to the wind.

Mainsail (Main) – the largest and most important sail on a sailboat, is typically attached to the mast and boom.

Mainsheet – the line that controls the position and tension of the mainsail. It is typically attached to the aft end of the boom and runs aft to the cockpit.

Manning – the act of providing personnel to operate a ship.

Mariner – a person who navigates or operates a ship.

Marlinspike – a tool used for working with ropes and knots. Has a pointed end for separating strands, and a flattened end for splicing.

Mast – a tall vertical pole that supports the sails.

Mast step – fitting or structure on a sailboat that supports the bottom of the mast and attaches it to the hull.

Masthead rig – type of rig in which the forestay attaches to the mast at the very top of it, or masthead.

Mayday – distress signal used in radio communications to signal a life-threatening emergency on board.

MCA – Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK).

Measured mile – one nautical mile, typically marked with buoys or other navigational aids, used to measure the speed and performance of a boat.

Meridian – a line of longitude that runs north-south and passes through both the North and South Poles.

MHWN – Mean High Water Neaps.

MHWS – Mean High Water Springs.

Midship – Approximately the central section of a boat, typically the widest part of the hull.

Mizzen – the aft-most mast on a ship.

MLWN – Mean Low Water Neaps.

MLWS – Mean Low Water Springs.

MMSI – Maritime Mobile Service Identity.

Mooring – the act of securing a boat to a dock or buoy.

Motor – when sails and motor are used simultaneously on a sailboat.

Nautical mile – a unit of distance used in navigation, equal to one minute of latitude. A nautical mile is slightly more than a standard mile. 1 nautical mile = 1.15 miles = 1.85 kilometers. 

Navigation – the process of planning and directing the course of a boat.

Navigation Rules – set of regulations that govern the safe navigation of vessels on the water, including rules for preventing collisions , signaling, and right of way.

Navigator – a person who plans and directs the course of a boat.

Nun – a navigation aid used to indicate the edge of a navigable channel or the location of a hazard.

Oar – a long, narrow paddle used to row a boat.

Offing – refers to the open sea, particularly a safe distance from the shore.

Old salt – experienced sailor who has spent a significant portion of their life at sea.

Onboard – on or in the ship.

Outboard – (1) away from the centerline of a boat  (2) a detachable engine mounted on the stern of a boat.

Outhaul – a line that controls the tension and position of the sail along the boom.

Overall length (OAL) – the maximum length of a vessel, measured from the outermost point at the bow to the outermost point at the stern, including any protrusions or extensions.

Overboard – over the side of the ship.

P Flag – also called Blue Peter flag,  is a nautical signal flag that indicates a ship is preparing to leave port. It is a blue flag with a white square in the center.

Paddle – a flat blade used for propelling a small boat through the water.

Painter – a rope or cable used to secure or tow a small boat to a larger ship or dock.

Pan Pan – radio call to request assistance from other vessels or authorities. Unlike Mayday, Pan-pan is used when there is no immediate danger to life or the vessel’s safety.

Pay out – to let out a rope or cable gradually. Opposite to paying out is “taking in” or “reeling in”.

Pedestal – column or base used to elevate and secure equipment, such as the steering wheel and controls, for easy access and stability.

Pennant – long, narrow, triangular flag that is typically used on boats and ships for signaling or identification purposes.

PFD – personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket.

Pier – raised structure that extends from the shore over the water and is used for docking  boats, as well as for recreational activities.

Piling – a vertical support used to anchor a dock or pier.

Pilot – a person who navigates a ship through difficult or unfamiliar waters.

Pitch – the angle of a ship’s hull relative to the horizontal plane.

Planing – when a boat rises up and glides over the surface of the water, rather than displacing water as a traditional boat would.

Point of sail – the direction that a sailing vessel is traveling relative to the wind, e.g. beam reach, broad reach, upwind, downwind, etc.

Polaris – a star located in the constellation Ursa Minor, commonly known as the North Star or Pole Star. Used for centuries as a navigational aid.

Port – the left side of a boat when facing forward.

Port tack – sailing with the wind coming from the port side of the boat, and the sail is set to the starboard side of the boat.

Preventer – a line used to prevent the boom from accidentally jibing (moving suddenly and dangerously from one side to the other).

Privileged vessel – vessel that has the right of way over other vessels in certain situations as defined by navigation rules.

Proa – a traditional outrigger canoe with a single sail and a long, narrow hull.

Propeller – a device used to propel a boat through the water.

Pulpit – safety railing located at the bow of a boat that helps prevent people from falling overboard.

Q flag – a yellow flag that is flown by boat to indicate that it is healthy and to request free pratique (permission to enter a port or receive officials from shore).

Quarter – the side of a ship between the stern and amidships.

Quay – pronounced as “key” or “kee.” Is a wharf used for loading and unloading cargo or passengers from ships.

Radar – a device that uses radio waves to detect the presence and location of objects, used for navigation and collision avoidance .

Ratchet – a mechanism that allows a rope to be tightened in one direction only.

Reach – point of sail where the wind is coming from the side of the boat, at an angle between a close-hauled course (where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible) and a run (where the wind is coming directly from behind the boat). The three types of reach are close reach, beam reach, and broad reach, depending on the angle of the wind relative to the boat.

Ready about – to signal to the crew that the boat is about to tack, or turn into the wind.

Reef – to reduce the size of a sail by folding or rolling a portion of it.

Reeling in –  to retrieve a fishing line or reel.

Rhumb line – a line that crosses all meridians of longitude at the same angle. Also called a loxodrome.

Rigging – the system of ropes, cables, and other devices used to support and control the sails of a boat.

Right of way – the privilege of a vessel to maintain its course over others based on established navigational rules. it is determined by the vessel type,  position, course, speed, and other factors.

Roach – the curved portion of the sail that extends beyond a straight line drawn between the head and clew.

Rocker – upward curvature of a boat’s keel to the bow and stern.

Rode – the line or chain attached to the anchor and used to hold the boat in place while at anchor.

Roller reefing – to shorten the sail area by wrapping a sail around a boom or forestay.

Rope – cordage or line used aboard a vessel, including halyards, sheets, dock lines, and anchor lines. In nautical terminology, Line is frequently used instead of rope.

Rudder – a flat plate or blade attached to the stern of a boat and used to steer it.

Run aground – to ground a boat on a shallow area or rocks.

Run/running – to sail with the wind aft or directly behind the boat, which is the most downwind point of sail.

Running lights – lights required to be displayed on a boat underway between sunset and sunrise. Consist of red and green sidelights and a white stern light .

Running rigging – the lines such as sheets or halyards used to adjust the position of the sails.

Sail – a piece of fabric attached to a mast or spar and used to capture the wind to propel a boat.

Sail trim – the adjustments made to the sails on a sailboat to optimize their performance in different wind and sea conditions.

Sampan – a flat-bottomed boat typically used in China and Southeast Asia for transportation and fishing.

Samson post – a vertical post or bitt located on the deck or hull of a ship used for securing mooring lines or tow lines.

SAR – Search and Rescue.

SART – Search and Rescue Transponder.

Sat Nav – short for “satellite navigation” refers to the use of GPS to determine a boat’s position and navigate from one location to another.

Schooner – a sailing ship with two or more masts and fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast.

Scope – the ratio between the length of an anchor rode and the water depth. A higher scope, such as 7:1 or 10:1, means that more rode is paid out and the anchor is more securely set in the bottom, providing greater holding power for the boat.

Scull – a method of propulsion in a small boat where a single oar is moved back and forth behind the boat, with the oar pivoting at the stern rather than the side of the boat.

Scupper – a hole or channel in a boat’s deck that allows water to drain off.

Scuttle – to intentionally sink a boat by creating holes in the hull or opening its seacocks to let water in. Also refers to a small hatch or opening in a ship’s deck or hull that is used for ventilation, drainage, or access to equipment.

Scuttlebutt – a drinking fountain on a boat, or gossip among sailors.

Sea anchor – a device used to slow down or stabilize a boat in heavy seas.

Sea chest – a compartment in the ship’s hull for pumping seawater.

Sea Cock – a valve fitted to a boat’s hull which allows water to enter or exit through a hose or pipe. Used for draining water from the bilge or for providing water to the engine or other onboard systems.

Sea level – the level of the ocean’s surface used as a reference point for measuring elevation.

Sea room – a safe distance or area available for a boat to maneuver and navigate safely in open waters without colliding with other vessels, obstacles or running aground.

Seafarer – a person who travels by sea, especially for work or adventure.

Seamanship – skills, knowledge, and practices for operating a boat, as well as maintaining and caring for it.

Seaworthy – a boat’s capability to withstand harsh conditions and challenges of the sea.

Sécurité   – term (french) used in marine radio communication to indicate a message that is about to be transmitted concerning the safety of navigation or important meteorological warnings.

Seelonce – term (French) used in marine radio communication to indicate that a distress call is being made and that all other radio traffic should cease.

Self – a feature in boats where any water that enters the cockpit is automatically drained or pumped out.

Set – (1) the trim of a sail (2) the direction in which a vessel is moving in relation to its intended course or direction (3) dropping an anchor and allowing it to settle.

Sextant – a navigational instrument used to determine a boat’s position by measuring the angles between the horizon and celestial objects such as the sun and stars.

Shackle – metal fastener with a removable pin or bolt used to connect two parts of a chain or rigging together or to attach a line or cable to an object.

Sheave – grooved wheel or roller of a block pulley used to guide and redirect lines.

Sheet – a line used to adjust the position of a sail.

Ship – a large seagoing vessel.

Ship’s bell – a bell used to mark time aboard a ship.

Shipshape – in good order and condition.

Shipwreck – the remains of a sunken ship.

Shore – the land bordering a body of water, typically where it meets the water.

Shroud – a rope or cable used to support the mast of a boat.

Skeg – a structural extension of the keel that runs aft beneath the boat’s hull.

Skipper – the captain or person in charge of a ship or boat.

Slack – to loose or not taut lines or cables. Lack of tension or looseness in a sail or other piece of equipment.

Sloop – a sailing vessel that has a single mast with one mainsail and a headsail.

Snubber – a device used to relieve tension on a boat’s anchor chain, prevent the chain from chafing against the boat’s bow, and reduce shock loads on the anchor and chain.

SOG – Speed Over the Ground.

SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea. An international treaty established in 1914 that sets minimum safety standards for ships.

Sole – the floor or bottom surface of a boat’s cabin or cockpit.

Sonar – a device that uses sound waves to detect the presence and location of underwater objects, used for navigation and detecting hazards.

SOS – Morse code distress signal used as an international standard for emergency situations. Listen to an SOS signal .

Soundings – measurements of the depth of water in a particular area.

Spar – a long, slender pole used to support sails on a boat.

Speed log – a device used to measure a boat’s speed through the water.

Spinnaker – a large sail used for downwind sailing.

Splice – join two ropes to form a permanent loop in a single rope. Involves weaving the strands of the rope together to create a strong, permanent bond.

Spreaders – horizontal struts that are attached to a sailing boat’s mast to keep the mast from bending and to help control the shape of the sails.

Spring line – a line used to control the position of a boat while it is docked.

Squall – a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed, regularly accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning.

Square knot – also known as a reef knot, is a basic knot used to join two ropes of equal size. 

Stall – when the sail loses its ability to generate lift or control due to a lack of airflow.

Stanchion – vertical pole or post, made of metal or plastic, used to support a railing or guardrail.

Stand – a vessel that has the right-of-way and requires keeping her course and speed.

Standing part – the part of a line that is not actively used to perform a task, such as tying a knot or securing a line to a cleat.Opposite to the working end.

Standing Rigging – fixed lines or wires on a sailboat that support the mast and keep it in place. This includes the forestay, backstay, and shrouds. Different from the running rigging, which is used to control the sails and is adjusted frequently.

Starboard – the right side of a boat when facing forward.

Starboard tack – sailing with the wind coming from the starboard side of the boat, and the sail is set to the port side of the boat.

Stay – a line or wire that supports a mast from the bow (forestay), stern (backstay), or either side (sidestays).

Staysail – a type of sail that is set on a stay instead of a mast.

Steerage way – when a boat moving forward has enough water flowing over its rudder(s) to enable it to be steered effectively.

Stem – the forward-most part of a boat’s bow that curves upward to provide a shape for the hull to cut through the water efficiently.

Stern – the rear or aft part of a boat.

Stern line – a line used to secure the stern of a vessel to a dock, pier, or other mooring point.

Sternpost – the vertical post at the back of the ship’s hull.

Sternway – the reverse or backward motion of a boat.

Stores – the supplies or provisions needed for a vessel’s operation during a voyage.

Stow – to pack or store cargo or equipment on a ship.

Strake – a continuous line of planking or plating along the hull of a boat.

Sump pump  – a device used to remove water that has accumulated in a pit or shower basin.

Swell – a long, rolling wave caused by wind or distant storms .

Tabernacle   – a hinged support structure that enables a mast to be lowered and raised easily. Is a useful feature for sailboats that need to pass under low bridges or power lines.

Tack – (1) the lower forward corner of the sail. (2) To turn a sailboat’s bow through the wind so that the wind catches the opposite side of the sail. (3) noun used to indicate the direction the sailboat is sailing with respect to the wind e.g. port tack or starboard tack.

Tackle – a system of ropes and pulleys used to hoist or move heavy objects on a boat.

Taffrail – the rail or railing around the stern of a vessel,  and is primarily used for safety.

Taking in – furling or reefing a sail to reduce its area.

Tang – metal fitting used to attach standing rigging, such as shrouds and stays, to a mast or spar.

Telltales – thin strips of cloth or yarn that are attached to a sail, used to indicate airflow and sail trim.

Tender – small boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from shore. Also called dinghy .

Thwart – a crosswise seat in a boat.

Tidal range – the difference in water level between high tide and low tide in a particular area.

Tide – the periodic rise and fall of water level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Tiller – a handle or lever used to steer a boat.

Toe rail – a narrow strip of wood, metal, or fiberglass molding along the edge of a sailboat’s deck near the hull, mainly used to secure a foothold for crew moving around the deck.

Tonnage – the total weight or volume of cargo that a vessel can carry, and usually expressed in either gross tonnage (GT) or net tonnage (NT).

Topmast – a mast situated above the lower mast on a ship.

Topsail – a sail set on the top of a ship’s mast.

Topside – the upper part of a boat’s hull.

Track – a device or structure that allows a sail or other object to move along a fixed path.

Trampoline – netting that is stretched between the hulls of a catamaran or trimaran, providing a stable and comfortable surface for passengers to relax on.

Transom – the flat, vertical surface at the stern of a boat.

Trapeze – wire and equipment used on a sailing boat to allow crew members to hang out outboard to counterbalance the force of the wind on the sails.

Traveler – device that allows the mainsail to be moved horizontally along the boat.

Trim – to adjust the sails or ballast to maintain a boat’s stability and speed.

Trimaran – a type of multihull boat consisting of a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls called amas, attached to the main hull with lateral struts.

True north – the direction of the North Pole.

True wind – actual speed and direction of the wind experienced when there is no other movement or influence.

Tuning – process of adjusting the rigging and sails of a sailboat to optimize performance and balance in different wind and sea conditions.

Turnbuckle – device used for adjusting the tension or length of lines, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems.

Turning mark – buoy or other fixed object used in sailing or boat racing to mark a course change.

Turtling – when a boat capsizes, with the mast pointing down towards the sea bottom.

Underway – a boat that is in motion.

Unmoor – to release a boat from its moorings.

Uphaul – a line used to hoist a sail, flag, or spar up to the masthead.

Upwind – the direction that is facing or heading towards the wind. See beat.

V berth – bed in “V shape” typically found in the forward cabin of a boat. .

V bottom – also known as a V-hull, is a type of boat hull design that features a V-shaped hull that slices through the water.

Vang – see boom vang and kicking strap.

Veer – (1) change of wind direction clockwise. (2) To pay out or let out more line or chain, allowing a vessel to move farther away from its anchor point.

Vessel – a general term for any type of watercraft.

VHF – Very High Frequency.

Victuals – food or other provisions.

Vittles – see victuals.

VMG (Velocity Made Good) – speed at which a sailboat can make progress towards its destination while accounting for the effects of wind direction and currents.

Wake – the trail of disturbed water left behind by a moving ship.

Warship – a ship equipped for combat.

Watch – period of time during which one or more crew members are responsible for operating a vessel.

Waterline – the line where a boat’s hull meets the water.

Wavelength – distance between two consecutive points of the same phase on a radio wave.

Way – the forward movement of a boat through the water.

Waypoint – a predetermined location on a boat’s course.

Weather deck – the uppermost deck exposed to the elements on a ship.

Weather helm – the tendency of a boat to turn into the wind when the helm is released.

Wheel – a circular steering device used to steer a boat.

Whisker pole – also known as a spinnaker pole, is a horizontal spar used for jibing and holding out the clew of a jib or spinnaker.

Winch – mechanical device used to wind in or let out a cable or rope under tension.

Wind rose – a graphic tool used to visualize the distribution of wind directions and speeds at a particular location over a specific period of time.

Windage – the effect of wind on a boat or parts of it, that can cause it to drift or experience a lateral force.

Windlass – a mechanical device used on a boat to help with the raising and lowering of heavy equipment such as an anchor or sails.

Windward – the direction from which the wind is blowing. Opposite to Leeward.

Working end – the part of a line that is actively used to perform a task, such as tying a knot or securing a line to a cleat. Opposite to the standing part.

XTE (Cross Track Error) – perpendicular distance between a vessel’s actual position and its intended track.

Yacht – a pleasure boat used for cruising or racing.

Yard – a horizontal spar attached to a mast used to support a sail.

Yaw – movement or rotation of a vessel around its vertical axis that occurs when the boat is underway.

Yawl – a type of sailboat with two masts, with the smaller mizzen mast located aft the rudder post.

Zincs – type of sacrificial anodes used to protect boats and other underwater structures from corrosion.

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50 Nautical, Sailing & Boat Terms for Beginners 

Table of Contents

Boating has its own vocabulary and if you’re going to be spending time on the water, you should understand a few basic boat terms. Knowing these will make you safer as well as more useful whether boating on your own, chartering or helping friends on their boat.

Let’s divide these words into basic nautical terms and specific sailing terms, listed in alphabetical order.

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30 Commonly Used Nautical & Boating Terms

Here are a few expressions you’ll hear aboard both a powerboat and sailboat, or even at the dock before boarding your boat rental or charter.

• Aft – the direction toward the back or stern of a boat.
• Ashore – not on a boat but on land or a dock .
• Ballast – extra weight laid low in a boat to provide stability.
• Beam – the width of a boat at its widest point, usually the middle.
• Bow – the front of a boat. Multihulls like catamarans have more than one bow.
• Bunk – a built-in bed on a boat.
• Cabin – the sleeping accommodations on a boat .
• Cockpit – the main seating area of a boat that may also include the helm station .
• Crew – the people or staff that help drive and manage the boat.
• Deck – the top or horizontal structure that is laid over the hull of a deck.
• Dock line – the ropes used to tie a boat to a dock.
• Fender – a rubber, vinyl or foam bumper used to protect the boat at a dock; often referred to by novice boaters as “bumpers.”
• Forward – the direction toward the front or bow of a boat.
• Galley – the kitchen on a boat. It can be inside or out on deck.
• Head – the toilet or bathroom on a boat.
• Helm – the boat’s steering mechanism. It can be a tiller or a wheel.
• Helm station – the area where from which you command or drive a boat.
• Hull – the body or shell of a boat including the bow and stern.
• Keel – the longitudinal structure at the bottom of the hull and generally on the centerline. The keel helps with stability and tracking.
• Knot – either various loops tied in a line or a unit of speed which equals one nautical mile per hour.
• Line – any rope on a boat is referred to as a line – not a rope.
• Nautical mile – a unit of measurement used on the water. A nautical mile is approximately 1.2x a statue mile.
• Onboard – on a boat whether on deck, on the cockpit or below.
• Port – the left-hand side of a boat when you’re facing forward or toward the bow.
• Rudder – an appendage below the boat that is controlled by the wheel or tiller to steer the boat. A boat may have more than one rudder.
• Starboard – the right-hand side of a boat when you’re facing forward.
• Stern – the place at the back of a boat.
• Transom – the actual structure of the back edge of a boat.
• Wake – the turbulence left behind a moving boat.
• Waterline – the place where the hull of a boat meets the surface of the water.

20 Sailing & Sailboat Terms

Within boating, sailing has its own specific vernacular. You’ll want to understand it before you step aboard a sailboat to help crew or when taking a lesson.

• Apparent wind – the combination of true wind and the motion of the boat at the time. It’s the wind you feel onboard.
• Boom – the horizontal pole which extends from the mast aft. It holds the bottom of the mainsail.
• Ease – to adjust sails outward or away from the centerline of a boat.
• Halyard – the line used to raise a sail whether a mainsail or a headsail.
• Headsail – a sail that is forward of the mast. It can be a genoa, a jib, a staysail or a small storm sail.
• In irons – technically a point of sail when you’re head-to-wind meaning the bow is pointing directly into the true wind and the boat is unable to maneuver.
• Jibing (also spelled gybing) – changing direction where the stern swings through the eye of the wind.
• Leeward – the direction away from where the wind is blowing.
• Mainsail – the primary sail on a boat which is usually attached in some way to the mast and boom. On most sailboats it’s the primary source of power.
• Mast – the vertical pole that supports the sails. The mast itself is supported by the rigging.
• Points of sail – the boat’s direction under sail relative to the true wind . The points of sail are: close-hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach and dead run.
• Reefing – shortening or reducing the area of a sail to de-power a sailboat usually used in a strong wind.
• Sheet – the line that controls the angle of a sail. There are mainsheets, jib/genoa sheets and others.
• Shroud – a part of the boat’s rigging that supports the mast from side-to-side
• Stay – a part of the boat’s rigging that supports the mast fore and aft.
• Tacking – changing direction under sail where the bow swings through the eye of the wind.
• Trim – to adjust sails inward or closer to the centerline of a boat.
• True wind – the actual wind that is blowing – both direction and speed.
• Winch – a rotating drum used to help control lines with a lot of pressure on them. A winch is cranked with a winch handle.
• Windward – the direction from where the wind is blowing.

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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Ocean Lingo: Glossary of Cruise Ship Terms

By Carnival Cruise Line

If you’re a newbie to cruising culture, take a few minutes to learn the cruise ship lingo. Knowing the language both on board and on shore will make you feel more at ease on your very first cruise . We’ve compiled a list of the most essential terms for you to be familiar with before you step on board.

From knowing the ins and outs of stateroom design to understanding cruise ship nautical terms, you’ll be ready to hit the waves with confidence.

Planning Your Cruise

• Crossing: A voyage across the water – in other words, a cruise is a crossing. For example, if you take a cruise to Europe , you can depart from New York and cross to ports of call, including Northern Ireland .
• Departure port/embarkation port: Both of these terms refer to the port or location where your cruise begins and ends . Carnival has many departure ports in the United States. For example, you can cruise to the Western Caribbean from the departure port of Mobile, Alabama .
• Disembarkation: This is when you leave the ship at the end of your trip.
• Embarkation: It’s when you board your cruise ship at the beginning of your trip.
• Port of call: A port of call is a destination on your cruise and where you’ll likely be able to enjoy shore excursions. For example, if you take a cruise to Mexico , you can depart from one of three ports in California and visit multiple ports of call in one trip, including Cozumel , Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay .
• Shore excursion: A shore excursion is an activity off the ship at a port of call that you can purchase as part of your itinerary. For example, if you cruise to The Bahamas , you can take a shore excursion in Half Moon Cay. You may want to book the educational Stingray Adventure shore excursion there that allows you to interact with the sea creatures.
• Tender: Also called a lifeboat, a tender is a small boat that takes you from the ship to shore when the cruise ship anchors in a harbor.

Stateroom Speak

Even before booking your cruise , you’ll want to know the types of staterooms that are available to ensure a comfortable trip. Whether you’re cruising solo or with a group, this list helps you choose the right stateroom for your needs.

• Balcony stateroom: This room has a small, personal, outdoor balcony. A balcony stateroom is recommended when taking a cruise to Alaska , for example, so you don’t miss any unexpected wildlife or glacier sightings.
• Interior stateroom: Located in less active spots on the ship, interior staterooms are comfortable for sleepers who prefer a quiet place to curl up after a day of fun and activities.
• Ocean view stateroom: An ocean view stateroom with a porthole or window lets you gaze out at ocean vistas and ports of calls.
• Specialty stateroom: This has a thematic setting that caters to families, couples or solo guests. Specialty staterooms include Cloud 9 Spa staterooms located next to the Cloud 9 Spa Family Harbor staterooms are next to the Family Harbor Lounge, a great escape when traveling with kids .
• Suite stateroom: Larger rooms that are ideal for family cruises . These suites give everyone in your group ample room to stretch out.

Cruise Ship Terminology

It pays to understand cruise ship terms and definitions so you don’t wander around too much during your vacation. Although, while on board, you’ll never be truly lost. You can find a deck plan of each vessel so you can get to know it before your trip in the comfort of your home. Until then, here’s a crash course in ship architecture.

• Bow: The bow is the front of the ship.
• Bridge: The bridge is the location from which the captain steers the ship.
• Galley: A galley is a ship’s kitchen. On a cruise ship, there are many galleys.
• Gangway: The gangway is the ramp or staircase that you’ll use to embark or disembark the ship.
• Helm: The helm is the area of the bridge on which the steering wheel is located and used by the crew only .
• Hull: The hull is the outside of the ship.
• Keel: The keel is the ship’s bottom center.
• Leeward: The side of the ship where you’ll feel most sheltered from wind is leeward.
• Lido: Lido is an often-used term because it’s the deck where you’ll find the outdoor pools .
• Midship: This is the middle of the ship.
• Port: The left side of the ship as it’s facing forward is called port. If you have a hard time remembering that, just keep in mind that “left” and “port” both have four letters.
• Starboard: The right side of the ship is starboard.
• Stern/aft: This is the rear part of a ship closest to the casual dining
• Upper deck: The upper deck is typically the area closest to the entertainment , fun and outdoor deck areas.

Dining Discussions

• Cruise casual: This is what you can wear most nights at dinner. For men, that includes slacks, khakis, jeans, dress shorts and collared sport shirts. Women wear casual dresses and skirts, pants, capri pants, dressy shorts and dressy jeans.
• Cruise elegant: This is the one or two nights on a cruise where it’s suggested you wear evening wear to dinner in the main dining room and some other restaurants. For men, that means dress slacks, dress shirts and sport coats (optional). For women, it’s cocktail dresses, fancier pant suits or skirts. In restaurants, such as the Steakhouse , you will be required to wear tasteful attire.
• Formal night: There are two formal, or elegant, nights on longer cruises. Elegant nights mean formal suits and ties or tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women. It’s not required to dress formally, yet formal attire is welcome.
• Main seating/late seating: This means there’s an assigned schedule and seating for passengers in the main dining rooms.
• Open seating: There’s no fixed schedule and no seating arrangements for dining with open seating.

Crew Member Chatter

Who wouldn’t want to be a crew member on a cruise to Hawaii ? Here are some of the cheerful faces you’ll meet on board:

• Cabin steward: Crew member responsible for the housekeeping of your stateroom.
• Captain: Crew member in charge of the cruise ship, responsible for the crew and passenger safety.
• Cruise director: Crew member who organizes for the ship’s activities and entertainment and is often the emcee for onboard events.
• Maître d’: Crew member responsible for the dining room.
• Porter: Crew member on land to help you with your luggage curbside before you embark the ship.
• Purser: Crew member in charge of onboard billing and monetary transactions.

Nautical Lingo

Knowing nautical terms in the cruise ship world is important when you’re underway (which means moving through the ocean). You may hear the captain discussing knots with another crew member.

• Knot: A unit of speed at which ships travel, which is one nautical mile per hour.
• Mooring: A place where a ship is tied, such as the dock when in port.
• Wake: The trail of water created at the back (stern) of the ship as it moves forward in the water.

It’s perfectly fine if you forget your cruise-speak and just say “meet me at the room,” instead of stateroom, or “where’s customer service?” instead of asking to see the purser. On a Carnival cruise, you can just be yourself and learn at your leisure. Once you have your first cruise under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned cruiser with insider tips of your own.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.

Related articles

What to expect.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships.aspx

• Glossary: essential terms a sailor should know

We have put together a comprehensive list of essential sailing terms to enhance your nautical knowledge. Delving into diverse areas such as meteorology, navigation, and boat equipment, our glossary covers sail types, boat components, and crucial units of measurement and abbreviations that every sailor should be familiar with. Plus, you'll find terms unique to charter boats, the boat rental process, safety at sea, signalling aids, and modern sailboat technology.

Anchor windlass is a mechanical device used to hoist and lower the anchor and its chain on a boat. It operates under high tension and typically has its own circuit breaker to protect it from electrical overloads. When using an anchor windlass, it is essential to allow for short breaks during operation to prevent it overheating and any resultant damage to the equipment.

Anticyclone is an area of high air pressure.

Apparent wind is the wind we perceive when we are on board and results from the vector sum of the real wind and the wind generated by our motion while sailing. The topic of apparent wind is covered in detail in our article — Apparent vs. true wind .

Autopilot is a device designed to steer a boat along a predetermined course. It independently adjusts the rudder as required, ensuring the vessel follows the set path to its destination as accurately as possible. 

Baby net or safety net is a safety feature that prevents small children from falling off the deck into the water. It is a net similar to a fishing net, which is installed along the boat's railings. A baby net does not come as standard with a rental boat, so always discuss it with the salesperson when booking if you want to order the net from the charter company. We discuss safety features in our article — Sailing with kids: how to keep all of you safe and happy .

Safety nets on the boat effectively prevent children from falling into the water.

Barber hauler is a sail control device used to adjust the angle of the jib or genoa sail in relation to the wind, mostly found on more sporty boats. It consists of a line or tackle system attached to the clew of the sail, allowing sailors to fine-tune the sail's position for optimal performance and improved windward efficiency.

Bathing or swim platform , is a foldable structure located at the stern of a boat, providing easy access to the water for swimmers or during training activities. When sailing, it is advised to keep the bathing platform closed and secured in place, rather than left extended.

Batten is the reinforcement in the mainsail. Mainsails are generally classified based on their shape and construction, with variations such as full-batten, partial-batten, or no-batten mainsails.

Beaufort scale  is a widely recognized scale in the sailing world. It categorizes wind forces and their corresponding effects on sea surface conditions, allowing skippers to estimate wind strength visually. By observing the behaviour of the sea surface and the wind's impact on it, sailors can use the Beaufort scale to make informed decisions about their sailing course and speed.

Bearing compass is a type of compass that is used to determine the bearing, or direction, of an object or location relative to the compass itself. It is commonly used in navigation to determine the direction of a distant landmark or to maintain a specific course while sailing.

Bimini  is an alternative term for a sun canopy that provides shade for the helmsman's station and the rear portion of the cockpit. In the rain, it serves as a slight protection from the water. Often, however, sailors fold it up for sailing, and sometimes there is no other way to do it, as the mainsail sheet passes through it.

Boom is a horizontal spar, typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, that attaches to the mast and holds the foot of the mainsail. It runs perpendicular to the mast and is held in place by a combination of topping lift, mainsheet, and outhaul.

Bora is a powerful, cold wind originating from the north to north-east that frequently affects the Adriatic Sea. It can pose a significant risk to sailors navigating the region. To learn more about the Bora and its impact on sailing in Croatia, check out The Bora: the scourge of the Adriatic .

Bow thruster  is a mechanism located at the bow of a vessel that assists with maneuvering while in port. It is not intended to replace the main engine and should not be used while sailing. The primary function of a bow thruster is to help shift the boat's bow to port or starboard. It's essential to operate the bow thruster with caution, as it has a high voltage. Use short, intermittent presses (2-3 seconds) rather than prolonged holds to prevent the bow thruster from burning out and becoming inoperable.

Bowsprit is a spar that extends from the bow of a sailboat. It is used to attach the forestay, which supports the mast, and to extend the sail area forward. On historic ships it is slightly angled upwards towards the sky. On more modern boats it extends straight out from the bow and may be retractable or foldable to make docking and storage easier.

Brackish water is water that is neither salty like the sea nor fresh like freshwater streams. Its salinity is somewhere in between. It is most often found at the mouths of rivers or in lakes by the sea.

Breeze is a periodic wind phenomenon caused by differences in air temperature between day and night. According to the time when it occurs, it is distinguished between day (sea) and night (land). The breeze is a beautiful sailing breeze. Read more about breezes in our guide — Understanding land and sea breezes: how they can affect your sailing .

Buoy field  is an arrangement of multiple buoys within a bay, anchored to concrete blocks on the seabed. Typically, a fee is charged by the operator for using these buoys, but the cost is generally lower than docking at a pier or marina.

Cardinal marks are navigational aids that indicate the location of safe water relative to a hazard. They are named after the four cardinal points: North, East, South, and West.

Cardinal marks

Charter company owns the boats that are available for rental and acts as a partner to businesses like ours. We feature their boats in our search portal .

Check-in is the process of taking over a charter boat. You can find out more about what you need to look out for in our guides Boat check-in: examining a yacht down to the last screw and Inspecting your rental boat: a complete checklist and guide

Check-out is the handing over of the boat to the charter company at the end of your yacht charter holiday.

Cirrus clouds are characterized by their wispy, hair-like appearance, resembling algae, tufts, or manes. These clouds are translucent, cast no shadow of their own, and have extremely fine fibres.

Cleat  is a metal object attached to the deck of a boat used to secure the boat. It may also be on a pier.

Cleats can also be found on the pier.

Cockpit is an area towards the rear of a sailboat, typically designed for the crew to steer, navigate, and control the boat. It is the central location where the helm, rudder, and various lines, winches, and controls for sails are accessible.

Code Zero is a unique sail that isn't found on all sailboats. It is similar to a larger, deeper genoa but made from a lighter material. The sail is equipped with its own furling line and endless loop for easy deployment and storage.

COG (Course Over Ground) refers to the direction of a vessel's movement measured in relation to the earth's surface or the seabed.

COLREG  is a shortened term in English that stands for the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. These regulations provide rules for watercraft operation, ensuring clear right-of-way guidelines.

Cumulus clouds are generally puffy and white, with a flat base and a rounded top. They can have a cauliflower-like appearance, and their edges may be well-defined or fuzzy. 

Cunningham is a type of rope that runs from the base of the mast to the lower edge of the mainsail, allowing the sailor to stretch the edge of the sail downward. It is typically located on the side of the mast that is opposite to the outhaul.

Cyclone is an area of low air pressure.

Dew point  is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapour and begins to condense into dew.

Dinghy , also known as a tender , is a small boat often used by sailors to transport themselves and their supplies to and from their anchored or moored boat. Dinghies can be inflatable or made of hard materials like fiberglass or aluminum.

Dodger,  also known as  sprayhood,  is a protective structure mounted at the front of the cockpit on a sailboat. It shields the cockpit and companionway from wind, spray, and waves, providing shelter and improved comfort for the crew

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is an emergency distress beacon that is used to transmit a distress signal to rescue authorities in the event of an emergency situation

Fender is a cushioning device made of rubber, plastic or foam that is used to protect a boat's hull from damage when it is moored against a dock, pier or another vessel. 

Flare is a signalling device used to call for help in an emergency. Its misuse is punishable.

Fog horn is a signalling device that produces loud, low-pitched sound blasts to warn other vessels of the presence of your boat in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.

Foil is a hydrodynamic device that is used to lift the hull of a boat out of the water and reduce drag. Foil technology is also used in other water sports such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and wingfoiling.

This is what a foil looks like on a racing catamaran.

Gangway is a temporary bridge or walkway that connects a boat to a dock, allowing people to move between the two structures.

Gennaker is an additional sail that is similar to a genoa. It is made of lighter material, which makes it ideal for lighter winds. Gennakers often have distinctive colours, and there are several reasons why sailors might want to rent and try one out.  Check out our 5 reasons to rent a gennaker .

Genoa , also known as genoa jib , is a type of sail that is positioned forward of the mast and is used on sailing boats. It typically covers the area from the mast to the bow of the boat, and is larger than the mainsail. It can range in size from 100% to 150% of the foretriangle, which is the triangle formed by the mast, forestay, and deck.

GPS , which stands for Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth. Sailors can use an electronic GPS device to accurately determine their position on the water.

Gulets are double-masted boats designed and built based on traditional Turkish wooden sailing boats. One of the typical destinations for gulets, which we also offer, is Turkey.

Gybe or jibe is a sailing maneuver where the sailboat's stern is turned through the wind to change the wind direction from one side of the boat to the other, usually while sailing downwind. The boom of the sail swings across the boat during a gybe, and it should be performed carefully to prevent accidents and damage to the boat and crew.

Harness is a safety device used in sailing that is attached to a sailor's body or life jacket and secured to the boat's deck with a buckle to prevent falling overboard.

Halyard  can is a rope used to raise different types of sails such as the mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker, and gennaker. Each sail will typically have its own dedicated halyard to hoist it up the mast.

Hatch is an opening on the deck or cabin top of a boat used for ventilation, access, or as an emergency exit.

Horseshoe life buoy is a U-shaped buoyant device made of foam or other buoyant material, and is used as a safety device in the event of a person falling overboard. It is typically kept on board a boat, often near the stern on the railings.

Impeller is a small component (propeller) in the engine that provides suction and circulation of seawater in the engine cooling. Because it is such a crucial component, you will usually find a spare one on board.

Isobar is a line on a synoptic chart that connects two points where the atmospheric pressure is the same.

Isolated hazard refers to a navigational mark or buoy placed in the sea to indicate a potential danger, such as a shoal, rock, or other underwater obstruction located in open water. While it is possible to sail around an isolated hazard, it is generally recommended to maintain a safe distance by navigating around it in a larger arc.

Isotherm is a line connecting two points of the same temperature.

Check out more tips for sailors:

How to easily and safely anchor at sea

What to remember to bring on board

What else should you take on a yacht?

Examining a yacht down to the last screw

Yacht charter costs

Autumn sailing holidays for everyone

How to plan your sailing route properly

Clever on-board light sources

9 essential sailing knots

10 reasons to go on a 14-day charter

3 easy sailing routes in Greece

Flags on boat

Jib is the term for a headsail that fills no more than 100% of the area between the forestay and the mast.

Jugo , also known as Sirocco , is a moody and unpredictable south to south-easterly wind found in the Adriatic. Find out more about it in our guide — The Croatian Jugo wind: when and where it occurs and why to be on the lookout! !

Keel , which is the heaviest component located beneath a boat and has the lowest center of gravity, plays a vital role in maintaining the vessel's stability. It typically accounts for up to 40% of the boat's weight and can have a fin or bomb shape. The keel's primary purpose is to stabilize the boat and prevent it from capsizing by helping to restore it to a horizontal position when it is tilted due to wind or waves.

Kicker , also known as a boom vang or vang , is a mechanical device consisting of ropes or a piston that is connected between the deck, boom, and the base of the mast. It is used to control the shape of the mainsail by adjusting the tension on the leech of the sail and controlling the boom's vertical position.

Knot can be the one on the rope or also a unit indicating the speed of the boat. It's equivalent to 1.852 kilometres per hour.

Lazy bag (sometimes called a lazy pack  or stack pack ) is a large cover designed to store a folded mainsail on the boom.

The lazy bag is attached to the boom and the mainsail falls into it when it is folded.

Lazy jacks are lines holding the lazy bag.

Leech  or  leach is the back edge of the sail.

Libeccio or Lebić  is a south-westerly to westerly wind and is typical of northern Corsica, the coast of France, Italy and also the Adriatic, where it usually arrives just after the Jugo/Sirocco. Read more about this wind in our article — The Libeccio/Lebić: a stubborn, unpredictable wind .

LOA  stands for  Length Overall , which is the maximum length of a vessel measured from the foremost point of the bow to the aftermost point of the stern, typically along the waterline.

Logbook is a document where a sailor writes down details of a voyage including weather, the boat's course, position and other information.

Mainsail , sometimes also referred to colloquially as the "main," is the sail that is hoisted up the mast of a sailboat.

Mainsheet track or traveller  is the rail on which the   mainsheet car or block moves back and forth, allowing for adjustment of the angle of the mainsail relative to the wind. Racing boats typically have the mainsheet track located in the cockpit for maximum adjustability, while recreational sailboats may have it located closer to the mast.

Marina is just another name for a harbour for recreational boaters. A marina often has social facilities, a shop, offices of charter companies, etc.

Marinero is a Spanish term for a marina worker who assists with various tasks, such as helping boats to dock and providing assistance to boaters with any issues or needs they may have while in the marina.

Mast is a tall vertical spar that supports the sails on a sailing vessel. It is typically located in the center of the boat and is stepped (or mounted) on the keel or deck. The mainsail is hoisted up the mast and attached to it, while the jib or headsail is usually attached to the forestay, which is a cable or wire that runs from the top of the mast to the bow of the boat. 

Meltemi  is a dry northerly wind that occurs mainly in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, from late May to late September. Read more about this wind in our guide — The Greek Meltemi: friend or foe? .

Mistral  is a cold wind found, for example, in France. It works on a similar principle to the Croatian bura. For more information, check out our article — The Mistral: a turbocharger for experienced sailors .

MOB stands for Man Overboard , which refers to the emergency situation where a crew member has fallen into the water and immediate action is required to retrieve them. Find out more in — Man Over Board (MOB): a step-by-step guide .

Mooring  can refer to any type of permanent anchor or buoy to which a boat can be tied up .  Commonly on the Adriatic, it consists of a concrete block on the bed and a rope leading to shore. The boats are then moored to it at the pier or jetty. It is a very convenient and easy way to moor a boat.

Mooring bollard  is a sturdy vertical post or pole, often made of metal or wood, that is used as a mooring point for boats.

Bollards serve both recreational boats and transport or cargo ships. Therefore, it is often large in size.

Mooring hook is pole with a hook used by boaters to grab onto a mooring buoy or other floating object in the water and retrieve the mooring rope attached to it.

Nautical flag alphabet (International Code of Signals) is a special set of characters, words and flags that sailors around the world use to communicate.

The nautical alphabet is also used in aviation.

Nautical mile is a unit of distance at sea. 1 NM equals 1.852 m. But be aware that it differs in length to a land mile!

Occluded front  is a type of weather front that occurs when a fast-moving cold front overtakes a slower-moving warm front. This results in the warm air being lifted off the ground and creating clouds and precipitation.

Offshore typically refers to sailing or boating in open water, away from the coast or shore. This type of sailing can involve more challenging conditions and requires greater skill and experience. Read more about it our article — Beyond the shoreline: 10 things to consider when offshore sailing .

Outboard engine or outboard motor is a small portable engine designed to power a dinghy. It is ordered as an extra with the boat rental.

What the seagull's sitting on is an outboard motor.

Outhaul is a control line on a sailboat that adjusts the tension of the mainsail foot, which is attached to the boom. It allows the sailor to control the depth and shape of the mainsail along the boom.

Plotter is an electronic device used for navigation that displays and tracks the boat's position and movement using GPS technology. It is often located in the cockpit.

Port (side) is the term for the left-hand side of the boat when facing forward.

Porthole  is a term for a small, usually circular window on a boat or ship.

Preventer  or boom preventer is an auxiliary line or rope that is rigged from the end of the boom to a sturdy point on the deck, mast, or other secure attachment point on the boat. The purpose of the preventer is to restrict the boom's movement and prevent an accidental or unintentional jibe, which can happen when sailing downwind or on broad reach courses.

Propeller is a device consisting of blades that rotate to provide propulsion for a boat's engine. It is often located at the stern (back) of the boat and is powered by the boat's engine.

Propwalk is a phenomenon that occurs when a boat's propeller produces a lateral force that causes the boat's stern to move to one side when the engine is in gear. This is particularly noticeable at slow speeds and when maneuvering in tight spaces, such as a marina or dock.

Propwash is the turbulence created by the rotation of the propeller. Propwash deflecting off an angled rudder allows even large boats to turn in a tighter space.

Quebec flag signal (yellow) in the International Code of Signals means "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique" which is a signal made by a ship entering port to request permission to enter and clear customs and immigration. It is usually used when sailing abroad. To learn more about crossing borders, take a look at Can you cross national borders with a charter boat?

Reefing  is a technique used to reduce the area of the sail in order to maintain control of the boat and prevent it from being overpowered in strong winds. Charter boats usually have 2 or 3 degrees of reefing available.

Railing  is another term for the guardrails around a yacht.

Rigging refers to the system of ropes, wires, and hardware that support and control the sails and masts on a boat or ship. It includes not only the mast, boom, and standing rigging (wires or rods that support the mast), but also the running rigging (ropes that control the sails), such as halyards, sheets, and control lines.

Rudder blade is the part of the steering system that is underwater. A boat may have one or two rudder blades.

Safety line is a line running along the deck of the boat by which sailors fasten their harnesses to prevent them from falling into the water when the boat is heeling or in large waves. The safety line is not automatically installed on the boat and must be installed separately.

Self-tacking jib is a type of headsail that is specifically designed to tack without the need for adjusting the sail position or manually pulling on the sheets. The sail is attached to a track or a traveler that runs athwartships on the boat and allows the sail to pivot and change sides without having to be moved or adjusted manually.

Shackle is a small metal device used to attach a line to a sail. It is used to connect the sail to the halyard or other lines on the boat. It can also be used to connect different sails together or to connect a sail to a spar or other structural element of the boat.

Sheet is a rope or line used to control the angle and shape of a sail. There are different sheets for different sails, such as the mainsheet for the mainsail, the jib sheet for the jib sail, and the spinnaker sheet for the spinnaker sail.

Shrouds are actually a type of standing rigging, which are the fixed lines or wires that support the mast of a sailboat. They run from the mast to the sides of the boat, and help to keep the mast upright and stable.

Spreader  is a horizontal strut that extends from the mast to the side of a sailboat, providing support for the mast and helping to spread the shrouds that support the mast.

Spinnaker pole  is a long and sturdy pole used to hold the clew (bottom corner) of a spinnaker sail out from the mast of a sailing boat.

Steering wheel is the device used to control a boat's direction. It is connected to the rudder blade through a steering mechanism. Boats can have one or two steering wheels depending on size and design.

Storm sails are special sails, usually orange in colour, whose small surface area and strong material allow sailing in storms. The sails are not installed on the boat all the time, they need to be unpacked from the hold when needed. Ask at check-in where the storm sails are located on the boat.

Storm sails often have a distinctive colour.

Skipper is just another name for the captain, the skipper of a yacht. Would you like to become a skipper too? Take a look at our sailing courses .

Spinnaker is a large, lightweight and often colourful sail that is designed to be used when sailing off the wind, such as on a reach or a downwind leg.The spinnaker is attached to the boat's mast and is supported by a spinnaker pole.

Spin-out refers to a situation in which a boat, while sailing downwind, loses control and starts turning towards the wind.

Sprayhood is a protective covering, typically made of canvas or other durable material, that is installed over the companionway (entrance to the cabin) of a sailboat. Its primary purpose is to shield the cockpit and the interior of the boat from wind, spray, and rain while underway

SRC stands for Short Range Certificate , which is a certification required for operating a marine VHF radio.

Starboard is the term used to describe the right-hand side of a boat when facing forward.

Stay is a term used to refer to a piece of rigging that helps support the mast of a sailing vessel. It typically runs from the top of the mast to the bow of the boat, forming a triangle shape along with the mast and the boat's deck.

Stratus is a type of low-level cloud characterized by its uniform, featureless appearance that often covers the entire sky.

Synoptic map , also known as a weather map, is a graphical representation of current weather conditions created using data collected from weather stations, satellites, and other sources.

Tack is the maneuver of turning the sailboat against the wind.

Telltales are pieces of yarn or fabric that are attached to a sail, stay, or rigging on a sailboat. They are used as a guide for trimming or adjusting a sail by providing information about the airflow around the sail.  

Telltales on a sail

Tender is another word for dinghy.

Tiller is a rod used to move the rudder blade and control the direction of the boat. It is often used on smaller sailboats instead of a steering wheel. In case of an emergency, there might be a spare tiller onboard as a backup.

Topping lift  or topenant is a line that runs from the end of the boom to a point high on the mast, which supports the boom and prevents it from dropping too low when the mainsail is not raised.

Trade wind is a wind that blows steadily towards the equator from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, usually found in tropical regions.

Transom is the reinforced vertical portion located at the stern of a boat. It connects the sides of the boat, giving it form and structure. The transom is also where an outboard motor is typically attached to the vessel and where the boat's name may be painted.

True wind is the actual wind that exists in the environment and is not affected by the motion of the body or the vessel. It is the wind that would be felt if the vessel were stationary.  Find out more in our article — Apparent vs. True Wind .

We found nothing for this letter except in the nautical alphabet (U: Uniform – you are heading into danger). If you can think of something to go here, get in touch.

Venturi wind is a localised wind flow originating and blowing out of a strait, for example between hills or rocks.

VHF  (short for Very High Frequency ) is electromagnetic waves that allow radio communication between ships, aircraft, ports, etc. 

Winch  is a mechanical device consisting of a drum that rotates either manually or powered by an electric or hydraulic motor. The rope or line is wrapped around the drum and as it rotates.

Drum-shaped rope winch.

Wind vane (otherwise known as a weather vane, wind indicator or a wind sock) is a small device at the end of the mast whose arrow indicates where the wind is blowing from.

If you can think of a term that could be here, please write to us.

Which of our boats will you take out on the waves?

Practice your sailing terminology on the water. get in touch and we'll find the perfect sailing boat for you..

Denisa Nguyenová

Nautical Terms – Boating Words Every Sailor Should Know

What are nautical terms.

I can still remember going on a boat trip with a friend who was a sailor and a boat expert. He kept mentioning these strange words to his assistant while trying to control the boat. I had almost lost my interest in sailing until my friend walked over and had to put me out of my misery. For the first time, I heard the nautical phrase terms, i.e., a vocabulary for the boat or terms used when sailing.

Better still you might want to ask most simply, what are nautical terms???

Nautical terms are also known as sailing terms. They are listings of various words associated with ships, boats, and sailing. It’s the same way we use catering terms when catering and scientific terms when writing or describing an object in science.

Funny Nautical Terms

In as much as sailing can be educative, it can also be humorous. I thought I had heard it all but telling me the nautical terms were wasn’t enough when my friend began using these hilarious terms over and over. I could remember myself bursting into a long-term of laughter whenever he mentioned the word “poop deck” or when he described the toilet of the boat as the head.

I took the time to note down the following funny nautical terms; I am sure they will get you giggling soon:

• Abreast : Used when two boats lay together in a way the bible would probably frown at.
• Poop deck : You should be thinking of the rest-room, but it’s not, it’s just the part of the boat you get to roam about freely, it’s a standard rude term used in boating.
• Jacob’s ladder : Now this is supposed to be the title of a famous movie I once saw at the cinema, but in this case, it’s just a rope ladder.
• Screw : This is talking about the propeller.
• Ground tackle : Sounds like a term used in sport, but it’s just another hilarious term for the anchor and associated bits and bobs.
• Porthole : It merely means “I’m having a panic attack.”
• Flange : I am scared.

Common Nautical Terms

Away from the humor, if you are looking to become an expert in boating or sailing, or you want the sailing education, then you must try to get familiar with some common nautical terms. Knowing these terms will make it easier to communicate with people aboard the ship. The essence is neither to boast nor impress your friends but helps to stay safe on water especially during an emergency when you might have to take sets of instructions using these terminologies.

Here are some common nautical terms:

• Bow : This refers to the front end of the boat.
• Forward : This is used when you are moving toward the front end of the boat [bow].
• Aft : Used to describe your movement towards the rear end of the boat, more like saying someone is going “aft.”
• Ahead : Refers to the movement of a boat in a forward direction.
• Astern : Refers to the backward movement of a boat.
• Topside : Moving from the lower deck of the boat to the upper deck of the ship.
• Amidships : Refers to the central part of a boating vessel.
• Port Quarter : This is the rear left side of the boat.
• Starboard Quarter : Refers to the rear right of the boat.
• Port Bow : This is the front left side of the boat.
• Starboard Bow : This is the front right of a boat.
• Starboard : When standing at the rear of the boat and looking forward, starboard is the entire right side of the ship.
• Port : When standing at the rear of the boat and looking forward, the port is the entire left side of the ship.
• Leeward : This is also known as “Lee,” it’s the direction opposite to the movement of the wind.
• Windward : This is the direction in which the wind is currently blowing; it is the opposite of “lee.” Sailboats usually move in the direction of the wind, and this makes it an essential term to note.
• Boom : The boom is the horizontal pole which extends from the bottom of the mast, manipulating the boom to the direction of the wind helps the boat to harness the power of the wind for forwarding or backward movement.
• Stern : This is the rear end of the boat.
• Underway : A boat is referred to as being “underway’ when it is moving, either by a motor or by the energy provided by the wind.
• Rudder : This is located beneath the boat; it is a flat piece of wood, fiberglass or metal used to steer the ship. Bigger boats control the rudder with a wheel while the small boats use the steering mechanism.
• Awash: Refers to water level slightly covering the deck.
• Bilge: Means the lowest part of the haul.
• Course: This refers to the direction a ship is sailing.
• Cockpit: A steering compartment.
• Current: This refers to a movement of water.
• Heading: This is the direction a ship is sailing.
• Becalm: To stop because of lack of wind.
• Chart: This refers to a navigational course or to map a route.
• Bearing: Refers to the direction of an object shown on a chart or sometimes as a bearing relating to the heading of the boat.
• Ballast: This refers to stabilizing weights placed in the hull of a ship.
• Anchor: This refers to an object that holds the ship in place.
• Bail: To throw out rainwater or seawater that has been collected in the ship.
• Capsize: To overturn.
• Headway: The rate of progress in sailing.
• Manhole: This refers to an opening in a compartment.
• Overhaul: Prepare a piece of equipment for use.
• Lookout: Refers to a sailor standing watch.
• Helm: A steering apparatus.
• Keel: Central structural basis of the hull.
• Ship: To convey a cargo or passenger by ship.
• Seaworthy: In good condition to be operated.
• Bank: Refers to a large area of elevated sea floor.
• Beam: Refers to the greatest width of the boat.
• Cabin: This is an enclosed room on a deck.
• Chine: This refers to the intersection of the bottom and sides of a v-bottomed boat.
• Cuddy: This is a small sheltered cabin on a boat.
• Deadrise: This is referred to as the design angle that is between the keel and the horizontal.
• Draft or draught: This means the depth of a ship’s keel below the waterline.
• Fast: Held firmly.
• Flank: This is the maximum speed of a ship.
• Flow: An incoming current.
• Galley: Refers to the kitchen of the ship.
• Ground: Refers to the bed of the sea.
• Gunwales: Refers to the upper edge of a boat’s sides.
• Lanyard: This is a roped that is used to tie something off.
• Log: Means a record of operations. It is also a device used to measure speed.
• Marina: This is the fueling point of a boat.
• Marlin Board: This is a small deck on the aft. This is to make accessing water easier.
• Mast: This refers to a vertical pole on a ship which supports sails.
• Obstruction:   Means an object that a boat couldn’t pass without changing course.
• Pilot: A pilot is a navigator.
• Pier: This is a loading platform which extends to the angle from the shore.
• Run: To allow a line to move freely.
• Rudder: Refers to an underwater vertical plate for steering a boat.
• Sail trim: This refers to the position of the sail relative to the desired point and wind.
• Following sea: Refers to the waves coming from behind.
• Bring to: To cause the ship to stop by arranging sails.
• Bowse: To hoist.
• Beacon: A fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth’s surface.
• Holiday: This refers to the gap that is in between the coverage of newly applied paint.
• Horse: Refers to the attachment of sheets to deck of a vessel.
• Lay: Commonly used to give orders to the crew. It means to come and go.
• Luff: Refers to the forward edge of sails.
• Mast: Refers to a vertical pole that supports sails or rigging on a ship.
• Moor: To dock a ship.
• Pitchpole: To capsize a boat end over end instead of rolling over.

Nautical Slang

Slang is everywhere, especially in most occupations. Nautically, slangs are not left out. Sailors and the crew sometimes communicate using slang words. Some of them might be funny, weird or even in the form of a phrase.

Below are some nautical slangs:

• Bite the bullet: This means to dace up to something unpleasant.
• Ant’s bollock on a beach: Slang used for something hard to locate.
• Bottle fishing: A slang term used for transporting liquor.
• Brace of shakes: To be with someone in a brace of shakes means to be with the person before sail has time to shake twice.
• Chock-a-block: Means to secure goods tightly on the deck in high seas.
• Cuts no ice: This is used in a ship struggling to make progress in ice.
• I’m going to deck you: This is a threat that you will knock your opponent to the deck.
• Deep six: This is used when there is plenty of water under the keel.
• Fag end: To Fag means to pull apart a strand of rope. The point where the strands were referred to as fag ends.
• Going like the clappers: Slang used when the ship sailed faster.
• Granny’s knot: Means knot tied wrong which cannot be easily undone when jammed.
• Honesty among thieves: Refers to severe punishment given for stealing each other’s properties.
• Lap-clap: To become pregnant.
• Look around for loose ends: This is an instruction given to sort out all pieces of rope and tie up things securely. This usually happens when a ship had escaped from something.
• Castaway: This is an action to commit a deliberate act to sink a ship.
• Come hell: This means to do whatever it takes to reach the destination.
• Crewcut: This refers to short hair that is given to the whole crew.
• Dead in the water: This is used when the ship is stationary, i.e., no wind in its sails to make it come to life.
• Don’t rock the boat: To keep things the way they are.
• Flannel: This is slang for insincerity or hot air.
• Pickled:  Used to refer to somebody who is drunk.
• Son of a gun: Wives and mistress sometimes give birth at sea. There was little or no room for delivery except for firearms on the guns deck. Most times, no one knew its father.
• Wind eye: Refers to the point from which wind blows.
• Rock the boat: Said when someone has disturbed or aggravated the balance in a situation.
• Makeup leeway: This refers to a vessel’s drift to the lee (lee meaning downwind).
• Floozies: This is used for women who were let aboard during the time the ship was in port.
• Fluky: A wind that is light and variable.
• A warning shot across the bow: A slang used for the captain telling him to strike without engaging.
• Seaman: Slang used for someone who drives a ship instead of a sailor.
• Skipper: Used to address a captain of a ship.
• Trim your sails: Referring to the condition of a vessel that is loaded and balanced correctly so that the ship floats successfully on the waterline.
• Pipe down: A way of saying someone should stop making noise.
• To be sent up the pole: Usually used when something is driving one mad.
• Speak: Used when you want to maneuver near enough to exchange greetings with another ship.

Nautical Terms For Departure

You will probably wonder why you often find it hard to comprehend the captain’s words whenever he’s set for departure. If you are not nautically oriented, you cannot. I was once in your shoes. You can put your mind at rest now because here are some nautical departure terms for your aquatic adventures.

• Launch: Moving a boat from land to water.
• Sail: To propel a boat over the water.
• Make Sail: To rise sails while getting underway.
• Shove off: To push the boat away from the dock.
• Set sail: To raise sails in preparation for getting underway.
• Set: Refers to the direction of current flow. Usually employed to calculate a reliable course over the bottom.
• Sailing: A navigation method used to determine the course of a boat.
• Board: Usually used when you want to go onto a board.
• Cast off: Refers to letting go of the docking lines to proceed with the sail.
• Plain sails: The primary working sail on a boat.

Recommended:

Basic Boating Terms That Beginners Should Learn

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Sailing Terms and Phrases: A Comprehensive Guide to Nautical Jargon

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 19, 2023 | Sailboat Racing

Short answer sailing terms and phrases:

Sailing terms and phrases refer to language specific to the sport of sailing. They include terms related to boat parts, sailing maneuvers, wind direction, and navigation. Understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication and safe sailing practices.

Understanding the Basics: A Guide to Sailing Terms and Phrases

Welcome aboard, fellow sailors and landlubbers alike, as we embark on a voyage through the mesmerizing world of sailing terms and phrases. Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned seafarer looking to brush up on your nautical knowledge, this guide will have you speaking like a true sailor in no time.

As with any specialized field, sailing has its own unique language that can bewilder even the most erudite wordsmiths. But fear not! We’re here to break down the basics and shed light on those mysterious terms that have been floating around in your mind like buoys at sea.

Let’s start by hoisting the main sail and diving headfirst into some essential terminology:

1. Port and Starboard: If someone shouts “Hard to port!” during your sailing adventure, don’t panic – they simply mean turn left. In maritime lingo, “port” refers to the left side of a vessel when facing forward, while “starboard” is the right side. Thinking of them as counterparts can help avoid confusion during moments of high-seas excitement.

2. Bow and Stern: Don’t forget where your front and back are while navigating the open waters. The bow is the forward part of the vessel (a great spot for taking epic photos), while the stern is located at the rear. Trust us – being able to differentiate between these two proves invaluable when following directions or describing intriguing sights.

3. Aft vs Forward: Just as knowing which way is up is vital for surviving gravity’s pull, understanding aft (the back part of a ship) versus forward (the front part) is crucial aboard a boat too! Being able to navigate with ease relies heavily on using these terms correctly when maneuvering around onboard.

Now that we’ve set our bearings straight let’s proceed further into more advanced seamanship jargon:

4. Shiver me Timbers: Ahoy, matey! Surely, you’ve heard this catchy phrase in pirate movies or read it in adventure novels. But do you know what it means? “Shiver me timbers” originated from the old seafaring days when wooden ships were prevalent. When they were hit by fierce storms or cannonballs, the creaking and vibrations of the hull made the timber “shiver.” Nowadays, it’s an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.

5. Nautical Mile: Avast, ye landlubbers! A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used specifically for sea and air travel. It’s equal to one minute of latitude along any meridian – approximately 1.15 statute miles (or about 1.85 kilometers). So, whether you’re voyaging across vast oceans or navigating through treacherous straits, understanding this term will keep you on course.

6. Windward and Leeward: When sailing the high seas, understanding wind patterns becomes crucial to harnessing their power effectively. Windward refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing (usually against your face), while leeward indicates the sheltered side where the wind is blocked by your vessel or other objects nearby. Skippers who can master these concepts will navigate their vessels with grace and ease.

7. Keelhaul: Now here’s a term that harkens back to darker maritime times! To keelhaul someone often meant dragging them under a ship’s keel as a form of punishment. Luckily for us nowadays, it has mostly been relegated to seafaring folklore and modern-day sailors rarely seek to employ such discipline.

So there you have it – a comprehensive yet entertaining guide to essential sailing terms and phrases that will surely make waves amongst your fellow salts-in-arms! From knowing your port from starboard all the way down to deciphering historical jargon like “shiver me timbers,” embracing these nautical expressions will not only deepen your understanding but also add a touch of maritime flare to your conversation.

So raise your glasses – or rather, yer grog – as you confidently navigate the mighty seas armed with newfound knowledge, humor, and a dash of seafaring slang. Bon voyage!

Exploring the World of Sailing: How Sailing Terms and Phrases Enhance Your Experience

Title: All Aboard! Unveiling the Secrets of Sailing: How Nautical Jargon Enhances Your Pleasure on the High Seas

Introduction: Welcome, fellow sailors and nautical enthusiasts, as we embark on an exciting voyage through the realm of sailing. Beyond the wind in our sails and the wide expanse of water beneath us lies a colorful world steeped in traditions, camaraderie, and rich terminology. In this blog post, we delve into how mastering sailing terms and phrases can elevate your experience on the open seas from ordinary to extraordinary. So hoist your anchor and adjust your compass – let’s set sail!

1) The Lingua Franca of Seafarers: Just as each industry has its unique lexicon, sailing boasts an impressive repertoire of its own jargon. While initially overwhelming to nascent sailors, these terms are not merely maritime buzzwords; they create a sense of belonging among seafaring communities globally. From ‘starboard’ to ‘jib’ or ‘tacking,’ understanding nautical terminology not only facilitates effective communication but also unlocks doors to a world where legends and rituals intertwine.

2) Paint Your Own Nautical Canvas: Imagine being able to articulate intricate details about your surroundings with painterly precision. As you acquaint yourself with sailing lingo, you gain access to an exquisite palette that will enable you to vividly describe cloud formations (cumulonimbus clouds), waves (swell), or even the wonders beneath (bioluminescence). By employing phrases such as “the sea rose like a mighty kraken” or “whispering zephyrs guided our course,” you’ll be painting masterpieces with words.

3) Channeling History’s Echoes: The language of sailing is deeply rooted in history, connecting us to generations past who braved unforgiving waters aboard wooden vessels. Embracing these linguistic relics imbues your journey with a sense of timelessness and reverence for those who came before us. Employing phrases like “avast ye scurvy dogs” or “there she blows!” lets you channel the spirit of earlier sailors, forging an indelible bond across ages.

4) The Poetry of Seamanship: Sailing brings together the precision of a science and the lyricality of art, creating an environment where language emotively intertwines with experience. By embracing sailing terms, you’ll find yourself effortlessly conversing in poetic cadences – from referring to land as the “shores of belonging” to desiring nothing more than catching a glimpse of the “dancing dolphins’ aqueous ballet.” These evocative expressions invite you to craft narratives that rival those crafted by Homer himself!

5) A Flotilla United by Secret Code: Picture yourself amidst a fleet regatta, surrounded by fellow sailors all fluent in this secret maritime lexicon. This peculiar linguistic bond establishes instant connections beyond conventional exchanges shared in mainstream society. An initiation into sailing terminologies is akin to unlocking a secret code, granting you access to new friendships built on shared experiences and mutual appreciation for life’s most elemental forces: wind, water, and adventure.

Conclusion: As we conclude our journey through the oceanic tapestry woven by nautical terms and phrases, it becomes evident that their power extends far beyond mere communication. Sailing lingo elevates your voyage from practicality to poetry, endowing each moment on deck with historical significance and artistic resonance. By embracing these traditions and enriching your sailing vernacular with colorful expression, you become part of a timeless legacy that has inspired dreamers and adventurers throughout centuries. So let us hoist our sails high while whispering tales told countless times before – may our newfound command over nautical terminology enhance our quest for freedom on the open seas!

Sailing Terms and Phrases Step by Step: From Beginner to Pro

Title: Sailing Terms and Phrases Step by Step: From Beginner to Pro – Unleashing the Sailor in You!

Introduction: Ahoy, aspiring sailors! Embark on an exciting journey into the world of sailing, where the wind becomes your silent ally and the vast ocean your playground. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into this majestic realm or a seasoned sailor looking to polish your knowledge, our comprehensive guide will equip you with essential sailing terms and phrases. So batten down the hatches, and let’s sail through this blog together!

1. Setting Sail: Grasping the Basics Before we dive deeper into nautical jargon, let’s start by understanding fundamental concepts crucial for all sailors. We’ll cover key aspects such as wind direction, points of sail (angles relative to the wind), and boat maneuvers—tacking and gybing—to harness the wind’s power efficiently.

2. Navigating Seas of Terminology Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the essentials, it’s time to raise anchor on our expedition of sailing terminology. From bow to stern, we’ll unravel intricate vernacular such as port and starboard (left and right), keel (the underwater part keeping your vessel steady), rigging (the system supporting sails), and many more nautical gems.

3. Anchoring Your Knowledge: Knots & Ropes No sailor can be without a reliable knot repertoire! Discover step-by-step instructions for tying knots like reef knot (square knot), figure-eight knot, clove hitch, bowline, and more. Mastering these techniques ensures safety onboard while securing sails, tying lines around cleats, or attaching fenders effortlessly.

4. Weathering Any Storm: Meteorological Mastery Weather plays an indispensable role in sailing dynamics; understanding its patterns keeps both novices and experts safe at sea. Delve into concepts such as barometric pressure systems, reading weather charts, interpreting cloud formations, and utilizing meteorological apps. Equip yourself to anticipate wind shifts, gauge tides, and discern when a storm is approaching.

5. SOS – Safety on the Seven Seas Safety should always come first! Gain insights into maritime safety procedures, including personal flotation devices (PFDs), harnesses, life rafts, flares, distress signals, and emergency protocols to ensure your sailing experience remains secure and enjoyable.

6. Racing Ahead: Sail Trim & Performance Ready to up your game? Discover the art of sail trimming—the fine-tuning required to extract maximum speed from your vessel. Learn about cunningham lines, boom vangs, halyards, traveler controls—the subtle adjustments that balance power versus pointing ability during a regatta or an adventurous day sail.

7. Navigate Like a Pro: Charting Your Course Navigational skills are the backbone of any sailor’s toolbox. Dive into the world of nautical charts—those intricate maps guiding you amidst an ocean expanse—and grasp concepts such as understanding symbols and markings; plotting courses using latitude and longitude; employing GPS systems; avoiding hazards; and converting true headings into magnetic ones for compass navigation.

8. Tales from the Sea: Maritime Lore and Trivia Immerse yourself in captivating tales woven by seasoned sailors while exploring intriguing maritime traditions like baptizing ships or crossing the equator ceremoniously. Learn lesser-known facts about famous shipwrecks or legendary seafarers who etched their names in history—fueling your passion for adventures beyond imagination!

9. Starboard ahead! Sailing into Greener Horizons In this digital era of sustainable living, embark on a conversation regarding eco-friendly sailing practices aimed at preserving our breathtaking marine ecosystems. Explore tips for reducing carbon footprints while sailing—with alternatives like electric propulsion—and join the movement towards cleaner seas with recycling initiatives that minimize plastic waste onboard.

10 Ahoi, Captain! Mastering the Ropes Congratulations on reaching this stage of our sailing odyssey. Armed with an arsenal of sailing terms, navigational prowess, safety awareness, and a passion for the sea, you’re well on your way to becoming a true sailing pro. So hoist those sails high and brace yourself for limitless adventures that await you—the world is your oyster!

Epilogue: As you set sail on this journey from beginner to pro sailor, remember to embrace the wonders of the sea while respecting its power and beauty. With time, experience, and dedication, you’ll be speaking the language of seasoned sailors confidently. Bon voyage on your nautical endeavors; may fair winds forever fill your sails!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Terms and Phrases Answered

Sailing is a unique and exciting experience that brings together the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice looking to learn more about this captivating activity, it’s important to understand the various sailing terms and phrases that are commonly used in the sailing community. To help you navigate through these sometimes confusing waters, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions answered with detailed professional explanations, sprinkled with witty and clever anecdotes. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of sailing terminology!

Q1: What exactly is a “jib”?

A1: Ah, the jib! This term refers to a triangular sail located at the front of the boat, usually attached to the forestay (the wire that holds up the mast). The jib serves as one of the primary sources of propulsion for sailing vessels. Think of it as the boat’s secret weapon – it catches wind and propels your vessel forward! Just like a jester adding an element of surprise in medieval courts.

Q2: Can you explain what “tacking” means?

A2: Tacking is perhaps one of the most fundamental maneuvers in sailing. It involves turning your boat into or across the wind so that your sails switch sides. Picture yourself maneuvering your way through rush hour traffic – except instead of cars, there are waves crashing against each other! Tacking allows sailors to make headway against windward, zigzagging their way to their destination like Shakespearean characters in a fiery debate.

Q3: I’ve heard people talk about “heeling.” What does it mean?

A3: Ahoy there! Heeling refers to when a sailboat leans over sideways due to strong winds pushing against its sails. This ‘Michael Jackson-esque’ dance move can be quite exhilarating for thrill-seekers, but it requires careful balance and control. Imagine holding a delicate ballet pose on a tilting stage while attempting to impress the judges. That’s what heeling is all about – finding the perfect equilibrium between adventure and stability.

Q4: What is meant by “mainsail”?

A4: The mainsail is the largest and most visible sail on a sailing vessel. It is typically attached to the mast and plays a crucial role in powering the boat forward when the wind hits it just right. This sail can be compared to the lead vocalist of a band – it takes center stage and commands attention, providing maximum power to propel your floating oasis across the water.

Q5: Can you explain what “port” and “starboard” mean?

A5: Ahoy, matey! Port refers to the left side of a boat when facing its bow (front), while starboard refers to its right side. Now, how do you remember which is which? Here’s a clever trick: port has four letters, just like LEFT, so it’s easy to associate them together. And starboard has more letters than port or left, so that must be RIGHT! Remember this little rhyme, and you’ll never steer your ship in the wrong direction again.

So there you have it – some frequently asked questions about sailing terms and phrases answered with detailed professional insight mixed with witty and clever comparisons. We hope this helps unravel some of the mysteries behind those nautical expressions that sailors throw around with ease. Happy sailing!

Mastering the Jargon: Unraveling the Language of Sailing

Sailing, with its long and storied history, offers enthusiasts an escape into a world rich in tradition and adventure. From battling treacherous waves to navigating the vast expanses of the open sea, sailors are no strangers to challenges. However, there is one aspect of sailing that can often leave beginners feeling adrift – the intricate and sometimes befuddling language used in this esteemed practice.

In this blog post, we aim to demystify the jargon of sailing, allowing novices to navigate conversations with seasoned sailors and ultimately feel more at home on deck.

Tacking and Jibing – Oh My!

One of the most fundamental concepts in sailing revolves around changing direction – but don’t call it turning! Sailors use specific terms like tacking and jibing to describe these maneuvers. Tacking involves turning into the wind by steering through a series of tight angles, while jibing entails turning away from the wind in a more fluid motion. So if you hear someone say “Prepare to tack!” or “Jibe ho!”, now you’ll know what they mean.

Hoist That Main Sail!

As you familiarize yourself with sailboats, you’ll swiftly encounter talk about different sails – mainsails being one of them. The mainsail is crucial for propelling your vessel forward and adjusting its position relative to the wind. When you hear someone shout “Hoist that main!” they’re simply telling their crewmates to raise or unfurl this essential sail. Remember, timing is key when hoisting your main as it affects your boat’s performance and maneuverability.

Trimming Your Sails

Ever wondered what sailors mean by “trimming” their sails? No, they’re not talking about giving them a haircut! Trimming refers to adjusting your sails’ position relative to the wind for optimal efficiency – something akin to finetuning your instrument. By playing with the sheets (lines that control sail shape), sailors can harness the wind’s power effectively, propelling themselves along smoothly and efficiently.

The Wind Angle – A Sailor’s Best Friend

Understanding wind angles is paramount for any sailor worth their salt. When sailors refer to “the point of sail,” they are describing the direction they are sailing relative to the wind. Different points of sail include close-hauled (sailing as close to the wind as possible) and running (sailing in the same direction as the wind). Knowledge of these angles determines how a skilled sailor adjusts their sails, achieving optimal speed and stability.

Raising Anchor – Setting Sail!

Embarking on a sailing adventure often begins with raising anchor or setting sail. However, it’s not just about hoisting a heavy object; there is an art to it! The crew works together seamlessly, making sure the anchor is secured safely before preparing to lift it from its watery resting place. With a well-coordinated effort, they can free themselves from shore and set out into open waters to seek out new horizons.

Navigating Lingo Land

As you delve deeper into sailing culture, you’ll soon notice a myriad of unique terms specific to this maritime world – jargon like ‘batten down the hatches,’ ‘hard-a-lee,’ or ‘full-and-by.’ Each phrase has its own charm and colorful history that adds character and camaraderie amongst sailors. Embrace this lexicon with enthusiasm, for it symbolizes connection with centuries-old traditions and ensures clear communication at sea.

So whether you decide to hoist your sails under clear blue skies or undertake epic adventures across stormy seas, mastering the jargon of sailing will undoubtedly enhance your experience. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you’ll be able to hold engaging conversations with fellow sailors while feeling like an old salty sea dog yourself. Fair winds ahead!

Taking Your Boating Game Up a Notch with Essential Sailing Terms and Phrases

Are you ready to elevate your boating skills and impress everyone on board with your extensive knowledge of sailing terms and phrases? Look no further, as we’re here to help you take your boating game up a notch!

Sailing has its own unique language that can initially seem daunting to beginners. However, mastering these essential sailing terms and phrases not only enhances your understanding of the sport but also ensures seamless communication with fellow sailors. So let’s dive into this linguistic adventure and emerge as refined seafarers!

1. Bow: This term refers to the front part of the boat. Imagine standing at the bow, with the wind blowing through your hair, as you confidently navigate through the open waters.

2. Stern: The opposite of the bow, the stern is the back end of the vessel. Picture yourself lounging on the stern while basking in the sun, enjoying a leisurely day on your boat.

3. Port: When facing forward towards the bow, port refers to the left side of a boat or yacht. Remember it by associating “port” with “left,” both consisting of four letters.

4. Starboard: In contrast to port, starboard indicates the right side of a boat when facing forward. An easy way to remember is by imagining a bright star guiding you towards success.

5. Tacking: To change direction against or across the wind using sails is known as tacking. It involves turning or pivoting through head-to-wind coordination, allowing your boat to zigzag efficiently while harnessing variable wind angles.

6. Jib: A triangular sail positioned in front of a mast is called a jib and primarily aids in steering when sailing close-hauled or reaching conditions.

7. Mainsail: The largest sail on most boats, attached vertically along a mast toward aft (near stern) direction commands utmost respect – it’s called a mainsail! Mastering control over the mainsail is essential for maximizing speed and maneuverability.

8. Windward: The direction from which the wind is coming is referred to as windward. Sailing toward the windward side can be challenging yet exhilarating, requiring precise navigation techniques for optimal performance.

9. Leeward: The opposite of windward, leeward denotes the side away from the wind or downwind direction. When sailing on the leeward side, you’ll experience smoother conditions with less turbulence — a perfect opportunity for relaxation and enjoying your boating adventure.

10. Rudder: Acting as a ship’s steering mechanism, the rudder controls its movement by changing its course in response to the helmsperson’s commands. Mastering rudder control ensures smooth sailing and accurate navigation.

Now armed with these essential sailing terms and phrases, you can confidently navigate through any boating expedition while impressing your friends with your newfound knowledge! So hoist those sails, trim them accurately, and let these words navigate you towards becoming an impeccable sailor. Fair winds and following seas await you on this exciting journey!

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to apply these terms during your next sailing adventure. Happy sailing!

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A Complete List Of Sailing Terms

Sailing terminology and jargon can be difficult to understand for a complete beginner.

We've compiled a list of sailing terms, vocabulary, lingo, and phrases with their meanings and definitions.

Filter the sailing terms by letter:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

The sailing terms beginning with the letter A are:

• Abaft : Toward the stern of a boat and behind the middle of the boat
• Abandon Ship : An instruction to leave the boat immediately. This is an emergency situation and everyone needs to get off the boat
• Abeam : On a line at right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length
• Able Seaman : A crew member with experience and expertise in working on deck and handling the sailboat's rigging and equipment
• Aboard : This is a nautical term to describe being on or in a boat
• Above Board : This means anything on or above the boat deck
• Adrift : Not anchored or not securely moored, drifting with the current or wind
• Aft : The aft is the area at the back of the boat. It is also known as the stern
• Aft cabin : This is a sleeping cabin at the aft side (rear) of the boat
• Aftmost : Furthest towards the stern (back) of the boat
• Aground : When the boat is resting on or touching the ground below the bottom of the water
• A-hull : A-hull refers to a situation where a boat is secured to its anchor and is lying in the direction of the wind and waves, with all sails furled and no movement. This is typically done as a safety measure in severe weather conditions when the boat is in danger of capsizing or otherwise being damaged. It is also used as a strategy to wait out a storm or other adverse weather
• Alee : Away from the wind
• All Hands On Deck : This phrase is used to call all crew members to the deck of a sailing vessel, and is often used as a call to action in times of emergency. It is also considered a good omen for a ship to have all hands on deck before setting sail.
• Aloft : Above the deck or in the upper parts of the mast or rigging
• Anchor : A device used to hold or anchor a boat in a specific location on the water
• Anchor Buoy : A buoy attached to an anchor that is used to indicate the location of the anchor on the bottom
• Apeak : When the anchor is at the highest point of the bow when it is rode out
• Apparent Wind : The wind direction and speed observed by the crew in combination with the true wind direction and speed, which can be different due to the boat's motion
• Ashore : To or on the shore or land from the direction of the sea
• Astern : Behind or at the rear of a boat. If a boat is traveling astern, it is going in reverse
• Athwartship : Having a position across a vessel from side to side at right angles to the keel

The sailing terms beginning with the letter B are:

• B & R Rigging : B&R rigging refers to a specific type of rigging system used on sailing boats. The B&R rigging system is a combination of a traditional forestay and backstay system, with a flexible rig that allows for a more efficient sail shape in a wide range of wind conditions
• Back A Sail : Back a sail refers to the action of filling a sail with wind from the opposite direction, or "backwards" direction of the sailboat's forward motion. This is done by adjusting the sail and the direction of the boat so that the wind is blowing into the back of the sail, causing the sail to fill with wind and push the boat in the opposite direction. Backing a sail can be used to slow the boat down, change direction, or to help keep the boat in a specific location
• Backstay : A rope or cable that runs from the mast to the stern of a sailboat. It is used to support the mast and control the shape of the sails
• Baggywrinkle : A soft covering for cables to reduce sail chafe
• Ballast : Ballast refers to the weight placed on the bottom of a sailboat to improve its stability and balance. The weight of the ballast helps to counteract the force of the wind on the sails
• Ballast Keel : A vertical downward extension of the boat's hull, narrowly V-shaped. It is ballasted or weighted for stability and lateral resistance
• Barque : This is a sailboat with 3 or more masts with all the masts being square-rigged except the sternmost, which is fore-and-aft-rigged
• Batten : A batten is a primary structure of a mainsail. It supports the sail's shape
• Beam : The width of the boat, measured at its widest point
• Beam Reach : A point of sail in which the wind is coming from the side of the boat, resulting in the sails being at a 90-degree angle to the centerline of the boat
• Bear Away : Bear away, also known as falling off, means to turn a boat away from the direction of the wind
• Beat : This is sailing in a zig-zag formation toward the wind
• Beaufort Scale : A scale used to measure wind speed and the resulting sea conditions. It is named after Francis Beaufort, an officer in the Royal Navy
• Below Deck : Below deck in boating refers to the interior of a boat, typically the area below the main deck. This area is usually enclosed and protected from the elements, and typically includes living spaces such as cabins, heads (bathrooms), galley (kitchen), and salon (common area).
• Bermuda Rig : A Bermuda rig, also known as a Marconi rig, is a type of sailboat rigging that is characterized by a triangular mainsail and a jib sail. The mainsail is attached to the mast and the boom, with the boom extending out from the mast. The jib sail is attached to the forestay, which is a cable or rope that runs from the bow of the boat to the mast
• Bermuda Sloop : Bermuda sloop is a specific type of sailboat design that originated in Bermuda. It is characterized by a single mast, with a triangular mainsail and a jib sail, and it is the most popular sailboat design in the world. Bermuda sloops are known for their efficiency and ability to sail well in a wide range of wind conditions.
• Berth : A bed or sleeping area on a boat. For example, a 6-berth boat is a boat that can sleep 6 people
• Bight : A bend in a sailing rope
• Bimini Top : A Bimini top is a type of boat cover or canopy that is mounted on the top of a sailboat, typically on the stern or the cockpit area. The Bimini top provides shade and protection from the sun and rain for the passengers and crew on the boat
• Bilge : The lowest part of a boat's interior, typically located near the keel, where water collects and needs to be pumped out
• Binnacle : A binnacle is a housing or container on a boat that is used to protect and secure a vessel's compass. It is typically located near the helm or steering station
• Bon Voyage : This is a French phrase that literally means "good voyage" and is often used as a way to say "good luck" to someone setting out on a journey
• Boom : A boom on a sailboat is a horizontal spar, or pole, that extends out from the mast of a sailboat. The boom is used to support and control the bottom edge, or foot, of a sail. The boom also helps to shape the sail and control the angle at which the wind hits it, allowing the boat to move efficiently through the water
• Bosun : A crew member in charge of maintenance and upkeep of the boat's hull, rigging, and equipment.
• Bow : The bow is the front area of a boat
• Bridge : A room or platform area of a boat from which the boat can be operated
• Brig : A sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts
• Brigantine : A two-masted sailboat, square-rigged on the foremast but fore-and-aft-rigged on the mainmast
• Bulkhead : A bulkhead refers to a vertical wall within the interior of a boat that helps to divide the space and provide structural support. They are typically found below deck on a sailboat
• Bumper : A type of fender used to protect a boat from damage when it is moored or docked.
• Buoy : It is a device or object that is placed in the sea to aid navigation. For racing, it's used to set the race course and for recreational sailing, it is used to mark areas to avoid (among a few other purposes)

The sailing terms beginning with the letter C are:

• Cabin : This is a room inside a boat, typically found below the deck
• Canvas : A boat canvas refers to the various types of fabric or material used on boats to provide protection, shade, and shelter. Types of canvas include Bimini top, sail cover, dodger, etc.
• Capsize : When a boat heels over so far that the keel is lifted out of the water and the boat overturns
• Captain : The person in command of the sailboat. They are responsible for operating the boat safely
• Catamaran : Any vessel with two hulls
• Center-board : A board lowered through a slot in the keel to reduce leeway
• Chart Plotter : An electronic navigation device that plots the location and position of a sailboat on the water
• Cleat : A cleat is a device used on boats to secure ropes or lines. It typically consists of two horizontal arms with holes or slots that can be tightened around a rope by pulling on the line and then making a turn or two around the arms. Cleats are used to secure lines when docking, mooring, or anchoring a boat, and can be found on the deck, gunwale, or cockpit of a boat
• Clew : A clew is the lower aft corner of a sail
• Clipper : A sailboat designed for speed
• Cockpit : An enclosed space on a sailboat's deck where a sailboat is controlled or steered
• Cook : A crew member responsible for preparing and cooking meals for the crew
• Course : This is the direction in which a boat is traveling
• Close-Hauled : A point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible

The sailing terms beginning with the letter D are:

• Dead Reckoning : a method of navigation that involves calculating a ship's position by using information about its speed and direction over a certain period of time
• Deadrise : The angle between the bottom of a boat and the horizontal plane of the water
• Deck : The horizontal surface area on the top of the boat
• Deckhand : A member of the crew responsible for various tasks such as hoisting sails, steering the ship, and maintaining the deck
• Dock : A fixed structure attached to the shore to which a vessel is secured when in port
• Downbound : This is when a vessel is traveling downstream
• Draft : The depth of water a boat requires to float measured from the waterline to the lowest point of the hull
• Drift : The sideways movement of a boat caused by wind or current
• Drogue : A device that is towed behind a boat to slow it down or to keep it from drifting too quickly
• Drowned Out : When the wind is too strong for the sails and the boat can no longer make headway

The sailing terms beginning with the letter E are:

• Ease : To let out or slacken a line or sail
• Emergency Tiller : A backup steering system for a boat, typically used when the regular steering system fails
• Engineer : A crew member responsible for the maintenance and operation of the sailboat's engines and mechanical systems
• Entering A Port : This refers to the process of navigating a boat into a harbor or marina
• External Lead : This refers to the navigation method of determining the position of a boat by measuring the angle between two visible objects on shore or on buoys, using a lead line
• Eye Of The Wind : The direction from which the wind is blowing
• Eye-Splice : A way of creating a permanent loop in the end of a sailing rope

The sailing terms beginning with the letter F are:

• Fair Winds And Following Seas : This phrase is often used as a wish for good luck and smooth sailing
• Fairlead : A fitting through which ropes are led in order to change their direction or reduce friction
• Fathom : A unit of measurement for depth, equal to six feet
• Fender : A device placed between a boat and a dock or another boat to protect the boat from damage
• First Mate : The officer in charge of the deck crew, responsible for navigation and safety
• Foresail : A sail located at the front of a sailboat, also called jib
• Freeboard : The distance from the waterline to the deck of a boat
• Frigate : A type of ship, typically used for naval warfare or as a command ship for a fleet
• Furl : To roll or wrap a sail around a boom or mast in order to take it down
• Fetch : The distance over which a wind has blown without significant obstacle
• Front : The boundary between two different air masses, often associated with changes in temperature and precipitation

The sailing terms beginning with the letter G are:

• Gaff : A spar used to extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail
• Gale : A strong wind with a speed of between 34-47 knots
• Geared Winch : A mechanical winch that is powered by gears and used to raise or lower a sail
• Genoa : A type of jib sail that is larger than a standard jib
• Give-Way Vessel : A vessel required to take action to avoid a collision with another vessel as per the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGS)
• Godspeed : This phrase is used to wish someone a safe and successful journey
• Gunwale : The upper edge of the side of a boat
• Gybe : A maneuver in which a boat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind and causing the sail to change sides
• Gyroscopic Compass : A type of compass that uses a spinning wheel to provide stable and accurate heading information

The sailing terms beginning with the letter H are:

• Heading : The direction in which a boat is pointed, usually measured in degrees from true or magnetic north
• Heading Up : This refers to turning the bow of a sailboat towards the wind
• Heavy Weather : Severe weather conditions such as high winds, heavy seas, and storms
• Halyard : A rope or line used to hoist or lower a sail or flag. There is likely 1 halyard for each sail
• Hard Alee : An order to turn the bow of the boat as far as possible in the opposite direction of the wind
• Hatch : An opening in the deck of a boat, used for access to the interior or for ventilation
• Headstay : The cable or rod that supports the forestay, and holds the mast in the forward direction
• Helm : The helm of a sailboat is the steering mechanism of the boat, typically located at the back or the stern of the boat, and is used to control the direction of the boat. The helm is typically a wheel or tiller
• Helmsman : The person who steers the boat
• Helmsman's Seat : A seat located close to the helm, used by the helmsman to steer the boat
• Hiking : When a crew member moves out on the rail of the boat to counteract the heeling force of the wind and keep the boat level
• Hiking Strap : A strap used by a crew member to hold on to while hiking out on the rail of the boat
• Hurricane : A severe tropical storm with winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or greater

The sailing terms beginning with the letter I are:

• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea (COLREGS) : A set of rules that govern the behavior of vessels on the water in order to prevent collisions
• Inboard : A motor or engine that is located inside the boat, as opposed to an outboard motor which is mounted outside the boat
• In Irons : A situation when a sailing vessel is stopped or hindered in its progression through the water because the wind is blowing directly onto the sail, preventing the vessel from moving forward
• Inhaul : A line or rope used to adjust the position of a sail
• Inshore : Close to the shore
• Inner Forestay : A rope or cable that supports the mast and holds the jib or genoa sail in place
• Iron Mike : This is a slang term for a sailboat's autopilot
• Irons : When a boat is stopped or hindered in its progression through the water because the wind is blowing directly onto the sail, preventing the vessel from moving forward
• Islands : Natural land formations that are surrounded by water

The sailing terms beginning with the letter J are:

• Jib : A triangular sail located at the front of a sailboat, also known as a foresail
• Jibe : A maneuver in which a boat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind and causing the sail to change sides
• Jib Sheet : A line used to control the angle of the jib sail
• Jumper Stay : An additional stay that supports the mast and is used to tension the headstay
• Jib Tack : The lower forward corner of a jib sail
• Jibing : Turning the boat so that the wind blows on the opposite side of the sail
• Jib Hanks : metal or plastic clips that hold the jib sail to the forestay
• Jib Furling : A system for rolling up a jib sail and securing it to the forestay when not in use

The sailing terms beginning with the letter K are:

• Keel : A long, heavy structural member that runs along the bottom of a boat's hull, providing stability and helping to keep the boat upright
• Knot : A unit of speed, equal to one nautical mile per hour
• Kedge : A small anchor used to hold a boat in a particular position or to move a boat by hauling it on a line
• King Plank : The centerline plank in the bottom of a boat that runs parallel to the keel
• Knees : Strong brackets that are used to support the deck and reinforce the hull-to-deck joint of a boat
• Knockdown : When a boat is hit by a large wave and it's knocked down on its side, causing water to flood the deck
• Kedge Anchor : a small anchor used as a temporary anchor to hold a boat in a particular position

The sailing terms beginning with the letter L are:

• Lazy Jacks : Lines or webbing that are used to guide the mainsail as it is lowered, making it easier to handle
• Leach : The back edge of a sail
• Lead Line : A line with a weight (lead) on the end, used to determine the depth of water beneath a boat
• Leeward : The direction away from the wind
• Luff : The leading edge of a sail, or the flapping or fluttering of a sail caused by wind coming from the wrong angle
• Luffing : When a sail is flapping or fluttering caused by wind coming from the wrong angle
• Lying Ahull : When a boat is allowed to drift without any sail set, used in heavy weather to prevent capsizing
• Life Jacket : A device worn by people on boats to keep them afloat in case of emergency, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD)
• Lifeline : A safety line that runs around the perimeter of a boat, used to prevent crew members from falling overboard
• Log : A device used to measure the speed of a boat through the water
• Long keel : A type of keel that extends the full length of the boat's hull, providing stability and helping to keep the boat upright

The sailing terms beginning with the letter M are:

• Mainsail : The largest sail on a sailboat, located at the back of the boat and controlled by the main sheet
• Main Sheet : A line used to control the angle of the mainsail
• Mast : The tall vertical spar that supports the sails of a boat
• Moor : To tie or anchor a boat in a specific location
• Mooring : A location where a boat can be tied or anchored
• Motor Sailor : A boat with both a sail and an engine propulsion
• Mainsail Halyard : A rope or line used to hoist the mainsail
• Mark : A buoy or other object used as a reference point for navigation
• Mariner's Compass : A type of compass that is used on boats and ships, typically featuring a magnetized needle that points towards magnetic north.
• Man Overboard (MOB) : A situation in which someone falls off a boat and into the water

The sailing terms beginning with the letter N are:

• Nautical Mile : A unit of measuring distance at sea that is used in navigation, equal to 1.85 kilometers
• Navigation Lights : lights required by international regulations to be displayed on boats in order to indicate the boat's position and direction of travel at night
• Navigation : The process of planning, tracking, and controlling the movement of a boat or ship
• Navigator : The officer responsible for charting the sailboat's course, using navigation instruments and maps
• Navigational Aids : Any device or system that helps a boat or ship navigate, such as buoys, lighthouses, and radar.
• Nautical Chart : A map specifically designed for navigation on the water, showing water depths, coastlines, navigational hazards, and other important information
• Natural Navigation : the traditional method of navigation using natural cues such as the stars, sun, moon, and the movement of ocean currents and waves
• Navigation Rules : A set of regulations that govern the movement of boats and ships in order to prevent collisions
• Navigation Software : Computer programs that assist in navigation by providing information such as navigation chart, water depth, weather forecasts and routes
• Navigation Lights : Lights that are required by international regulations to be displayed on boats and ships in order to indicate the vessel's position and direction of travel at night
• Navigational Sextant : An instrument used for measuring the angle between two visible objects, typically the horizon and a celestial body, used for navigation and determining a vessel's position at sea

The sailing terms beginning with the letter O are:

• Outboard : Also called outboard motor, an outboard refers to a motor or engine that is mounted outside the boat, as opposed to an inboard motor which is located inside the boat.
• Overboard : When something falls or is thrown off the boat into the water
• Offshore : Away from the shore
• Off The Wind : Sailing with the wind blowing from behind the boat.
• Outhaul : A line or rope used to adjust the position of a sail.
• Outrigger : An extension or framework that is attached to the side of a boat to increase stability.
• Overfall : A type of wave that forms when the wind and current are opposing, leading to steep, breaking waves.
• Overhead : The highest point in a boat, typically the top of the cabin or the coach roof
• Owner's Cabin : A room in a boat that is reserved for the owner, usually the largest and most comfortable cabin

The sailing terms beginning with the letter P are:

• Paddle : A tool used for propelling a boat through the water, typically consisting of a long shaft with a flat blade on one end
• Piling : A vertical structural member driven into the bottom of a body of water to support a dock or pier
• Porthole : A small window in the hull of a boat that provides light and ventilation to the interior
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) : A device worn by people on boats to keep them afloat in case of emergency, also known as a life jacket
• Port : The left side of a boat when facing the bow (front)
• Pitch : The up-and-down movement of a boat caused by waves
• Planking : The process of covering a boat's hull with thin wooden planks
• Planking Seam : The joint between two adjacent planks on a boat's hull
• Point Of Sail : This is the direction you are going relative to the direction from where the wind is coming
• Propeller : A device that is attached to the bottom of a boat's hull, used to propel the boat through the water

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Q are:

• Quartering Sea : Waves that are coming from the side of a boat at a 45-degree angle
• Quarterdeck : The area of a sailboat located at the aft (rear) of the main deck, traditionally reserved for the ship's officers on larger boats
• Quartermaster : A crew member responsible for steering the sailboat, and also sometimes responsible for navigation. They are most commonly found on large sailboats and ships
• Quay : A man-made structure built alongside a body of water to provide a place for boats to tie up and load or unload cargo
• Quicksilver : An older term for Mercury, it was used to refer to a liquid in a barometer or thermometer
• Quartering : When a boat is sailing at an angle to the wind, with the wind blowing from the side
• Quartering Wind : A wind that is blowing on the side of the boat
• Quilting : A technique used to make a piece of clothing or sail that involves stitching together multiple layers of material
• Quoins : Blocks of wood or metal used to adjust the tension on a sail
• Quick Release : a device that allows you to quickly release a rope or line under load

The sailing terms beginning with the letter R are:

• Rudder : A flat underwater structure located at the stern of a boat. It is used to steer the boat
• Reef : To reduce the size of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it and fastening it in place to reduce the sail's wind-catching surface
• Rope : a strong cord made of natural or synthetic fibers, used for a variety of purposes on a boat, including hoisting sails, tying up to a dock, and securing gear
• Running Lights : Lights that are required by international regulations to be displayed on boats and ships in order to indicate the vessel's position and direction of travel at night
• Rigging : The ropes, cables, and chains that are used to support the mast and control the sails of a boat
• Rode : The anchor line and chain used to secure a boat to the sea floor
• Rocker : The curvature of a boat's bottom from the centerline to the keel
• Roller Furling : A system for rolling up a sail and securing it to the mast or boom when not in use
• Roller Reefing : A method of reefing a sail in which the sail is rolled around a foil on the mast or boom
• Right Of Way : The responsibility of a vessel to give way to other vessels as per the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGS)

The sailing terms beginning with the letter S are:

• Safe Harbor : A safe harbor is considered a symbol of good luck for sailors
• Sheet : A rope used to control the position of a sail
• Shroud : A rope or cable that runs from the mast to the side of the boat to provide support for the mast
• Starboard : The right side of the boat when facing forward
• Stern : The rear end of the boat
• Starboard Tack : Sailing with the wind coming from the right side of the boat
• Steward/Stewardess : A crew member responsible for the provisioning, cleaning, and maintenance of the sailboat's interior
• Spinnaker : A large, triangular sail used when sailing downwind
• Sail : A sheet of fabric that is attached to a mast and used to propel a boat through the wind
• Skipper : The person in charge of a sailboat
• Spar : A wooden or metal pole that supports a sail
• Shackle : A U-shaped metal fastener with a pin that is used to connect ropes or cables to the boat
• Scull : A method of steering a boat by using a oar or paddle at the stern of the boat
• Shrouds : A set of ropes or cables that run from the top of the mast to the sides of the boat to provide support for the mast
• Scuttlebutt : A nautical term for gossip or rumors
• Sea Room : The amount of space around a boat that is necessary to safely navigate
• Sea State : The condition of the surface of a body of water, often used to describe the roughness of the water during bad weather
• Sextant : An instrument used for navigation at sea, used to measure the angle between two visible objects, typically the horizon and a celestial object, in order to determine the ship's position
• Spinnaker : A spinnaker is a sail designed specifically for sailing off the wind on courses between a reach (wind at 90° to the course) to downwind (course in the same direction as the wind)
• Storm Sail : A sail that is designed for use in heavy weather
• Steering Compass : A compass mounted on or near the helm of a boat that is used to help the helmsman steer the boat
• Shipshape : A term used to describe a boat that is well-maintained and in good condition
• Squall : A sudden, strong wind often accompanied by rain or snow
• Swell : Large ocean waves that are caused by distant storms or winds

The sailing terms beginning with the letter T are:

• Tack : The direction in which a sailboat is moving
• Topsail : A sail set above the main sail on a ship's mast
• Tiller : A handle or lever used to steer a boat
• Trim : The adjustment of a sail's angle to the wind to optimize the boat's speed and direction
• Tacking : The act of turning a sailboat into the wind in order to change direction
• Tender : A small boat used to transport people or goods to and from a larger boat
• Tumblehome : The inward slope of a sailboat's sides above the waterline
• Topsides : The upper side of a ship's hull above the waterline
• Tugboat : A powerful boat used to tow or move other boats or ships
• Thwart : A seat that runs across a boat, typically used in a canoe or rowboat
• Tarpaulin : A heavy-duty waterproof sheet used to cover and protect equipment on a boat
• Telltale : A small flag or ribbon used to indicate the direction of the wind
• Topsheets : The sheets that control the uppermost sails of a square-rigged vessel
• Towing : The act of pulling a boat or ship behind another using a line or cable
• Toe Rail : A narrow rail along the edge of the deck used to prevent water from running onto the deck
• Trough : An elongated area of low pressure often associated with stormy weather
• Thunder Squall : A sudden, severe thunderstorm with high winds and heavy precipitation

The sailing terms beginning with the letter U are:

• Underway : Describes a boat that is not anchored or aground
• Upwind : Sailing towards the direction from which the wind is blowing
• Unfurl : To release and extend a sail from a furled position
• Uphaul : A rope or line used to raise a sail
• Underwater Gear : Equipment or gear used for activities under the water surface, such as diving gear or fishing gear
• Upstream : Against the direction of a current or flow
• Underbody : The bottom of a boat or ship's hull
• Underwater Lights : Lights used to illuminate the underwater area around a boat
• Underwater Soundings : Measurements taken to determine the depth of water beneath a boat
• Unstep : To remove a mast from a boat
• Unbend : To remove a sail from a boat or to remove a rope from a cleat or winch
• Unmoor : To release a boat from its moorings

The sailing terms beginning with the letter V are:

• Veer : To change the direction of the wind
• VHF Radio : A radio used for communication on boats and ships, operating on very high frequency
• Vang : A rope or lever used to control the angle of a sail
• Ventilator : A device used to allow air to flow into a boat
• Vane : A device used to determine wind direction
• Velocity : The speed at which a boat or ship is moving
• Valve : A device used to control the flow of fluids or gases
• VHF Antenna : A type of antenna that is used for VHF radios
• Velocimeter : An instrument used to measure the speed of a boat through the water.
• Visibility : The maximum distance at which an object can be seen
• Vent : A hole or opening on the sailboat that allows air or gases to escape

The sailing terms beginning with the letter W are:

• Wake : The trail of water left behind a sailboat as it moves
• Waterline : The line where the water meets the side of a boat or ship
• Windward : The direction from which the wind is blowing
• Watertight : Describes a boat that is designed to prevent water from entering
• Wharf : A platform or dock used for loading and unloading boats and ships
• Warps : Ropes or lines used to secure a boat or ship to a dock or buoy
• Windlass : A mechanical device used to raise or lower an anchor
• Watertight Bulkhead : A partition that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat or ship
• Watertight Door : A door that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat
• Whipping : A method of securing the end of a rope to prevent fraying
• Watertight Hatch : A hatch that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat or ship
• Waterspout : A type of tornado that forms over water
• Wench : A mechanical device used for hauling or lifting heavy loads on a boat

The sailing terms beginning with the letter X are:

• X-Yachts : A brand of luxury performance sailing yachts
• X-Bow : A type of bow design that features a sharp, vertical bow that is designed to reduce slamming in heavy seas

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Y are:

• Yard : A spar that extends horizontally from the mast of a sailboat, used to support and shape the sails
• Yaw : When a boat deviates from its course, typically caused by wind, waves, or steering issues

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Z are:

• Zephyr : A light breeze often used to refer to a gentle wind in sailing terms
• Zigzag : A course that changes direction frequently, often used to avoid obstacles or to make progress in difficult wind conditions
• Zone of Confidence : The area around a sailboat where the skipper is confident of his/her ability to handle the sailing vessel safely

Frequently Asked Questions About Sailing Terminology

Below are the most commonly asked questions about sailing terminology.

What Are The Most Popular Sailing Terms?

The most popular sailing terms are bow, port, stern, starboard, helm, keel, rigging, rudder, sails, deck, below deck, above deck, inboard, outboard, jib, anchor, skipper, aft, captain, rope, berths, knot, tack, mast, boom, mainsail, heading, furling, visibility, buoy, batten, main sheet, dock, offshore, inshore, nautical mile, man overboard, personal flotation device, reef, life jackets, hull and mooring.

What Are The Least Popular Sailing Terms?

The least popular sailing terms are iron mike, irons, toe rail, zephyr, scuttlebutt, rocker, luffing, shipshape, sea room, zigzag, quartering sea, beat, piling, and quilting.

What Are Sailing Terms For Wind?

Sailing terms for wind are windward, leeward, close-hauled, beam reach, running, tacking, jibing, true wind, apparent wind, fetch, and beaufort scale.

What Are Sailing Terms For Good Luck?

Sailing terms for good luck are bon voyage, all hands on deck, fair winds and following seas, godspeed and safe harbor.

What Are Sailing Terms For The Crew?

Sailing terms that pertain to the crew include captain, first mate, navigator, bosun, deckhand, quartermaster, able seamen, steward/stewardess, engineer and cook.

What Are Sailing Terms For Sails?

Sailing terms for sails are mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker, boom, halyard, sheet, clew, tack, reef, leach, and luff.

What Are Sailing Terms For Bad Weather & Storms?

Sailing terms for bad weather and storms are squall, gale, storm, hurricane, trough, front, sea state, swell, thunder squall and fetch.

What Are Sailing Terms For Beginners?

Sailing terms for beginners are hull, mast, sail, boom, rudder, keel, anchor, port, starboard, bow, captain, skipper, stern, deck, cabin, cleat and tack.

What Are Sailing Terms For Parts Of The Sailboat?

Sailing terms for parts of the sailboat are hull, mast, boom, rigging, standing rigging, running rigging, bow, stern, deck, cabin, bow pulpit, stern pulpit, gunwale, keel, rudder, tiller, winch, cleat, chocks and chain plates.

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Nautical Phrases and Terms

Nautical phrases.

A Square Meal  – In good weather, crews’ mess was a warm meal served on square wooden platters.

Above Board  – Anything on or above the open deck. If something is open and in plain view, it is above board.

As the Crow Flies  – When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. The crow would fly straight towards the nearest land thus giving the vessel some sort of a navigational fix. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be know as the crow’s nest.

At Loggerheads  – An iron ball attached to a long handle was a loggerhead. When heated it was used to seal the pitch in deck seams. It was sometimes a handy weapon for quarrelling crewmen.

Back and Fill  – A technique of tacking when the tide is with the ship but the wind is against it.

Bear Down  – To sail downwind rapidly towards another ship or landmark.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea  – The devil seam was the curved seam in the deck planking closest to the side of the ship and next to the scupper gutters. If a sailor slipped on the deck, he could find himself between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Booby Hatch  – Aboard ship, a booby hatch is a sliding cover or hatch that must be pushed away to allow access or passage.

Buoyed Up  – Using a buoy to raise the bight of an anchor cable to prevent it from chafing on a rough bottom.

By and Large  – Currently means in all cases or in any case. From the nautical: by meaning into the wind and large meaning with the wind: as in, “By and Large the ship handled very well.”

Chock-a-block  – Meaning something is filled to capacity or over loaded. If two blocks of rigging tackle were so hard together they couldn’t be tightened further, it was said they were “Chock-a-Block”.

Cut and Run  – If a captain of a smaller ship encountered a larger enemy vessel, he might decide that discretion is the better part of valor, and so he would order the crew to cut the lashings on all the sails and run away before the wind. Other sources indicate “Cut and Run” meant to cut the anchor cable and sail off in a hurry.

Cut of His Jib  – Warships many times had their foresails or jib sails cut thinly so that they could maintain point and not be blown off course. Upon sighting thin foresails on a distant ship a captain might not like the cut of his jib and would then have an opportunity to escape.

Dressing Down  – Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. This was called “dressing down”. An officer or sailor who was reprimanded or scolded received a dressing down.

First Rate  – Implies excellence. From the 16th century on until steam powered ships took over, british naval ships were rated as to the number of heavy cannon they carried. A ship of 100 or more guns was a First Rate line-of-battle ship. Second rates carried 90 to 98 guns; Third Rates, 64 to 89 guns; Fourth Rates, 50 to 60 guns. Frigates carrying 20 to 48 guns were fifth and sixth rated.

Fly-by-Night  – A large sail used only for sailing downwind and requiring rather little attention.

Footloose  – The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. If it is not secured, it is footloose and it dances randomly in the wind.

Garbled  – Garbling was the prohibited practice of mixing rubbish with the cargo. A distorted, mixed up message was said to be garbled.

Give (someone) a Wide Berth  – To anchor a ship far enough away from another ship so that they did not hit each other when they swung with the wind or tide.

Gone By the Board  – Anything seen to have gone overboard or spotted floating past the ship (by the board) was considered lost at sea.

Groggy  – In 1740, British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was “Old Grogram” for the cloak of grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors’ daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The men called the mixture “grog”. A sailor who drank too much grog was “groggy”.

In the Offing  – Currently means something is about to happen, as in – “There is a reorganization in the offing.” From the 16th century usage meaning a good distance from shore, barely visible from land, as in – “We sighted a ship in the offing.”

Leeway  – The weather side of a ship is the side from which the wind is blowing. The Lee side is the side of the ship sheltered from the wind. A lee shore is a shore that is downwind of a ship. If a ship does not have enough “leeway” it is in danger of being driven onto the shore.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag  – In the Royal Navy the punishment prescribed for most serious crimes was flogging. This was administered by the Bosun’s Mate using a whip called a cat o’ nine tails. The “cat” was kept in a leather or baize bag. It was considered bad news indeed when the cat was let out of the bag. Other sources attribute the expression to the old english market scam of selling someone a pig in a poke(bag) when the pig turned out to be a cat instead.

No Great Shakes  – When casks became empty they were “shaken” (taken apart) so the pieces, called shakes, could be stored in a small space. Shakes had very little value.

No Room to Swing a Cat  – The entire ship’s company was required to witness flogging at close hand. The crew might crowd around so that the Bosun’s Mate might not have enough room to swing his cat o’ nine tails.

Over the Barrel  – The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, mast or over the barrel of a deck cannon.

Overbearing  – To sail downwind directly at another ship thus “stealing” or diverting the wind from his sails.

Overhaul  – To prevent the buntline ropes from chaffing the sails, crew were sent aloft to haul them over the sails. This was called overhauling.

Overreach  – If a ship holds a tack course too long, it has overreached its turning point and the distance it must travel to reach it’s next tack point is increased.

Overwhelm  – Old English for capsize or founder.

Pipe Down  – Means stop talking and be quiet. The Pipe Down was the last signal from the Bosun’s pipe each day which meant “lights out” and “silence”.

Pooped  – The poop is the stern section of a ship. To be pooped is to be swamped by a high, following sea.

Press Into Service  – The British navy filled their ships’ crew quotas by kidnapping men off the streets and forcing them into service. This was called Impressment and was done by Press Gangs.

Rummage Sale  – From the French “arrimage” meaning ship’s cargo. Damaged cargo was sold at a rummage sale.

Scuttlebutt  – A butt was a barrel. Scuttle meant to chop a hole in something. The scuttlebutt was a water barrel with a hole cut into it so that sailors could reach in and dip out drinking water. The scuttlebutt was the place where the ship’s gossip was exchanged.

Skyscraper  – A small triangular sail set above the skysail in order to maximize effect in a light wind.

Slush Fund  – A slushy slurry of fat was obtained by boiling or scraping the empty salted meat storage barrels. This stuff called “slush” was often sold ashore by the ship’s cook for the benefit of himself or the crew. The money so derived became known as a slush fund.

Son of a Gun  – When in port, and with the crew restricted to the ship for any extended period of time, wives and ladies of easy virtue often were allowed to live aboard along with the crew. Infrequently, but not uncommonly, children were born aboard, and a convenient place for this was between guns on the gun deck. If the child’s father was unknown, they were entered in the ship’s log as “son of a gun”.

Start Over with a Clean Slate  – A slate tablet was kept near the helm on which the watch keeper would record the speeds, distances, headings and tacks during the watch. If there were no problems during the watch, the slate would be wiped clean so that the new watch could start over with a clean slate.

Taken Aback  – A dangerous situation where the wind is on the wrong side of the sails pressing them back against the mast and forcing the ship astern. Most often this was caused by an inattentive helmsman who had allowed the ship to head up into the wind.

Taking the wind out of his sails  – Sailing in a manner so as to steal or divert wind from another ship’s sails.

The Bitter End  – The end of an anchor cable is fastened to the bitts at the ship’s bow. If all of the anchor cable has been payed out you have come to the bitter end.

The Devil to Pay  – To pay the deck seams meant to seal them with tar. The devil seam was the most difficult to pay because it was curved and intersected with the straight deck planking. Some sources define the “devil” as the below-the-waterline-seam between the keel and the the adjoining planking. Paying the Devil was considered to be a most difficult and unpleasant task.

Three Sheets to the Wind  – A sheet is a rope line which controls the tension on the downwind side of a square sail. If, on a three masted fully rigged ship, the sheets of the three lower course sails are loose, the sails will flap and flutter and are said to be “in the wind”. A ship in this condition would stagger and wander aimlessly downwind.

To Know the Ropes  – There was miles and miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. The only way of keeping track of and knowing the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes.

Toe the Line  – When called to line up at attention, the ship’s crew would form up with their toes touching a seam in the deck planking.

Touch and Go  – This referred to a ship’s keel touching the bottom and getting right off again.

Under the Weather  – If a crewman is standing watch on the weather side of the bow, he will be subject to the constant beating of the sea and the ocean spray. He will be under the weather.

Windfall  – A sudden unexpected rush of wind from a mountainous shore which allowed a ship more leeway.

Nautical Terms

Abaft  – Toward the rear (stern) of the boat. Behind.

Abeam  – At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat.

Aboard  – On or within the boat.

Above Deck  – On the deck (not over it – see ALOFT)

Abreast  – Side by side; by the side of.

Adrift  – Loose, not on moorings or towline.

Aft  – Toward the stern of the boat.

Aftercabin  – In a ship with multiple cabins, the cabin closest to the stern.

Aftermast  – In a sailing ship carrying multiple masts, the mast set closest to the stern. Also called the mizzenmast in a three-masted sailing vessel.

Aftermost  – The farthest aft.

Aground  – Touching or fast to the bottom.

Ahead  – In a forward direction.

Aids To Navigation  – Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters.

Alee  – Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.

Aloft  – Above the deck of the boat.

Amidships  – In or toward the center of the boat.

Anchorage  – A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom.

Arch  – A curved architectural structure used to support suspended weight. In Great Lakes wooden shipbuilding, a wide iron- or steel-fastened strap down each side of a ship, usually fastened low in the bow and stern and rising to the level of the upper deck amidships; provides longitudinal support to the hull.

Arch Board  – An arch-shaped nameboard fastened to the stern of a ship, displaying the vessel’s name and home port.

Astern  – In back of the boat, opposite of ahead.

Athwartships  – At right angles to the centerline of the boat; rowboat seats are generally athwart ships.

Aweigh  – The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.

Backstay  – Mast support running from the top of the mast to the aft deck or another mast.

Ballast  – Material used to improve the stability and control of a ship. In wooden ships usually stone, lead or iron; in metal ships, often water.

Barge  – A large cargo-carrying craft that is towed or pushed by a tug on both seagoing and inland waters.

Barque  – (Also bark.) A sailing ship with three to five masts, all of them square-rigged except the after mast, which is fore-and-aft rigged.

Batten Dow  – Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.

Beam  – The greatest width of the boat.

Bearing  – The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat.

Below  – Beneath the deck.

Bight  – The part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed. BILGE – The interior of the hull below the floor boards.

Bilge  – 1. Part of the underwater body of a ship between the flat of the bottom and the straight vertical sides. 2. Internally, the lowest part of the hull, next to the keelson.

Bitter End  – The last part of a rope or chain.The inboard end of the anchor rode.

Black Gang  – Nautical slang for the engineroom crew. Included the chief engineer, who ran the engine and supervised; oilers and wipers, who lubricated and maintained the engine; and firemen and coal-passers, who fed the steam boilers.

Block  – A metal or wood case enclosing one or more pulleys; has a hook with which it can be attached to an object.

Board Foot  – A unit of quantity for lumber equal to the volume of a board that is 12 by 12 by 1 inches.

Boat  – A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship. One definition is a small craft carried aboard a ship.

Boat Hook  – A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off.

Boom  – A spar extending from a mast to hold the outstretched bottom of a sail.

Boot Top  – A painted line that indicates the designed waterline.

Bow  – The forward part of a boat.

Bow Line  – A docking line leading from the bow.

Bowsprit  – A large spar that projects forward from the forward end of a sailing ship; used to carry sails and support the masts.

Breeches Buoy  – A device used by lifesaving crews to extract persons from wrecked vessels, usually fired from a cannon onto the deck of the wrecked vessel.

Bridge  – The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled. “Control Station” is really a more appropriate term for small craft.

Bridle  – A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points.

Brightwork  – Varnished woodwork and/or polished metal.

Bulkhead  – A vertical partition separating compartments.

Bulwark  – The part of a ship’s side that extends above the main deck to protect it against heavy weather.

Bunker  – A storage compartment aboard a ship for coal or other fuel.

Buoy  – An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.

Burdened Vessel  – That vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rules, must give way to the privileged vessel. The term has been superseded by the term “give-way”.

Bushel  – A unit of volume (dry measure) used in the United States, equal to 32 quarts or approximately 35.2 liters.

Cabin  – An enclosed compartment in a ship; used as shelter or living quarters.

Camber  – The arch or slope from side to side of a vessel’s weather deck for water drainage. Also known as round of beam.

Cant Frames  – Angled frames in the extreme forward or aft ends of a ship which form the sharp ends of the vessel’s hull.

Capsize  – To turn over.

Capstan  – A vertical, spool-shaped rotating drum around which cable, hawser or chain is wound for hoisting anchors, sails and other heavy weights.

Cast Off  – To let go.

Catamaran  – A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side by side.

Centerboard  – A metal or wooden slab housed in a casing or trunk along the centerline of a sailboat; may be lowered to increase the boat’s resistance to sideways motion and raised when the boat is in shallow water or beached.

Centrifugal  – A pump that uses centrifugal force for pumping liquids. (Also, moving or tending to move away from a center.)

Chafing Gear  – Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.

Chain Locker  – A compartment in the lower part of a ship for stowing an anchor chain.

Chain Plate  – A steel plate or bar by which standing rigging is attached to the hull.

Chandler  – A retail dealer in supplies and equipment.

Chart  – A map for use by navigators.

Chine  – The intersection of the bottom and sides of a flat or v-bottomed boat.

Chock  – A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led. Usually U-shaped to reduce chafe.

Chord  – The principal horizontal member in a rigid framework. In Great Lakes shipbuilding, a heavy horizontal metal strap fastened around a hull at the level of the upper deck, supporting a framework of arches and cross bracing.

Cleat  – A fitting to which lines are made fast. The classic cleat to which lines are belayed is approximately anvil-shaped.

Clipper  – A sharp-bowed sailing vessel of the mid-19th century, having tall masts and sharp lines; built for great speed.

Clove Hitch  – A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.

Coaming  – A vertical piece around the edge of a cockpit, hatch, etc. to prevent water on deck from running below.

Cockpit  – An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled.

Coil  – To lay a line down in circular turns.

Combination Pump  – A dual-purpose steam engine that conducted multiple tasks such as pumping water and hoisting.

Consort  – An unpowered Great Lakes cargo vessel, usually a schooner-barge, towed by a steam barge or a steamer. A large steamer could tow several consorts, each fully loaded with bulk cargo. The consort system began in the 1860s on the Great Lakes and persisted to around 1920. “Consort” can refer to a pair of such vessels or just the towed vessel.

Course  – The direction in which a boat is steered.

Covering Board  – The outermost plank of the upper deck, running beneath the base of the bulwark and covering the frametops and the ends of the deck beams.

Cross Bracing  – Iron or steel straps fastened diagonally across a ship’s frames to make a rigid framework.

Cuddy  – A small shelter cabin in a boat.

Current  – The horizontal movement of water.

Dead Ahead  – Directly ahead.

Dead Astern  – Directly aft.

Deadeye  – A circular block of wood with three holes used to receive a shroud or stay and to adjust tension in the standing rigging.

Deadwood  – Heavy longitudinal timbers fastened over the keelson. The timbers of the bow and stern are fastened to the deadwood.

DECK  – A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof.

Deck  – Horizontal or cambered and sloping surfaces on a ship, like floors in a building.

Deckhouse  – A low building or superstructure, such as a cabin, constructed on the top deck of a ship.

Depth Of Hold  – The measurement from beneath the deck to the bottom of the hold; the vertical space in the cargo hold.

Derrick  – A hoisting machine consisting usually of a vertical mast, a slanted boom and associated tackle; may be operated mechanically or by hand.

Dinghy  – A small open boat. A dinghy is often used as a tender for a larger craft.

Displacement  – The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, thus, a boat’s weight.

Displacement Hull  – A type of hull that plows through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.

Dock  – A protected water area in which vessels are moored.The term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.

Dolphin  – A group of piles driven close together and bound with wire cables into a single structure.

Donkey Boiler  – A steam boiler on a ship deck used to supply steam to deck machinery when the main boilers are shut down.

Draft  – The depth of water a boat draws.

Ebb  – A receding current.

Engine Bed  – A structure of wooden or metal supports that make up the mounting for a ship’s engine.

Fall  – A hoisting rope or chain, especially the part of rope or chain to which power is applied.

Fantail  – The area of the upper deck of a ship that is nearest the stern. More specifically, a rounded afterdeck that overhangs the propeller and rudder.

Fastening  – A spike, bolt or other device used to connect one piece of wood to another.

Fathom  – Six feet.

Fender  – A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.

Figure Eight Knot  – A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.

Fittings  – Equipment and consumable goods placed on a ship in preparation for its active service and required by its allowance list or for operation.

Flare  – The outward curve of a vessel’s sides near the bow. A distress signal.

Flood  – A incoming current.

Floorboards  – The surface of the cockpit on which the crew stand.

Fluke  – The broad end of each arm of an anchor.

Following Sea  – A sea in which the waves are moving in the same direction as the vessel.

Fore 1.  – The front part of a ship. 2. In the direction of or toward the bow.

Fore-and-Aft  – In a line parallel to the keel.

Forecastle  – The section of the upper deck of a ship located at the bow forward of the foremast.

Foredeck  – The forward part of a ship’s upper deck.

Foremast  – The mast nearest the bow of a ship.

Forepeak  – A compartment in the bow of a small boat.

Forward  – Toward the bow of the boat.

Fouled  – Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.

Frames  – The transverse strengthening members in a ship’s hull that extend from the keel to the deck or gunwale.

Frametops  – The tops of a ship’s frames; the transverse strengthening members in a ship’s hull that extend from the keel to the deck or gunwhale.

Freeboard  – The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.

Futtock  – A curved or vertical timber that when paired with a floor or additional futtocks makes the frame of a wooden ship.

Gaff  – A spar used to extend the top edge of a fore-and-aft sail.

Gaff-topsail  – A light triangular or quadrilateral sail set over a gaff.

Gale 1.  – An unusually strong wind. 2. In storm-warning terminology, a wind of 28-47 knots (52-87 kilometers or 32-63 miles per hour).

Galley  – The kitchen area of a boat.

Gangway  – The area of a ship’s side where people board and disembark.

Gear  – A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.

GPS (Global Positioning System)  – A navigation system that uses satellites to provide a receiver anywhere on Earth with extremely accurate measurements of its three-dimensional position, velocity and time.

Grab Rails  – Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.

Gross Tonnage  – The overall volume of a ship’s hull, including crew cabins, storerooms and machinery spaces. A ton equals 100 cubic feet. The calculation of tonnage is complex, and a major revision in tonnage calculation laws occurred in 1864. The term “old measurement” reflects measurements before this change. See also net tonnage.

Ground Swell  – A broad, deep undulation of water caused by an often distant gale.

Ground Tackle  – A collective term for the anchor and its associated gear.

Gunwale  – The upper edge of a boat’s sides.

Gunwale  – The upper edge of the side of a boat. Also spelled gunnel.

Gusset  – A brace, usually triangular, for reinforcing a corner or angle in the framework of a structure.

Hanging Knees  – Vertical wooden brackets shaped somewhat like human knees; used to support deck beams.

Hank  – An iron ring for hooking a staysail to a stay.

Hard Chine  – An abrupt intersection between the hull side and the hull bottom of a boat so constructed.

Hatch  – An opening in a boat’s deck fitted with a watertight cover.

Hawsepipes  – Pipes made of heavy cast iron or steel through which the anchor chain runs; placed in the ship’s bow on each side of the stem, or in some cases also at the stern when a stern anchor is used.

Hawser  – A large rope or cable — usually more than 5 inches (13 centimeters) in diameter — used to tow or moor a ship or secure it at a dock.

Head  – A marine toilet. Also the upper corner of a triangular sail.

Heading  – The direction in which a vessel’s bow points at any given time.

Headway  – The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway.

Heel  – For a ship to incline or be inclined to one side.

Helm  – The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.

Helmsperson  – The person who steers the boat.

Hitch  – A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.

Hoist  – A power unit for lifting, usually designed to lift from a position directly above the load.

Hold  – A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.

Horn Timber  – A heavy longitudinal timber that angles upward from the stern to support the underside of the fantail.

Horsepower  – A unit of power equal in the United States to 746 watts; nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second.

Hull  – The main body of a vessel.

Inboard  – More toward the center of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat.

Intracoastal Waterway  – ICW: bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connected so that vessels may travel without going into the sea.

Jacobs Ladder  – A rope ladder, lowered from the deck, as when pilots or passengers come aboard.

Jetty  – A structure, usually masonry, projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbor entrance.

Jib  – A triangular sail bent to a foremast stay.

keel  – A steel beam or timber, or a series of steel beams and plates or timbers joined together, extending along the center of the bottom of a ship from stem to stern and often projecting below the bottom, to which the frames and hull plating are attached.

keelson  – A structure of timbers or steel beams that are bolted to the top of a keel to increase its strength. Also spelled kelson.

King Post  – A strong vertical post used to support a ship’s windlass and the heel of a ship’s bowsprit. Also called a sampson post.

Knot  – A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a stopper, to enclose or bind an object, to form a loop or a noose, to tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together.

Latitude  – The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.

Launch  – A small propeller-driven boat.

Lazarette  – A storage space in a boat’s stern area.

Lee  – The side sheltered from the wind.

Leeward  – The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward.

Lighter  – A barge used to load and unload ships not lying at piers, or to move cargo around a harbor; to unload.

Line  – Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.

Log  – A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed.

Longitude  – The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England.

Loran  – Long-range navigation system that uses radio signals transmitted at specific times. An onboard receiver computes position by measuring the difference in time of signal reception.

Lubber’s Line  – A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed.

Main Deck  – The principal deck of a ship. In ships with multiple decks, the deck beneath the spar deck.

Mainchains  – Heavy steel plates fastened to a ship’s sides that anchor the rigging for the mainmast.

Mainmast  – The principal mast of a sailing ship.

Marlinspike  – A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.

Mast  – A long wooden or metal pole or spar, usually vertical, on the deck or keel of a ship, that supports spars and sails. On a sailing ship, supported on the keelson.

Master  – The captain of a merchant ship.

Mate  – A deck officer ranking below the master on a merchant ship.

Midship  – Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.

Mizzen  – A fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast.

Mizzenmast  – The third mast from the bow or the mast aft of the mainmast in a sailing ship.

Moor  – To secure a ship by attaching it to a fixed object or mooring buoy.

Mooring  – An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier.

Mooring Bitt  – A strong pair of iron, steel or wooden posts on a ship’s deck, around which ropes or cables are wound and held fast.

Naphtha  – A petroleum distillate that was used in early internal combustion engines.

Nautical Mile  – One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet – about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.

Navigation  – The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another.

Navigation Rules  – The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules.

Net Tonnage  – The volume of cargo a ship could carry, equal to gross tonnage minus the crew cabins, storerooms and machinery spaces. One ton equals 100 cubic feet.

Northeaster  – A stormy wind with waves from the northeast. Also spelled nor’easter.

Oakum  – Old hemp or jute fiber, loosely twisted and impregnated with tar or a tar derivative, used to caulk sides and decks of ships and to pack joints of pipes and caissons.

Oiler  – A member of a ship’s engineering crew who assisted the chief engineer with lubricating and maintaining the engine.

Outboard  – Toward or beyond the boat’s sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat’s stern.

Overboard  – Over the side or out of the boat.

Pier  – A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.

Pile  – A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. Craft may be made fast to a pile; it may be used to support a pier (see PILING) or a float.

Piling  – Support, protection for wharves, piers etc.; constructed of piles (see PILE)

Pilothouse  – A compartment on or near the bridge of a ship that contains the steering wheel and other controls, compass, charts, navigating equipment and means of communicating with the engine room and other parts of the ship. Also known as wheelhouse.

Piloting  – Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc.

Planing  – A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water.

Planing Hull  – A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.

Plate  – A smooth, flat, relatively thin piece of metal formed in sheets by beating, rolling or casting; used in the construction of ship’s hulls.

Pony Boiler  – Variation of donkey boiler.

Port  – The left side of a boat looking forward. A harbor.

Priveleged Vessel  – A vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way (this term has been superseded by the term “stand-on”).

Put About  – To change the course of a sailing vessel.

Quarter  – The sides of a boat aft of amidships.

Quartering Sea  – Sea coming on a boat’s quarter.

Rabbet  – A joint formed by fitting one member into a groove in the face or edge of a second member.

Rail  – The railing around the deck.

Refasten  – The periodic replacement and repair of bolts, spikes and other fastenings that hold together the hull of a wooden vessel.

Rig  – The method by which spars and sails are designed and fitted.

Rigging  – Collectively, all the ropes and chains used to support and work the masts, yards, booms and sails of a vessel.

Rode  – The anchor line and/or chain.

Room and Space  – “Room” refers to the width of a ship’s frames, and “space” refers to the distance between frames. Often used by archaeologists to describe and identify wrecks.

Rope  – In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store. When it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use it becomes line.

Rudder  – A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.

Run  – To allow a line to feed freely.

Running Lights  – Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.

Salvage  – Recovery and reclamation of damaged, discarded or abandoned material, ships, craft and floating equipment for reuse, repair, refabrication or scrapping.

Satellite Navigation  – A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment.

Scantlings  – The dimensions of a ship’s principle timbers, or the timbers themselves.

Scarph  – An overlapping joint used to couple two timbers end-to-end without increasing their dimensions. Types include simple butt (flat) scarphs and more complicated hooked and keyed scarphs.

Schooner  – A sailing vessel with two or more masts rigged fore and aft. The foremast is shorter than the other mast(s).

Schooner-Barge  – A cargo vessel with a reduced schooner-rig, intended to be towed as a barge by a powered vessel but capable of sailing during emergencies.

Scope  – Technically, the ratio of length of anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water. Usually six to seven to one for calm weather and more scope in storm conditions.

Scow  – A large flat-bottomed boat with broad, square ends used along coastal trade routes for transporting bulk material such as ore, sand, or refuse . These shallow draft vessels were often lightly constructed and could be built quickly by small groups of coastal residents using simple materials and tools.

Screw  – A boat’s propeller.

Scroll Head  – A scroll-shaped figurehead attached to the bow of a sailing vessel.

Scuppers  – Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself.

Sea Cock  – A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel’s interior and the sea.

Sea Room  – A safe distance from the shore or other hazards.

Seamanship  – All the arts and skills of boat handling, ranging from maintenence and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging.

Seaworthy  – A boat or a boat’s gear able to meet the usual sea conditions.

Secure  – To make fast.

Set  – Direction toward which the current is flowing.

Shaft  – A cylinder used to carry rotating machine parts, such as pulleys and gears, to transmit power or motion.

Shaft Log  – A heavy longitudinal timber placed over the keel in a ship’s stern through which the propeller shaft passes.

Ship  – A larger vessel usually thought of as being used for ocean travel. A vessel able to carry a “boat” on board.

Shoal  – A sandbar or rising bottom that forms a shallow place, which is a danger to navigation.

Shroud  – A line or wire supporting a mast and running from its top to the spreaders, then down to the sides of the vessel.

Slack  – Not fastened; loose. Also, to loosen.

Sole  – Cabin or saloon floor. Timber extensions on the bottom of the rudder. Also the molded fiberglass deck of a cockpit.

Sounding  – A measurement of the depth of water.

Spar  – A long, round stick of steel or wood, often tapered at one or both ends, and usually a part of a ship’s masts or rigging.

Spar Deck  – The upper deck running a ship’s full length. In a sailing vessel, the upper deck from which sails, rigging and spars are controlled.

Spiral Wood Auger  – A hand drill, similar in appearance to a corkscrew, for boring holes in wood.

Spring Line  – A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock.

Squall  – A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.

Square Knot  – A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.

Square Rig  – A sailing-ship rig with rectangular sails set approximately at right angles to the keel line from horizontal yards.

Stanchion  – An upright wooden or metal post on a ship; supports the ship’s bulwarks, railing or deck.

Standing Part  – That part of a line which is made fast.The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.

Stand-on Vessel  – That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation.

Starboard  – The right side of a boat when looking forward.

Stay  – A large strong rope used to support a mast.

Steam Barge  – A single-decked steam-propelled bulk cargo carrier ranging from 65 to 200 feet in length, used on the Great Lakes from the 1860s to the 1930s for hauling lumber, stone, coal and other bulk cargoes.

Steamer  – (A steamship.) A ship propelled by a steam engine.

Stem  – The forward most part of the bow.

Stem  – The foremost part of a ship’s hull.

Stempost  – The principal vertical timber in a ship’s bow.

Stern  – The after part of the boat.

Stern Line  – A docking line leading from the stern.

Stern  – The aftermost part of a ship.

Sternpost  – The principal vertical timber in a ship’s stern, upon which the rudder is fastened.

Stockless Anchor  – An anchor that is not secured to the rail at the bow of a ship, as stock anchors are, but is pulled up into the hawsepipes until the flukes meet the hull.

Stow  – To put an item in its proper place.

Stringer  – A long horizontal member used to support a ship’s bottom, a building floor or an airplane fuselage.

Surfman  – A member of the U.S. Life Saving Service who rescued stranded crews from shipwrecks.

Swamp  – To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.

Syphon  – Variation of siphon. A tube, pipe or hose through which a liquid can be moved from a higher to a lower level by atmospheric pressure forcing it up the shorter leg while the weight of the liquid in the longer leg causes continuous downward flow.

Tackle  – An assembly of lines and blocks in which the line passes through more than one block.

Tank Top  – The top of a Great Lakes bulk carrier’s bilge tank; a water ballast tank forming the bottom of a freighter’s hull.

Taps And Dies  – Tools for cutting metal threads into parts.

Thwartships  – At right angles to the centerline of the boat.

Tide  – The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.

Tiller  – A bar or handle for turning a boat’s rudder or an outboard motor.

Topmast  – An upper, secondary mast on a sailing vessel, supported by a heavier, lower mast.

Topsides  – The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.

Transom  – The stern cross-section of a square sterned boat.

Trim  – Fore and aft balance of a boat.

Triple-Expansion Steam Engine  – An engine with three steam cylinders of different diameters. Steam passes from a small-diameter high-pressure cylinder to an intermediate cylinder to a large-diameter low-pressure cylinder. These cylinders power the pistons that drive the engine.

Trunk  – The tall, narrow, waterproof box that houses a vessel’s centerboard and allows it to be retracted into the ship’s hull.

Tug  – (Or tugboat.) A powerful, strongly built boat designed to tow or push other vessels.

Turn of the Bilge  – The point where the bottom and the sides of a ship join.

Underway  – Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground.

V Bottom  – A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a “V”.

Wake  – Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters.

Waterline  – A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed (see BOOT TOP).

Way  – Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway.

Weather Deck  – The uppermost deck of a ship; any deck that does not have overhead protection from the weather.

Wheel  – Slang for a ship’s propeller.

Wheelsman  – Another name for the helmsman; one who steers a ship via a wheel.

Winch  – A machine that has a drum on which to coil a rope, cable or chain for hauling, pulling or hoisting.

Windlass  – A machine designed to raise or lower an anchor.

Windward  – Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.

Worm Gear  – A long, rotating gear in the form of a screw, which meshes with the teeth of another gear.

Yacht  -A pleasure vessel, a pleasure boat; in American usage the idea of size and luxury is conveyed, either sail or power.

Yard  – A long spar, tapered at the ends, attached at its middle to a mast and running athwartships; used to support the top of a square sail.

Yaw  – To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea.

Zebra Mussel  – A small freshwater mollusk that was accidentally introduced to North American waters via ballast water from a transoceanic vessel. The zebra mussel has had significant negative economic and ecological effects: It clogs water intake pipes and attaches to and fouls boat hulls, dock pilings and other objects.

Boating Life

62 useful nautical terms that you should know.

Some of these nautical terms will make you want to meet whoever could have possibly come up with some of these interesting words. These terms will cover the anatomy of a boat, directional sea terms, terms used while on a running boat and even a couple of slang terms for fun.

What exactly are "Nautical Terms"?

The phrase ‘Nautical Terms’ is relatively new. In the past, they were called ‘sailing terms’. Whatever the name, these words and phrases are simply associated with boats, ships and sailing. Like kitchen shorthand or terms specific to science, ex. ‘beaker’.

Some of these nautical terms can be rather silly; however, most really come in handy when speaking about boating. Whether they are new age or created back when ‘pirates’ were popular, they all have their own specific meaning. Knowing the difference can sometimes mean the difference between running aground, shipwrecking or smooth sailing.

The Anatomy of a Boat

These terms will all correlate with a portion of a boat.

• Bow : The front end of a ship generally offers extra seating/storage or a fishing platform.
• Amidship : Quite intuitive, means the central point of the boat. In many recreational boats, this is where the steering console can be found.
• Stern : Backend of a vessel typically features additional seating, fishing platform or livewells and storage.
• Port : When standing at the stern, facing the bow, the side to your left is considered port. Tip: remember l + e + f + t = 4 & p + o + r + t = 4. Both left and port have 4 letters.
• Starboard : Always using the back of the ship as an anchor, facing towards the bow, the right side of the ship is considered the starboard side.
• Port Quarter : Rear left side of a ship.
• Starboard Quarter : Rear right side of a ship.
• Port Bow : Front left side of the boat.
• Starboard Bow : Front right side of the boat.
• Cockpit : The location of the steering compartment. In recreational vessels, the cockpit normally consists of the steering console and the captain’s chair.
• Helm : Steering apparatus, for power boats, generally consists of a steering wheel and a throttle lever to control the speed of the boat.
• Anchor : Hefty metal weight that holds a ship in place when not tied to a dock or underway.
• Marlin Board : More commonly known as a ‘swim platform’ to recreational boaters, is additional deck space on the stern to make getting to the water easier.
• Beam : The widest part of a ship.
• Chines : Where the bottom of a v-shaped hull meats the sides of the vessel.
• Keel : A structure that runs along the centerline of the bottom of a boats hull.
• Gunwales : Upper edges of a ship’s sides.
• Bilge : Lowest part of the boats hull where the bottom begins to ramp up to meet the sides.
• Cabin : A private enclosed room generally outfitted with a small bed (aka berth) and small head at minimum but can be as luxurious as studio apartment.
• Cuddy : This is a form of a cabin. A cuddy cabin is normally on the smaller side with little to no room to stand up straight, a small head. It may or may not contain a small berth too.
• Galley : Sailors term for a kitchen on board.
• Pier : A ramp that extends from the ship to the land.

Directional Sea Terms

Want to sound like a true seaman? Try some of these directional terms when running your vessel.

• Forward : This doesn’t reference the motion of the boat, but actually the motion of the people on the boat. When asked to go forward they are telling you to move towards the bow of the ship.
• Aft : The opposite of forward is backward. When asked to go aft, you are expected to make your way back towards the stern of the ship.
• Ahead : Now we are talking about the movement of the vessel. Ahead references the forward movement of the boat.
• Astern : The marine version of reverse. To move astern is to have the vessel reverse out of an area, like a boat slip.
• Topside : To move from any lower deck to the upper deck of the vessel.
• Leeward : Also shortened to ‘Lee’ is the direction that is opposite the movement of the wind, essentially moving into the wind.
• Windward : Opposite of leeward, references the direction in which the wind is blowing; when a ship is moving with the wind.
• Underway : Underway simply references a boat being in motion. Typically used when ‘underway’ toward a specific location.
• Course : When asked for the course, the captain is asking if the ship is moving in the proper direction towards the course’s destination.
• Heading : The heading is the current cardinal direction in which the vessel is moving (North, South, East or West).
• Chart : Used in past and present tenses to either map a route currently or to already have ‘charted’ course.
• Bearing : References the direction in which an object on a chart is located.
• Headway : The percent of progress made on the ships course.
• Fast : To firmly hold the ships, position steady.
• Flank : Maximum speed of one’s vessel.
• Moor : The act of docking a ship.

Terms Used while the Boats in the Water

These are the terms you may hear the captain yelling at it’s crew or the lookout shouting to the navigator of the vessel.

• Awash : When the boats deck has become slightly covered in seawater.
• Bail : Act of tossing seawater or rainwater overboard, that has collected in the bottom of the boat.
• Capsize : When the boat is overturned in the water.
• Lookout : The crew member that stands watch to observe the surrounding waters.
• Deadrise : References the angle that is between the keel and the horizontal line of the sea.
• Draft : This measures the depth of the ships bottom below the waterline.
• Log : A record of the boat’s daily operations.
• Obstruction : An impassible object in the water that forces the boat to change its course.
• Pilot : The navigator of the vessel, not to be confused with the captain of the ship.
• Following Sea : Fittingly references the waves coming from behind the boat.
• Marina : A fuel point or a place to store your boat.
• Beacon : A fixed navigational point directly attached to land, such as a lighthouse.
• Lay : Commonly used shorthand to give ‘come’ and ‘go’ orders to the crew.
• Pitchpole : To capsize a boat end over end, instead of overturning.

Nautical Slang

Slang can be found in even the most proper of industries, but let’s be honest, we all know the marine industry is not known for their eloquent speaking. Learn some of the slang you could hear by weekend warriors, professional anglers, or large ship crews.

• Decking : This is a common threat that someone will hit another person so hard they will fall to the ‘deck’.
• Deep Six : Means there is plenty of water under the keel.
• Chock-a-Block : To secure exposed goods on the deck tightly, usually commanded during high seas.
• Cuts No Ice : Used when a ship is not making much progress when moving through fields of ice.
• Castaway : There are 2 nautical meanings here: a person who is cast adrift or ashore, or the deliberate act of causing a ship to wreck or be marooned.
• Come Hell or High Water : Most people have heard this one, meaning to do whatever it takes to get to where you need to go.
• Dead in the Water : More formally called ‘becalm’, means to be stopped in the water with the lack of power to the motor or wind in the sails.
• Don’t Rock the Boat : To keep things the way they are; to not agitate any situation into a large ordeal.
• Pickled : Used to reference when a person is drunk.
• Skipper : Often used in the military, skipper is slang for the Captain.

Farewell Sailor

Now you can find your way around a ship, follow nautical directions and understand what to do on a boat and even use a little nautical slang with the big boys. You may not be able to run with the pirates, but we hope we supplied you with a good beginner’s version of the nautical dictionary.

Happy Boating!

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40 Sailing Phrases to Know

By: American Sailing American Sailing , Nautical Trivia , Sailing Fun , Sailing History

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified sailors with the ASA sailing curriculum. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are sailing safely and confidently.  

Sailors have a way of speaking, and the sport has its own language. Some sailing phrases are common in everyday language, while others are only really used on a sailboat. The ones common in our everyday language have a nautical origin that will make you a more enlightened sailor, as well. The ones used only on a sailboat? Well, the sailing lifestyle lends itself to a specific language to describe situations and offer comedic relief when we are at the mercy of the conditions, and those will make you smarter and more adaptable in real life as well.

With that, we want to offer 40 sailing phrases you should know, some of which you may already be acquainted with.

Enjoy these sailing phrases, and may the best sailor win at nautical trivia night!

• Batten Down the Hatches – a phrase used to prepare for a storm, or in everyday language, prepare for a difficult upcoming situation.
• Aye Aye, Captain – a form of ”aye aye, sir”. It literally means “yes, yes” and is used in the military to show that the person who says it will follow an order that has been given and will follow it before doing anything else. It also shows the person knows the order and what it is requiring him or her to do.
• Fair Winds and Following Seas – a phrase derived from two original sources that has become a nautical blessing used to wish someone good luck on their journey. Fair winds speak to favorable winds that will carry you home, and following seas speak to the direction of the waves generally pushing you in the direction of your heading.
• Sheet Happens – a humorous phrase used when something goes wrong on a sailing trip. Sheets are the lines that trim sails.
• Ship-shape and Bristol Fashion – a term used to describe something that is in good order or condition. The word is of nautical origin, based on the obligation of a sailor to keep his or her quarters arranged neatly and securely due to the limited space typically allotted to service members aboard ship, and against turbulence at sea. Bristol fashion refers to the port’s days as a bustling port of trade.
• All Hands on Deck – During a storm or other crises, the boatswain’s cry of “all hands on deck” signaled the entire crew to handle the sail. These days it is an entreaty or order for everyone to pitch in and help with a problem or reach a goal.
• Shiver Me Timbers – in everyday language, an exclamation of surprise or excitement. In nautical terms, a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship. In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.
• Walk the Plank – Sailors, usually pirates, set a plank that would hang off the ship’s side and made the punished sailors walk to the end and meet their death in the ocean. Today it’s a metaphor for receiving a punishment or facing a situation beyond one’s control.
• Keel Over – a term used to describe a boat tipping over on its side so far that it capsizes or turns turtle. In every day language, it refers to someone tumbling or falling over.
• Even Keel – The phrase even keel describes a ship that is level and balanced with its keel perpendicular to the surface of the water. Figuratively it has come to mean a calm, stable state of mind. The opposite is to keel over meaning to capsize.
• Taken Aback – A ship is pushed backward when violent winds or a careless helmsman cause the sails to blow rearward against the mast. This sudden predicament could snap the mast or severely damage the rigging. As a figure of speech, taken aback means to be astonished by some unwelcome occurrence.
• Three Sheets to the Wind – a term used to describe someone who is drunk. The sheets are the lines that control the sails on a sailboat. If the lines are not secured — particularly the three which are the two jib sheets and the mainsheet — the sails flop in the wind, and the ship loses headway and control, like a drunk person.
• Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – The “devil” was the topmost plank of the ship’s side closest to the deck. Caulking this long seam in the tight space was a grueling task. One false move and a sailor could find himself plunging into the water. Today someone between the devil and the deep blue sea is in a lousy situation with no good options.
• Let the Cat Out of the Bag – A whip composed of nine pieces of cord with three knots at the striking end, the cat-o’-nine-tails was one of the authorized instruments of punishment in the British Navy until 1881. It was kept in a cloth bag. A sailor who reported the misdeeds of another let the cat out of the bag.
• Scuttlebutt – a nautical term for a water dispenser, but also a term used for gossip or rumors on board a ship. A “butt” was a large wooden drinking water cask where sailors gathered around and swapped rumors and stories. On long voyages, water was rationed by carving a hole in the cask’s side so that it could only be half filled. A cask with a hole was “scuttled.” Not much has changed except we now gossip around a water cooler.
• Anchors Aweigh – a phrase used to describe the moment when an anchor is lifted from the seabed; colloquially it also has come to mean the beginning of a journey.
• A Bone in Her Teeth – a term used to describe a boat that is moving fast through the water creating a prominent bow wave that looks similar to a dog with a bone in its mouth. Has also come to mean someone who is in a hurry.
• Tide Over – To tide over was the technique of alternating between sailing and anchoring when battling headwinds and unfavorable tides. This allowed a boat to hold its position until conditions improved. The term now describes enabling someone to get through a difficult period, most commonly by lending money, or with a child, to give a snack to tide them over until dinner.
• Sailing Close to the Wind – a term used to describe sailing as close to the direction of the wind as possible (any further and you would be in irons and unable to progress). Figuratively, this phrase means to be on the verge of doing something illegal or improper.
• Cast Off – a term used to describe releasing a mooring line or anchor so a vessel can set sail; in everyday language means to “set free”, for obvious reasons!
• Dead Reckoning – used in a navigation sense primarily; a method of navigation based on estimating a ship’s position using previous positions and estimated speed and direction of travel
• Helm’s Alee – a command used to turn the boat away from the wind, or tack. Primarily used on a sailboat, but also an American rock band that started in the early 2000’s in Seattle.
• Square-rigged, and Squared Away – a term used to describe a ship with square sails. To be squared away, a square-rigged ship had its yards (horizontal bars that held up the sail) positioned at right angles to the deck to best catch the wind. Squared away now means to put things in order or a state of readiness.
• A Shot Across the Bow – in everyday language, a warning or threat issued to someone. In the 18th century, navies forced oncoming ships to identify themselves by firing a cannon shot over their bow. If the approaching ship hoisted enemy colors an attack might ensue. Traditionally warships had the right to disguise themselves by sailing under neutral or false flags, but once they went into battle they were required to fly their country’s true colors.
• Crow’s Nest – a platform located high on a mast used as a lookout point. The term is sometimes used metaphorically for the topmost structures in buildings, towers, etc.
• Jibe Ho – a command spoken when jibing, and the sailboat is heading downwind and across the wind. It is a warning to sit down or be clear of the boom before it swings!
• Lower the Boom – The boom is the long horizontal pole that controls the movement of the mainsail. It can deliver sailors a knockout blow if it swings wildly or collapses in heavy weather. These days the phrase means to put a stop to, chastise, or rebuke.
• Headwinds – winds blowing in the opposite direction of the ship’s movement; has also come to mean resistance or opposition to a plan, often referred to as “economic headwinds” in business.
• Sea Legs – the ability to adjust to the motion of a ship and maintain balance; To “have one’s sea legs” is to be able to walk calmly and steadily on a tossing ship, or to become accustomed to a new or strange situation
• Run Aground; or High and Dry – to be run aground is when the bottom of the boat hits the sea floor and stops the boat. For a ship to run aground in a receding tide is to be left high and dry. Getting stuck with the check when everyone else has taken off is also to be left high and dry.
• Dead in the Water – when there is no wind and the water is completely still, giving no chance of any sailing. The phrase also means a proposal or plan with zero chance of success.
• Fathom – a unit of measurement for depth, equal to six feet. This nautical unit of measurement is based on the span of a man’s outstretched arms. The word comes from the Old English “faedem,” to embrace. Sailors measured ocean depths, anchor chains, ropes, and cables in fathoms. Although marines eventually abandoned fathoms for meters, we onshore still reach for the word fathom to express our ability to comprehend, grasp, or get to the bottom of things.
• Gunwale – the upper edge of the side of a boat, pronounced “gunnel”, named for where the guns on a ship would sit. To be “full to the gunnels” means to be completely full.
• In Irons – A sailing vessel is “in irons” when she is trapped in the “No Go Zone”, unable to bear away and begin sailing. The term dates from when criminals aboard old sailing ships were secured to the deck with leg-irons, unable to move.
• Kedge – a smaller anchor used to move the ship slowly in a desired direction. Used primarily in nautical situations, but can be adapted to mean a clever way of moving in a direction when the obvious method won’t work.
• The Cut of One’s Jib – “Jib” is the name of the foresail that controls the general performance of a ship. In everyday life, it also means the way one looks or conducts themselves (usually negative).
• Cup of Joe – The days of rum, beer, and officers’ personal wine supply dried up with the appointment of Josephus Daniels as Secretary of the Navy. In 1914 this stern Methodist and prohibitionist banned “…the use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station.” As a substitute, stewards increased orders for coffee. Naval lore has it that the disgruntled sailors tagged the poor substitute “cup of Josephus Daniels,” and later the shorter “cup of Joe.” That’s one theory, anyway, but one thing we know — any day, aboard a ship or not, deserves its properly caffeinated start!
• Groundswell – Deep ocean waves grow larger as they move over uneven seabeds and are felt as surface undulations. Colloquially, the term describes a widespread surge of public opinion.
• It’s an Ill Wind that Blows No Good – While a sailor could be frustrated by an unfavorable wind, it might be a great wind for a sailor going another direction. This translates into everyday life to mean that what’s bad for one person may be good for another.
• Know the Ropes – Old, tall ships had miles of rigging. Today’s sailboats also have quite a lot of line. Each serves a purpose, and it’s critical for sailors to correctly identify each one. Securing or unlashing the wrong line at the wrong time could be catastrophic, or at least cause you to lose the regatta. In sailing and in real life, to be well versed and familiar is to know the ropes.

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150+ Nautical Terms: Illustrated Guide

Sailing and nautical terms have been refined over centuries, forming a unique glossary that can leave even the most seasoned wordsmiths scratching their heads.

Today, we’ll look at the terminology of words and names used at sea to help you through even the saltiest conversations.

Terms for the components a sailboat consists of

Let’s start with terms for the parts a sailboat is put together from. These refer to each component and explain what they are.

The main parts

Mast : The mast is the big, tall spar that holds up the sails! Some boats have more than one mast.

Mainsail:   The mainsail is the sail behind the mast and on top of the boom. Often just referred to as “the main.”

Boom:  The spar that sticks out behind the mast.

Rudder:  The rudder is also a fin sticking down under the boat but is located back towards the stern and connected to the wheel or tiller, enabling you to steer the vessel.

Headsail:  The sail(s) in front of the mast. Many boats have more than one headsail and can be of different sizes and shapes.

Spreader:  The fins or wings that space the shrouds out from the mast.

Hull:  This is the body or structure of the boat. Monohulls have one hull, catamarans have two hulls, and trimarans have three hulls – you get the point.

Keel : This is the heavy fin sticking down under the middle of the boat, allowing it to sail. There are many different keel designs, but they are all heavy, and their job is to keep the vessel stable and track through the water under sail.

Helm: This is the position where you steer the boat. Usually, this is a wheel, but it can also be a tiller on many vessels.

Cockpit: The cockpit is the boat’s steering position and where you will find the helm.

Transom: The flat surface across the stern of the boat.

Bow and Stern: The bow is the front part of a boat, while the stern is the rear end. 

Midship:  By some called amidships – The center of the boat.

Beam: The widest part of the boat. It is also referred to as the sides on the middle of the vessel.

Waterline: This is the part where the hull (body) of the boat meets the water. Many ships have a painted stripe to mark the waterline, indicating the boat’s load. If you have too much stuff on board, the waterline goes underwater, and it is time to do some housekeeping!

Freeboard: The vertical part of the ship side between the water and the deck.

Deck: The deck is the “floor” of the boat when you are outside. You have probably heard the term “All hands on deck!”

Spar: The general term for a pole made of a solid material like wood or metal used to support a boat’s sail. The mast, boom, spreaders, etc., are defined as spars.

Gooseneck:  This fitting connects the boom to the mast and allows it to move horizontally and vertically.

You can read more about the different parts of a sailboat in this article.

The standing rigging which holds the sails

Forestay:  The forestay   is a wire that runs from the bow to the top of the mast. Some boats, like the Cutter rig, can have several additional inner forestays in different configurations.

Furling system:  Most sailboats have their headsail on a furling system, a tube running along the forestay from the bottom furler drum to the masthead swivel. 

Backstay/Aft stay:  The wire that runs from the aft of the boat up to the top of the mast.

Shrouds:  On most common cruising boats, there are usually four shrouds on each side to support the mast from sideways motion. The shrouds are generally made of wire but can also be rods or Dyneema lines. The  cap shrouds  run from the masthead through the tips of the spreaders down to the deck. The  intermediate shrouds  run from the lower part of the mast, through the lower spreaders, and to the deck. The  lower shrouds  run from the mast under the lower spreaders down to the deck – one forward and one aft on both sides. This is called  continuous rigging .

Turnbuckle:  The fitting that connects the shrouds to the  chainplate  on the deck. These are adjustable, allowing tensioning of the rig.

Chainplate:  A fixed strong point bolted on the deck. Usually reinforced with a backing plate underneath. 

You can read more about the standing rigging in this article .

The running rigging which operates the sails

Line:  The running rigging on a sailboat often consists of lines, a type of rope with a smooth surface that works well when used on a winch. 

Halyard:  This is the line you use to hoist and lower the sail. 

Sheets:  The sheet is the line you use to  control a sail . The  mainsheet  controls the angle of the mainsail and is attached between the boom and the  mainsheet   traveler . The two headsail sheets are connected to the sail’s clew (lower aft corner) and run back to each side of the cockpit.

Outhaul:  The outhaul is attached to the clew of the mainsail and used to adjust the foot tension. 

Topping lift:  A line attached to the boom’s end runs through the masthead and down to the deck or cockpit. Used to lift and hold the boom and also function as a spare main halyard.

Downhaul:  A line used to lower with. Typically used to lower the mainsail when reefing and lowering the spinnaker and whisker poles.

Reef line:  Depending on your setup, these lines are used to reduce the sail area of the mainsail.

Shaking a reef: When we sail with a reefed sail and want to increase the sail area back to full, we call it shaking the reef.

Equipment used to operate the running rigging

Block:  A pulley with a sheave wheel. These are used to change the direction of a pull on a line or rope and give a mechanical advantage. 

Mainsheet Traveler:  The traveler is a horizontal track attached to the mainsheet through a series of blocks. The traveler enables you to adjust the boom from side to side or lock it at an angle.

Cars:  The cars are pulleys or blocks attached to a track on the side decks that your headsail sheets run through. They are used to control the angle of the sheet between the clew and the deck. 

Jammer:  The jammer is used to lock a line in place. Most sailboats use these for locking the halyards, mainsheet, outhaul, reef lines, traveler lines, boom vang lines, etc. 

Spinnaker Pole:  A spar used to wing out a headsail when sailing off the wind, particularly the Spinnaker. 

Whisker Pole:  Similar to the spinnaker pole, but typically built lighter and attached to a track on the mast. These can be found in fixed lengths or adjustable lengths. 

Boom Vang/Rod Kicker:  A compression pole is used to tension the boom downwards. 

You can read more about the running rigging in this article.

Deck gear and hardware

In-mast furling:  A furling system that furls the mainsail in and out of the mast as opposed to the traditional way where the mainsail is secured to the boom and is hoisted and lowered on a track behind the mast.

In-boom furling:  A furling system that furls the mainsail in and out of the boom. 

Stack Pack:  Also called  Lazy Bag or Lazy Pack . A bag with a zip attached to the boom where the mainsail is stored when unused.

Lazy Jacks:  A set of lines running from the stack pack to the mast guides the mainsail up and down from the Stack Pack and prevents it from falling on the deck. 

Masthead:  Not to be confused with the term masthead rigging. Out of context, the masthead is the top of the mast.

Winch:  A metal drum that gives you a mechanical advantage when tightening lines.

Sprayhood:  The windshield of the boat that protects the people in the cockpit from sea spray. Some ships have canvas spray hoods that can be folded down or removed. Others have solid sprayhoods, often called a  hard dodger  or a  doghouse .

Bimini:  The cockpit’s roof protects you from the elements and provides shelter from spray, rain, and burning sun rays! A bimini can be made of canvas or hard material. The hard bimini is usually called a  hardtop .

Outboard:  Short-term for an outboard engine, which usually belongs to the dinghy.

Cruisers:  What we sailors often call ourselves. Especially those of us living onboard. Although salty, we are definitely handy to have on board as we are also electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and you name it.

Fenders:  Like Captain Ron said in the movie, the rubber bumper things you hang off the side of your boat to prevent it from scratching against something like the key side or another boat. Conveniently also used to sit on or as a backrest while relaxing on the deck.

Boat Hook:  A long stick with a hook at the end. Used to grab lines, items, and stuff that is too far to reach by hand, like cushions flying overboard. It is also convenient as a tool to push the boat away from another ship or the key. Or to push mud or clay off the anchor . Or catch a wild flying halyard. Most vessels have them on board, and you want one or two. (They tend to get lost at sea).

Guard Rail:  This can be a flexible wire or a solid metal rail surrounding the boat to prevent us from falling overboard. Some also use a net as an addition for increased safety.

Pushpit:  The metal guard rail around the stern of the boat. This is where the guard rail is secured on the stern. A common place to mount the BBQ, life raft, and the outboard for the dinghy. 

Pulpit:  The metal guardrail on the bow. This is where the guard rail is secured onto the bow.

Stanchion:  The metal bar that keeps the guard rail in place around the boat between the pushpit and the pulpit.

Arch:  A big structure usually made of stainless steel on the back of a boat. Often used to mount a variety of items like antennas, radars, solar panels, wind generators, etc.

Ground Tackle:  This consists of your  anchor , your anchor  chain,  the link between the two, and the connection between the chain and your boat. The ground tackle is basically the system that holds your boat to the ground.

Windlass:  The winch that hoists or lowers the anchor and chain. Most boats have one on the bow, and some have one on the stern, too. These incredible things can be electrical or manual (some are both) and are essential to anchor your boat when not in a port or marina. Try to haul the anchor manually once – you’ll put a windlass on the top of your wish list pretty quickly…

VHF   Radio:  Very High-Frequency Radio that broadcasts on the VHF network and makes you able to communicate with others around you. Sadly, you won’t be able to tune in to your favorite radio show on these. Still, they are invaluable at sea for communication.

Chart Plotter:  A navigation computer that shows various information on a screen, like charts, routes, radar images, etc.

Parts below the decks

Companionway:  The “front door” of the boat. This is where the steps lead from the cockpit or deck down below. It is usually opened and closed using a hatch, two doors, or a plate.

Galley:  The kitchen of a boat is never to be called a kitchen. Always use the term galley when you are onboard!

Saloon:  This is the boat’s living room and usually where you find the settee and dinette.

Settee:  The couch in a ship.

Dinette:  This is the area where you can sit down at a table and eat your dinner. It’s also perfect for consuming rum in good company and a game of cards.

Cabin:  These are the “rooms” onboard but might not necessarily be the “bedrooms.”

Head:  There are no bathrooms on a boat, only heads. If your skipper tells you to go and clean the head, getting out the shampoo won’t do you any good.

Nav station:  Usually a chart table and a console with mysterious instruments like radios, chart plotters, radar screens, and all sorts of complicated electronics. This is often where adventures are planned and the skipper’s favorite seat onboard. (At least, that is my favorite and where all this content is created!).

Bilge:  The space in the bottom of the hull where water collects and sometimes a storage space for all sorts of things. It usually contains a  bilge pump  to pump out water that finds its way into the boat in various places. You may have heard the phrase: “Treasures of the bilge.” Now you get it!

Berth:  A place in the boat where you can sleep. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a bed and can often include the sleeping space in the salon. The term  sea-berth  usually refers to a sleeping position where you are tucked well in and can sleep when the boat is heeling over and moving around.

V-berth:  The bed in the front cabin is shaped like a V.

Bulkhead:  A wall inside the boat, usually supporting the structure.

Terms used for directions and navigation

Port and Starboard : Port refers to the left side of the boat when facing the bow (front), while starboard signifies the right side. 

Windward and Leeward : The windward side refers to the side of a boat facing the wind, while the leeward side is the side sheltered from the wind. These sailing terms also apply to geographic features, like islands or coastlines, that offer protection from the wind.

Chart : A nautical chart is a map specifically designed for marine navigation, depicting water depths, shoreline features, navigational aids, and potential hazards.

Compass : A compass is an essential navigational instrument that indicates magnetic north, allowing sailors to determine their heading and steer their vessels accordingly.

Course : The course is a vessel’s intended direction of travel, expressed in degrees from true or magnetic north.

Heading : The heading is the actual direction a vessel points, also expressed in degrees from true or magnetic north.

Latitude : Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location’s distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Longitude : Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location’s distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Waypoint : A waypoint is a specific location, defined by its latitude and longitude, that serves as a reference point for navigation.

Bearing:   The angle between the observer’s position and a distant object, measured in degrees from true or magnetic north.

Fix : A fix precisely determines a vessel’s position using various navigational methods, such as bearings, GPS, or visual landmarks.

Dead Reckoning : Dead reckoning is a method of estimating a vessel’s current position based on its previous position, speed, and course over time.

Tide : Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and Sun. 

Current : Current refers to the horizontal movement of water in a particular direction. Currents can significantly affect a vessel’s speed and course, so make sure to consider them when sailing and navigating.

Buoy: A buoy is a floating device anchored in a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river, to serve various purposes, including navigation, marking channels, identifying hazards, or indicating mooring locations.

The names of different sails and their parts

Mainsail:  The mainsail is the sail behind the mast and on top of the boom. 

Genoa :  A Genoa is a headsail that extends past the mast and overlaps the mainsail. 

Jib :  A Jib is a headsail that does not overlap the mainsail. 

Staysail:  A staysail is usually found on cutter rigs and is the sail set on the inner forestay.

Yankee:  A yankee headsail is used similarly to a Genoa or Jib but has a high-cut clew and is often used on cutter-rigged boats together with a staysail.

Mizzen sail:  A mizzen sail is typically a small triangular sail set on the aft mast of a boat with several masts, like the ketch rig.

Storm sail:  A storm sail is a small, strong sail to be used in heavy weather conditions where the headsail is furled to the point where its shape doesn’t give you drive anymore or/and when you want a smaller mainsail than your reefing setup allows you. The storm sails provide stability in the vessel in heavy weather sailing.

Spinnaker:  A Spinnaker is a symmetric light wind sail used to sail off the wind at deep angles between 120 and 180 degrees.

Gennaker:  A Gennaker is a cross between the Genoa and Spinnaker. It has the same type of light fabric as the Spinnaker but is asymmetrical like a Genoa with a tack set on the bow and a sheet led back from the clew to the stern of the boat.

Code Zero:  A code zero sail is a cross between a Genoa and a Gennaker. It is also designed for light wind with its lightweight fabric but has a different shape than a Gennaker. This makes it able to be used while sailing upwind, unlike the Gennaker.

Parasailor:  A parasailor is similar to a spinnaker but with some differences. It has a double-layer wing that inflates as the sail gets filled with air. This wing works like a batten and keeps the leech out while generating lift on the bow, making it effective between 70 degrees and all the way down to 180 degrees dead downwind.

The different parts of a sail

Tack:  The tack of the sail is the lower forward corner.

Clew:  The clew of a sail is the lower aft corner.

Head:  The top corner of a sail. 

Foot:  The foot of the sail is logically the bottom part of the sail between the clew and the tack.

Luff:  The luff is the front edge of the sail between the tack and head.

Leech:  The leech is the aft part of the sail between the clew and head. 

Telltales:  Telltales are small ropes, bands, or flags attached to the sail to give you an indication of the airflow around your sail. 

Battens:  Battens are slates or tubes inserted in pockets on the mainsail to help it keep its shape better and increase its lifespan.

Learn more about the different types of sails in this guide . 

Terms used when we talk about wind and weather

Gust : A gust is a sudden, brief increase in wind speed, often accompanied by a change in direction.

Squall : A squall is a sudden, strong wind that typically lasts for a short period and is often associated with rapidly changing weather conditions, such as thunderstorms or cold fronts.

Barometer : A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. Changes in atmospheric pressure can indicate upcoming weather changes.

High-Pressure System : A high-pressure system is an area of relatively high atmospheric pressure, characterized by sinking air and typically associated with calm, clear weather.

Low-Pressure System : A low-pressure system is an area of relatively low atmospheric pressure, characterized by rising air and typically associated with clouds, precipitation, and potentially stormy conditions. Sailors usually refer to these systems as a “low.”

Front : A front is a boundary separating two air masses of different temperatures and humidity levels. Fronts are associated with changes in weather conditions and can cause sudden wind shifts and varying wind strengths.

True Wind Speed, or TWS: The actual wind speed affecting you at a point when you are standing still.

True Wind Direction, or TWD: The direction the wind is blowing from.

True Wind Angle, or TWA: The angle between your boat’s heading and wind direction.

Apparent Wind Speed, or AWS: The wind affecting the boat while in motion.

Apparent Wind Direction, or AWD: The direction of the wind in relation to your boat underway.

AWA  –  Apparent Wind Angle: The angle to wind while you are underway

Beaufort Scale : The Beaufort Scale is a system used to measure wind speed, ranging from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane). You can learn more about it at MetOffice here .

Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: A scale describing hurricane wind speeds in categories from 1 to 5.

Learn more about the difference between actual and apparent wind in this guide .

Terms we use when cruising at speed under sail

Port Tack:  When the wind blows on the port side of your sails

Starboard Tack:  When the wind blows on the starboard side of your sails

Tacking: When you steer the boat from a starboard tack to a port tack and vice versa  upwind .

Gybing:  When you steer the vessel from a starboard tack to a port tack and vice versa  downwind .

Heeling : When the wind fills the sails and leans the boat over to the side.

NM:  Nautical Miles

Kt:  Knots – A measurement of speed used on boats.

Deg: Short for degrees

SOG: Speed over Ground, usually measured by GPS

SOW:  Speed over Water, usually measured by the boat’s speed log transducer.

COG:  Course Over Ground, the direction your boat is  moving  towards.

HDG:  Heading, the direction your boat is  pointing  towards.

Boom preventer:  A line or rope tied to the end of the boom and led forward of the mast to prevent it from swinging over when sailing off the wind.

Overpowered:  When wind overpowers the boats’ ability to steer a straight course. This typically happens when you try to sail above your boat’s hull speed, carrying too much sail area in relation to the wind, or your sails are poorly trimmed.

Hull Speed: The speed your boat has achieved when its created wave has the same length as the hull’s water length. Many displacement sailboats (the ones that don’t plane on top of the water) get hard to steer when going faster than this. You can learn more about how to calculate your hull speed in this guide: https://sailingellidah.com/average-distance-sailed-in-a-day/

Pro Tip:  Your COG and HDG will sometimes differ due to wind and current pushing you sideways.

Terms for the boats heading in relation to the wind

These sailing terms are best known as our points of sail and describe the vessel’s heading in relation to the wind:

Close Hauled:  When sailing close-hauled, the vessel’s heading is as close to the wind as possible, typically between 35-50 degrees.

Close Reach:  When sailing at an angle between 50 and 80 degrees, give or take.

Beam Reach:  The wind comes in from the side.

Broad Reach:  When bearing away from 90 degrees to around 135 degrees.

Running:  When sailing downwind.

You can learn more about the 5 points of sails in this guide : 

Final Words

I know there are a lot of nautical words and terms to keep track of, but luckily, no one expects you to know them all right away. You’ve probably already taken note of the most important ones, which means you’ve taken a giant leap in the right direction. Keep at it; you’ll speak like the saltiest seadog before you know it.

Did I forget to mention any terms you know of? Let me know in a comment below!

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Skipper, Electrician and ROV Pilot

Robin is the founder and owner of Sailing Ellidah and has been living on his sailboat since 2019. He is currently on a journey to sail around the world and is passionate about writing his story and helpful content to inspire others who share his interest in sailing.

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Then John replied: G’day mate, Thank you for that very nice reply. I am afraid the widespread use of the term cutter to include all yachts with two headsails is one of those little things catches my attention and I tend to point it out (we all have these little foibles, don’t we?) And you don’t need my help at all (but thank you for the compliment). You have done a fantastic job which must have involved years of work. I really am in awe. Do you have a question or a suggestion for SeaTalk? Let me Know

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Definition of nautical

• navigational

Examples of nautical in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nautical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Latin nauticus , from Greek nautikos , from nautēs sailor, from naus ship — more at nave

1552, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nautical

• nautical mile

Dictionary Entries Near nautical

nautical astronomy

Cite this Entry

“Nautical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of nautical.

from Latin nauticus "nautical," from Greek nautikos (same meaning), from nautēs "sailor," from naus "ship" — related to astronaut , nausea see Word History at nausea

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• ocean-going

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balancing act

a difficult situation in which someone has to try to give equal amounts of importance, time, attention, etc. to two or more different things at the same time

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Definition of 'boat trip'

Boat trip in british english.

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Ask Amy: Does relationship mean I shouldn’t make my annual solo trip?

• Published: Apr. 16, 2024, 6:05 p.m.
• Amy Dickinson

Dear Amy: I’m a sophomore in college. My girlfriend and I met on campus at the beginning of the school year and have been together for six months (we’re both women).

We’re making plans for this summer – we’re both looking into working at a beach resort near our college.

Every summer I go to a reunion at my summer camp. This is a camp I went to for most of my childhood and through my teens. I was a counselor there for three years. The reunion week is a time when we former campers go back to camp to perform some maintenance tasks and help to prepare the camp for the summer.

I really enjoy doing this work and I like seeing my fellow campers and staff. It’s a really special experience for me.

My girlfriend is having a tough time with my decision to take this week away this summer. She says she will miss me too much and she is heavily hinting that I shouldn’t do it.

I’m wondering what you think.

– Camper for Life

Dear Camper: I think your girlfriend is really into you. I also think she is trying to manipulate and control you.

A week apart can seem like a very long time when you are in the first throes of attachment. But – that’s the way it goes.

Your girlfriend should not pressure you to forgo something that is so important to you.

This is part of your life, and your attachment, service and commitment to this place and these people is an important part of who you are.

A person who loves and respects you should on some level also celebrate this aspect of your life and character.

This is a bit of a test of your girlfriend’s maturity, sense of perspective, and her overall respect for you. So far, she’s failing.

If she really pours on the pressure for you to drop this week-long commitment, then you should consider taking a vacation from this relationship. Do not cave.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.

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