sailboating terms

The Only 50 Sailing Terms You'll Need To Know (With Pictures)

Ever get confused by all those odd sailing terms? Starboard, tack, jib… Well, no worries. In this article, I'll go over the most important sailing terms for beginners.

This is a great resource for beginning sailors that need an overview of the most important sailing terms without drowning in it . For a comprehensive list, check out this Wikipedia glossary of nautical terms . There are A LOT of nautical terms there. But no one in his or her right mind will read through that entire page (it has 48.434 words!). There are a lot of obscure words listed that no one really uses anyways. So in this article, I've filtered out the most important ones to get you up to speed quickly. I've also added pictures so you'll know what we're talking about.

Let's jump straight in. For the sake of good manners, I have categorized them by topic. If you are looking for a specific term, just ctrl+f your way directly to it.

Here are the only 50 sailing terms you'll need to know:

Orientation

Parts of the boat, parts related to sails, other terms.

...because it isn't as easy as 'left', 'right', 'front' and 'back'. No, no.

Port is the left side of the boat. It's as simple as that. I'm not entirely sure why don't they just call it 'left' these days. The name came to existence because centuries ago, you always docked your big boat with the harbor (port) being on the left side. And the word stuck with us till today.

Starboard is the right side of the boat. If in a car, you say 'look to your right', on a boat, you say 'look to the starboard'. Again, you might as well just call it 'right'. Oh, wait… you wouldn't seem as cool if you did. Alright, let's keep calling it starboard.

The bow is the front of the boat. The word likely comes from the Middle Dutch 'boech' (nowadays spelled 'boeg'). If you call it 'front' instead, you will get your message across just as well. But it won't get you the admiring looks from those around you.

Stern is the back of the boat. That is where you, as a captain, will spend most of your time. Whether you will force your crew to call it 'stern' or let them use the word 'back', like the dry land creatures they are, is up to you. After all, you are the captain.

The windward side of the boat is the side facing into the wind. So if the wind is coming from the right side, the windward side is on the right. Unlike some of the previous ones, this term actually makes sense - at times you need to talk about a direction not fixed in relation to the boat, but rather relative to the direction of the wind.

Leeward side of the boat is the lee side. If the wind is coming from the right side, the leeward side is on the left. Note that neither windward nor leeward specify the angle of the wind. Thus even if the wind was coming 20 degrees right off of the direction of the boat, so almost from the front, left would still be considered the leeward side.

Since there are gadgets and parts on the boat that you won't see anywhere else, it only makes sense they all have their own special name. You want to know these because unlike the direction terms where you can do with 'left' and 'right', you don't want to call a tiller 'that stick thing back there'.

Helm is the boat's steering wheel. In this case, I forgive those who came up with this name, since it is shorter than 'steering wheel' and thus saves valuable time that we can spend on sailing. Though I doubt linguistic economy was the reason.

Tiller is the long stick that operates your boat's rudder. A steering stick, if you will. It has the same function as a helm does, but it is usually used on smaller boats, where a helm would take up too much space. Or by people who prefer it to a helm, since a tiller offers a bit more in terms of response.

The rudder is the long, flat piece of metal or wood that sits underwater below the back of your boat. Connected to a tiller or a helm, it is used to control the direction of your exciting voyage. By the way, since aerodynamics and hydrodynamics work in similar ways, a plane is also operated by a rudder. Though that one isn't underwater. Hopefully.

Hull is the boat's body. Whatever the shape or size, whether opened on top (like a dinghy) or closed by a deck, (like a traditional sailboat) it's all called a hull. Structures sitting on top of the deck, like a deck salon or cabins, aren't considered a part of the hull anymore.

The keel is an underwater fin below the boat's belly. The sizes and shapes vary, sometimes it is relatively short and goes deep, (fin keel) sometimes it runs from the front all the way to the back (full keel or ballast keel). It is there mainly for stability and to help maintain forward direction when sailing.

The cockpit is the area where a boat is operated from. On sailboats, it is usually in the back and it is an open area without a roof, though this varies. You will find the rudder control and winches there. In 'smaller' (below 70 ft or so) sailboats this area oftentimes doubles as a deck dining place with a table and seating.

The bimini is a sun roof or shade that is covers the cockpit, and is generally attached to a steel frame which runs over the cockpit.

This is where things tend to get confusing. There are a whole lot of parts and a whole lot of names for them. It pays off for you and your crew to know them though, as during the stormier moments, you all want to be on the same boat (ha, ha) linguistically, as every second counts.

Lines are ropes. Not much more to add here. I suppose a 'line' sounds a bit fancier than a 'rope'. One thing this article will teach you is that if there is the slightest crack in the wall of your boat, linguistic elitism will leak its way in.

This one is quite self-explanatory. The mainsail is the main, largest sail of the boat, attached to the mast on the side and the boom at the bottom. It has a triangular shape and serves as the most important sail, the first one you should get acquainted with if you are just starting out.

The jib is the front sail of your boat, sometimes also called the genoa. That is as long as you are sailing on the traditional sloop - the classical two sail setup you see the most often. The jib is wrapped around the line that goes from the top of your mast to the boat's bow.

Spinnaker is the third type of sail you are the most likely to encounter on your travels. It goes in front of your boat and has a half balloon or kite-like shape. This is because it is constructed specifically for sailing downwind. Its purpose is to grab as much backwind as it can and drag your boat forward. It is not attached to the boat most of the time like the mainsail or the jib, instead, it is stored separately and used only when needed.

The mast is the tall, vertical pole that goes from the floor of your salon, through the deck, meters above your boat. All the sails are attached to it, also radars and lights, giving sailboats radio and visual visibility far greater than that of equally sized motorboats. Take that, ya noisy stinkies!

The boom is the horizontal pole right above the deck, attached to the mast at the right angle. The bottom of the mainsail is attached to it, it is used to determine its shape and direction. It is also where the mainsail is often stored, folded and covered with a protective sheet. The boom is also among the top causes of injuries on a sailboat, as in certain winds it tends to swing with force powerful enough to knock a few grown men overboard. Stay away from its reach at all times when under sail.

The forestay is the cable going from the top of the mast to the very front of the bow. It is there to hold the mast in place. Sometimes you will find people refer to it as the 'headstay'. It is often made of steel, so it is safe to hold on to it when you are pretending to be Jack on the bow of the Titanic's, the boat hits a wave and you lose your balance.

This diagram is from our guide on sailboat parts , which I really recommend for beginners. It walks you through all the most important sailboat parts in normal words.

The backstay is the cable going from the top of the mast to the very back of the boat. In many cases it is doubled at the bottom, each end attached to one corner of the back of the boat so that they don't interfere with space and provide more stability for the mast. Just as with forestay, these are made of steel.

Shrouds are the cables going from the top of the mast to the left and right side of the boat. Sometimes there are four, two on each side. Together with forestay and backstay, they make sure your mast withstands all the forces exerted on it when the wind pushes the sails.

The foot of a sail is its bottom edge. If you imagine a sail as a triangle, the base is called the foot. You probably won't use this term while sailing, but when researching proper sail trim, it is likely you will stumble upon it.

This diagram is again from our guide on sailboat parts , which I really recommend for beginners. If you're looking for a good starting point to learn your sailboat ins and outs, this article is perfect for you.

Leech of a sail is its back side edge. Thus it is the part closest to you when you are standing at the helm. Just as with the foot, this is a term quite often used when describing sail trimming techniques, since the shape of the leech determines the shape of the whole sail.

Luff of a sail is its front side edge. Thus the part the furthest from you when you are standing at the helm. For mainsail, it is the edge that is right next to the mast, for the foresail it is the edge right next to the forestay. Just as with foot and leech, the shape of these edges determines the overall shape of the sail so you will most likely encounter these terms in trimming lessons and tutorials.

The head of a sail is its top corner. On a traditional sloop, you will have the 'main head' and the 'jib head'. There is usually a reinforcing patch of some kind on these corners, as you will find a hole in them to which a line is attached.

It's also something else entirely, but more on that later ...

Halyard is the line attached to the sail head. On your boat, you will most likely have two. The 'main halyard' which is what you use to hoist your mainsail if it is folded on the boom, and the 'jib halyard' which holds the jib head up.

Clew of a sail is its back corner. The line attached to the 'main clew' will be used to hoist your mainsail if it is wrapped inside of the mast. The line attached to the 'jib clew' will be used to open the jib on most sailboats since jibs are most often wrapped around the luff.

Telltales are light, usually cotton or wool pieces of ropes attached to a sail, showing you the airflow around it. These are important because they help you determine if your trim is effective or not. Because of the material they are made of, you might sometimes encounter them being called 'woolies'.

Vang, or a 'boom vang' is a device pulling the boom down. This is important because it controls the tension of the mainsail, influencing its shape greatly. You won't find it on every boat though. Holiday cruisers often don't have it, as it is a piece of equipment focused on performance and thus not necessary for your average trip.

Topping Lift

The topping lift is a line that is attached to the aft (back) end of the boom and runs to the top of the mast. It supports the boom whenever you take down the mainsail.

Also referred to as a 'horse', the traveler is a side to side track to which the boom is attached, allowing the control of the extent to which the boom goes off the centerline. This is important especially if the wind is blowing from behind and you need to control the angle of the mainsheet.

Outhaul is the line attached to the mainsail or the jib clew, allowing the control of the foot tension. This is important for determining the sail shape - for instance in stronger winds, you want the foot to be more tense to achieve a more effective airflow as opposed to slower winds where you can allow the foot to arch more.

Reefing is reducing the sail area to lessen the power exerted on it by the wind. You may want to reef if the wind is getting too strong for your boat, or if it is changing too rapidly, as an overpowered boat is difficult to control. Fun fact: they say that when you feel you need to reef because the wind got too strong, it is already too late to reef.

A batten is a slat placed horizontally in the body of the sail to support its shape. You will not find them on all sailboats, it is a performance-enhancing element that many cruisers lack. It helps tremendously as without it, sails tend to belly out and lose their shape under certain conditions.

The cleat is a piece of fitting where a line can be secured and immobilized, even if under great tension. It usually consists of two cogwheel-like pieces fastened close to each other, in the middle of which the rope is placed, unable to move thanks to friction. This type is great as it allows for a quick release. Sometimes though, it is a simple piece of metal or plastic where the rope is tied.

...and then there are all those things that just float around you when sailing, those little things that are the reason for you having to carry a dictionary in your pocket.

Fenders are bumpers allowing some contact with other boats or piers while docked, without scraping the paint. They are often balloon-shaped, made of rubber or some relatively soft material. They are usually attached to the boat's railing and you move them around as you need.

The beam is the width of the boat. Could be just called width, I know. The word comes from the fact that there are transverse reinforcing beams in the boat hull and deck. Next time you are choosing your charter boat for holidays, you will know what this attribute means.

True wind is the actual direction and speed of the wind. This is different than the apparent wind, which is wind direction and speed relative to the boat. Apparent wind is a combination of the true wind and the headwind, which is the wind the boat experiences solely by being in motion.

The berth is a sleeping space on a boat. Thus if a boat has eight berths, it means eight people can comfortably sleep on it. Note that this often includes the salon couches, so a berth is not necessarily a space in an actual bed for one person.

Boat's draft is the distance from the water surface to the deepest point of the boat. In other words, the draft is the minimum water depth you can go to and not scrape your hull or keel. Better double this number when sailing, just to be safe, as hitting the seabed can have disastrous consequences.

Tacking is zig-zagging towards your destination. It is necessary in case your destination is in the direction of the wind since sailboats can not go directly into it. Since the closest to the wind direction you can sail is around 45 degrees, you have to change direction left and right from your desired course.

This diagram is from our guide on sailing into the wind for beginners , which explains in 7 simple steps how to get good upwind sailing performance.

Bareboat is a boat without a skipper. You will encounter this term in boat charters and it means you rent the boat without any crew, thus you need to operate it yourself. It is the best way to sail unless you enjoy living in close proximity to a sea wolf who you also have to feed.

The chart is a nautical map. It differs from classical maps as it depicts information relevant for a sailor - water depth, navigational hazards, seabed material, anchorages and so on. Formerly made of paper, these days made of ones and zeros. As is everything in this digital world.

We have a guide that explains all the different chart types clearly for beginners - read it here .

Galley on a boat is its kitchen. Also a medieval warship, but if you find this term in a boat's description, war is not likely what they have in mind.

Heads on a boat is the bathroom. Though in all my years of sailing I have never ever heard anybody use this term instead of a 'bathroom'. I suppose saying that you are going to use the heads just sounds odd.

A knot is the unit of speed of boats. It is equal to one nautical mile per hour. That is 1.852 kilometers per hour or 1.5078 miles per hour. Though a bit confusing and annoying at times, you will have to get used to this, since most of your boat's instruments will use this unit. It dates all the way back to the seventeenth century when boat's speed was measured with a rope with knots tied on it.

Mooring is attaching the boat to a buoy that is anchored to the seabed. This is usually a cheaper option to docking in a marina. It also means larger space between the boats anchored in the same area, thus more privacy. Though you will have to use your dinghy to get to shore instead of just stepping on the pier directly from your deck.

A salon on a boat is its living room. On smaller boats, it is usually in the same room as the boat's kitchen and the captain's corner with navigation instruments.

A skipper is the captain of a sailboat. If you ask me, the word 'captain' is much better than a skipper, which to me sounds like a small boy who sits on the shore the whole day, skipping stones. But hey, who am I to talk.

A monohull is a classical boat with a single hull. A boat with two hulls is called a catamaran, or a 'cat'. Although rare, there are also trimarans, boats with three hulls. Multihulls with four or more hulls do happen but they are an unnecessary freak of nature.

So there you have it. Fifty sailing terms you will encounter the most when traveling or learning. I know you might think some of them are a bit unnecessary since they have a perfectly fine 'real world' equivalent. I agree. But until the tradition changes, you might want to get some of these under your skin.

A boat's freeboard is the distance from the upper deck to the waterline. Classic yachts have low freeboards, so they appear to lay deeper in the water, as opposed to more modern yachts, which have a higher freeboard. It literally means 'free-board' : the amount of visible board.

The lunch hook is a light anchor setup that is used to moor small yachts temporarily. It typically uses a lightweight anchor on a short scope that takes little effort to set. The lunch hook is only used when the crew is on board and will be monitoring the anchor.

In naval architecture and ship design: “Head” = WC = Bathroom. A toilet is still a toilet. The toilet is in the head. In olden day, the toilet was a hole in the head.

Hi Rich, you’re absolutely right. I’ve corrected the error. Thanks for pointing it out.

A nautical mile is one minute of a degree, so if you travel 60 nautical miles that means you have gone 1 degree around the “globe”. (Note: arc length not actual length.) This is the original definition. As such the average was agreed upon and the lengths given a standardization. Which you mentioned.

As such 1 knot is to travel one nautical mile in an hour.

Also 1.5078. I think you made a mistake as it should be 1.1508 miles to a nautical mile.

Thanks for the information. Sorry about being a pedantic mathematics teacher.

So, where is the “nautical mile” calculated from, the equator or one of the tropic lines?

Just to clarify a nautical mile. If you draw an imaginary line from the North Pole or South Pole to the center of the Earth and draw another line from the center of the Earth to any point on the equator, it forms a right angle, which is 90 degrees. This equates to latitude. The equator is 0 degrees and the poles are 90 degrees. Your latitude is the angle that you are north or south of the equator. Each degree of latitude is divided into 60 minutes. A minute of latitude is the same distance matter where you are on Earth. It is 6,076 feet. This is the length of a nautical mile. A statute mile is 5,280 feet, so a nautical mile is 1.1508 statute miles.

Thank you very clear and well explained. Hopefully I’ll remember The Fifty

KöhnSharkösz

Really? No gunwale? No transom? Those or basic terms to the Washington State Boater Education Card required to operate watercraft here. Definitely more of a “need to know” than bimini.

Thank you, those definitions and explanations were clear, thorough, and helpful. I’m really glad I found my way (somehow) to your webpage.

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Sailing Terminology List: 300+ Sailing Terms

There’s a massive amount of sailing terms that any sailor will eventually learn with time and it can seem daunting essentially learning a new language.

Need to know sailing terminology will help you out when communicating with your crew members and captains of other vessels, so having a sailing terminology list handy can do a lot of good.

That’s why I put together this list of common sailing terms that’ll help you out the next time you head out on the water.

Aback – A foresail when against the wind, used when tacking to help the vessel turn. Abaft – Toward the stern, relative to some object. Abeam – On the beam, a relative bearing at right angles to the ship’s keel. Aboard – On or in a vessel. Adrift – A boat drifting without being propelled. Aft – At or towards the stern or behind the boat. Aground – A boat whose keel is touching the bottom. Amidships – The middle section of a vessel with reference to the athwartships plane, as distinguished from port or starboard. Apparent wind – The wind felt aboard a moving boat. Astern – Behind the stern of the boat. Athwartships – Across the boat from side to side.

Backstay – The standing rigging running from the stern to the top of the mast, keeping the mast from falling forward. Bail – To empty the boat of water. Ballast – Weight in the keel of a boat that provides stability. Barometer – An instrument that measures air pressure, an aid to forecasting the weather. Batten – A thin wood or fiberglass slat that slides into a pocket in the leech of a sail, helping to maintain an aerodynamic shape. Beam – The width of a boat at its widest point. Beam reach – Sailing in a direction at approximately 90 degrees to the wind. Bear away – To “fall off” or head away from the wind. Bearing – The direction from one object to another expressed in compass degrees. Beating – A course sailed upwind. Below – The area of a boat beneath the deck. Bend – To attach a sail to a spar or a headstay or to attach a line to a sail. Bight – A loop in a line. Bilge – The lowest part of a boat’s interior where water on board will collect. Bitter end – The end of a line. Blanket – To use the sail or object to block the wind from filling a sail. Block – A pulley on a boat. Boat hook – A pole with a hook on the end used for grabbing hold of a mooring or retrieving something that has fallen overboard. Boltrope – The rope that is sewn into the foot and luff of some mainsails and the luff of some jibs by which the sails are attached to the boat. Boom – The spar extending directly aft from the mast to which the foot of the mainsail is attached. Boom vang – A block and tackle system, which pulls the boom down to assist sail control. Bottom – The underside of a boat. Bow – The forward part of the boat. Bowline – A line running from the bow of the boat to the dock or mooring. Bow spring – A line running from the bow of the boat parallel to the dock or mooring that stops the boat from moving forward along the dock. Bowline – A knot designed to make a loop that will not slip and can be easily untied. Breast line – A short line leading directly from the boat to the dock. Broach – An uncontrolled rounding up into the wind, usually from a downwind point of sail. Broad reach – Sailing in a direction with the wind at the rear corner (the quarter) of the boat. Approximately 135 degrees from the bow of the boat. Bulkhead – A wall that runs athwartships on a boat, usually providing structural support to the hull. Buoy – A floating navigation marker. Buoyancy – The ability of an object to float. Bulwark – A solid side wall, often about waist high, from the outside edge of the deck to prevent someone from falling overboard. Burdened vessel – The vessel required to give way for another boat when the two may be on a collision course. By the Lee – A sailboat running with the wind coming over the same side of the boat as the boom.

Cabin – The interior of the boat. Can – In the U.S., it’s an odd-numbered green buoy marking the left side of the channel when returning to harbor. Capsize – To tip or turn a boat over. Cast off – To release a line when leaving a dock or mooring. Catamaran – A twin-hulled vessel with a deck or trampoline between the hulls. Catboat – A boat with only a mainsail and an unstayed mast located at the bow. Centerboard – A pivoting board that can be lowered and used like a keel to keep a boat from slipping to leeward. Centerline – The midline of the boat running from bow to stern. Chafe – Wear on a line caused by rubbing. Chainplates – Strong metal plates which connect the shrouds to the boat. Channel – A (usually narrow) lane, marked by buoys, in which the water is deep enough to allow a vessel safe passage. Chart – A nautical map. Charter – To rent a boat. Chock – A guide mounted on the deck through which dock lines and anchor rode are run. Chop – Rough, short, steep waves. Cleat – A nautical fitting that is used to secure a line. Clew – The lower aft corner of a sail. The clew of the mainsail is held taut by the outhaul. The jib sheets are attached to the clew of the jib. Close hauled – The point of sail that is closest to the wind when the sails are hauled close to the centerline of the boat. Close reach – Sailing in a direction with the wind forward of the beam (about 70o from the bow). Coaming – The short protective wall that surrounds the cockpit or hatch. Cockpit – The lower area of the deck in which the steering and sail controls are located. Coil – To loop a line neatly so it can be stored, or a reel of line. Come about – To alter course so as to cause the bow of the boat to pass through the eye of the wind. Companionway – The steps leading from the cockpit or deck to the cabin below. Compass – The magnetic instrument which indicates the direction in which the boat is headed. Compass rose – The circles on a chart which indicate the direction of true and magnetic north. Course – The direction in which the boat is being steered. Crew – Besides the skipper, anyone on board who helps run the boat. Cunningham – A line running through a grommet a short distance above the tack of the mainsail which is used to tension the luff of the main. Current – The horizontal movement of water caused by tides, wind, and other forces. Cutter – A single-masted boat rigged with both jib and staysail.

Daysailer – A small sailboat. Dead downwind – Sailing in a direction straight downwind. Deck – The mostly flat area on top of the boat. De-power – Reducing the power in the sails by luffing, easing the sheets, or stalling. Dinghy – A small sailboat or rowboat. Displacement – The weight of the boat; therefore the amount of water that it displaces. Dock – The quay or pontoon where a boat may be tied up. Dockline – A line used to secure a boat to the dock. Dodger – A canvas protection in front of the cockpit of some boats that are designed to keep spray off the skipper and crew. Downhaul – A line used to pull down on the movable gooseneck on some boats to tension the luff of the mainsail. Draft – The depth of a boat’s keel from the surface of the water.

Ease – To let out a line or sail. Ebb – An outgoing tide.

Fairlead – A fitting that guides sheets and other lines in a way that reduces friction and therefore chafe. Fairway – The center of a channel. Fake – Lay out a line on the deck using large loops to keep it from becoming tangled. Fall off – Alter course away from the wind. Fast – To secure something. Fathom – A measure of the depth of water. One fathom equals six feet. Fender – An inflated rubber or plastic bumper used to protect a boat by keeping it from hitting the dock. Fend off – To push off. Fetch – The distance of open water to windward between the shore and the boat. Fid – A tapered spike used to open the lay of a rope when splicing. Flood – An incoming tide. Following sea – Wave pattern hitting the stern of the boat. Foot – The bottom edge of the sail. Fore – Another word for “forward”. Forepeak – An accommodation or storage area in the bow below the deck. Foresail – A jib or genoa. Forestay – The standing rigging running from the bow to the mast top and to which the foresail is secured. Forward – Towards the bow. Fouled – Another word for “tangled”. Fractional rig – When the forestay is attached to the mast some distance below the top. Foul weather gear – Water resistant clothing. Freeboard – The height of the hull above the water’s surface. Full – Not luffing. Furl – To fold or roll up a sail.

Gaff – On some boats, a spar along the top edge of a four-sided fore and aft sail. Genoa – A large foresail whose clew extends aft of the mast. Give way vessel – The vessel required, by the regulations, to give way in a collision situation. G.M.T. – Greenwich Mean Time. The time at the prime meridian in Greenwich, London, England. Now referred to as Universal Time Coordinated U.T.C. Gooseneck – The strong fitting that connects the boom to the mast. Great Circle – A line drawn on a chart which is accurate over a long distance, a section of the Earth which intersects the center of the Earth. Grommet – A reinforcing ring set in a sail. Ground tackle – Collective term for the anchor and rode (chain and line). Gudgeon – A fitting attached to the stern into which the pintles of a rudder are inserted. Gunwale – The edge of the deck where it meets the topsides. Gybe – Another alternative spelling of “jibe”.

Halyard – A line used to raise or lower a sail. Hank – A snap hook which is used to secure the luff of a foresail to the forestay. Hard a-lee – The call given to the crew that will initiate the action of tacking. Hard over – To turn the helm or tiller as far as possible in one direction. Hatch – A large covered opening in the deck. Haul in – To tighten a line. Head – The toilet on a boat as well as the top corner of a sail. Headboard – The small reinforcing board affixed to the head of a sail. Headed – A wind shift which causes the boat to head down or causes the sails to be sheeted in. Heading – The direction of the boat expressed in degrees. Head down – Changing course away from the wind. Head off – Another word for “head down”. Head up – Changing course towards the wind. Headsail – A jib/genoa attached to the forestay. Headstay – The standing rigging running from the bow to the top of the mast. Head to wind – When the bow of the boat is dead into the wind. Headway – Forward progress. Heave – To throw. Heave to – To hold one’s position in the water by using the force of the sails and the rudder to counteract each other. Holding ground – The seabed or bottom ground in an anchorage. Hove to – A boat that has completed the process of heaving to with its aback, its main trimmed, and its rudder positioned to hold the vessel close to the wind. Heavy weather – Strong winds and large waves. Heel – The lean of the boat caused by the wind. Helm – The tiller. Helmsman – The person responsible for steering the boat. Hull – The body of the boat, excluding the rig and sails. Hull speed – The theoretical maximum speed of a sailboat determined by the length of its waterline.

Inboard – Inside of the rail of the boat. In irons – A boat that is head to wind and unable to move or maneuver.

Jackstay – A wire or webbing strap attached at the front and back of a vessel along the deck to which a safety harness line may be clipped. Jib – The small forward sail of a boat that is attached to the forestay. Jibe – To change the direction of the boat by steering the stern through the wind. Jibe oh – The command given to the crew when starting a jibe. Jiffy reef – A quick reefing system allowing a section of the mainsail to be pulled down and tied to the boom. Jury rig – An improvised temporary repair.

Kedge – A smaller anchor than the main or bower anchor. Often used for maneuvering or kedging off. Kedge off – To use an anchor to pull a boat into deeper water after it has run aground. Keel – The heavy vertical fin beneath a boat that helps keep it upright and prevents it from slipping sideways in the water. Ketch – A two-masted sailboat on which the mizzen (after) mast is lower than the mainmast and is located forward of the rudderpost. Knockdown – A boat heeled so far that one of its spreaders touches the water. Knot – One nautical mail per hour.

Land breeze – A wind that blows over the land and out to sea. Lash – To tie down. Lay – To sail a course that will clear an obstacle without tacking. Lazarette – A storage compartment built into the cockpit or deck. Lazy sheet – The windward side jib sheet that is not under strain. Lead – To pass a line through a fitting or block. Lee helm – The boats tendency to turn away from the wind. Lee shore – Land which on the leeward side of the boat. Leech – The after edge of a sail. Leeward – The direction away from the wind that is the direction that the wind is blowing to. Leeward side – The side of the boat or sail that is away from the wind. Leeway – The sideways slippage of the boat in a downwind direction. Lifeline – Rope or wire supported by stanchions. Lift – The force that results from air passing by a sail or water past a keel that moves the boat forward and sideways. Line – A rope. L.O.A. – The maximum Length Overall fore and aft along the hull. Lubber line – A line on a magnetic compass to help the helmsman steer the correct course. Luff – The leading edge of a sail as well as the fluttering of a sail caused by aiming too close to the wind. Lull – A decrease in wind speed for a short duration. L.W.L. – The length fore and aft along the hull measured at the waterline.

Magnetic – In reference to the magnetic north rather than true north. Mainmast – The taller of two masts on a boat. Mainsail – The sail hoisted on the mast of a sloop or cutter or the sail hoisted on the mainmast of a ketch or yawl. Mainsheet – The controlling line for the mainsail. Marlinspike – A pointed tool used to loosen knots. Mast – The vertical spar in the middle of a boat from which the mainsail is set. Masthead – The top of the mast. Maststep – The fitting in which the foot of the mast sits. Mizzen – The small aftermost sail on a ketch or yawl hoisted on the mizzenmast. Mizzenmast – The shorter mast aft of the main mast on a ketch or yawl. Mooring – A permanently anchored ball or buoy to which a boat can be tied.

Nautical mile – Standard nautical unit of distance equal to one minute of arc of the Earth’s latitude or 6080 feet. Navigation rules – Laws established to prevent collisions on the water. No-go zone – An area into the wind in which a sailboat cannot produce power to sail. Nun – A red even numbered buoy marking the right side of a channel when returning to port.

Offshore wind – Wind blowing away from the shore and out to sea. Offshore – Away from or out of sight of land. Off the wind – Not close-hauled point of sail. On the wind – Sailing upwind in a close-hauled point of sail. Outboard – Outside the rail of a boat. Outhaul – The controlling line attached to the clew of a mainsail used to tension the foot of the sail. Overpowered – A boat that is heeling too far because it has too much sail up for the amount of wind.

Painter – The line attached to the bow of a dinghy. Pay out – To ease a line. P.F.D. – A Personal Flotation Device such as a life jacket. Pinching – Sailing too close to the wind. Pintle – Small metal extension on a rudder that slides into a gudgeon on the transom. Point – To steer close to the wind. Points of sail – Boat direction in relation to the wind. Port – The left-hand side of the boat when facing forward, a harbor, or a window in a cabin on a boat. Port tack – Sailing on any point of sail with the wind coming over the port side of the boat. Prevailing wind – Typical or consistent wind direction. Puff – An increase in wind speed. Pulpit – A guardrail at the bows of a vessel.

Quarter – The sides of the boat near the stern.

Rail – The outer edges of the deck. Rake – The angle of the mast. Range – The alignment of two objects that indicate the middle of a channel. Reach – One of the several points of sail across the wind. Ready about – The command given to the crew to prepare to tack. Ready to jibe – The command given to the crew to prepare to jibe. Reef – To reduce the area of a sail. Reeve – To pass a line through a ring or block. Rhumb line – A straight line drawn on a Mercator chart, which intersects all meridians at the same angle. Rig – The design of a boat’s masts, standing rigging and sail plan. Rigging – The wires and lines used to support and control sails. Roach – The sail area aft of a straight line running between the head and clew of a sail. Rode – The line and chain attached from the boat to the anchor. Roller-furling – A mechanical system to roll up a headsail around the headstay. Rudder – A vertical blade attached to the bottom of the hull which is used to steer the boat. Run – Point of sailing when the wind is coming from dead astern. Running rigging – The lines used to control the sails.

Sail ties – Lengths of line or webbing used to secure sails when they are dropped or to secure the unused portion of a reefed sail. Schooner – A two-masted boat whose foremast is the same height or shorter than its mainmast. Scope – The length of anchor rode paid out in relation to the maximum depth of water. Scull – To propel a boat with a single oar fixed in a notch through the transom. Scupper – A cockpit or deck drain. Sea breeze – A wind that blows from the sea onto the land. Seacock – A valve which opens and closes a hole used as an intake or discharge from the boat. Secure – The make safe or tie down. Set – The direction of the current as well as to trim the sails. Shackle – A metal fitting at the end of a line used to attach the line to a sail or another fitting. Shake out – To remove a reef. Sheave – The wheel inside a block or fitting over which the line runs freely. Sheet – A line used to control a sail by pulling it in or easing it out. Shoal – An area of shallow water. Shroud – Standing rigging at the side of the mast. Singlehanded – Sailing alone. Skeg – A vertical fin in front of the rudder. Sloop – A single-masted sailboat with mainsail and headsail. Sole – The floor in a cockpit or cabin. Spar – A pole used to attach a sail on a boat, for example, the mast, the boom, or a gaff. Spinnaker – A large downwind headsail not attached to the head stay. Splice – The joining of two lines together by interweaving their strands. Spreader – A support strut extending athwartships from the mast used to support and guide the shroud from the top of the mast to the chainplate. Spring line – A dock line running forward or aft from the boat to the dock to keep the boat from moving fore or aft. Squall – A fast moving short intense storm. Stanchions – Stainless steel or aluminum supports at the edge of the deck which holds the lifelines. Standing rigging – The permanent rigging of a boat, including the forestay, backstay, and shrouds. Starboard – The right-hand side of the boat when looking forward from the stern. Starboard tack – Sailing on any point of sail with the wind coming over the starboard side of the boat. Stay – A wire support for a mast, part of the standing rigging. Staysail – Any sail which is attached to a stay. Steerage way – The minimum speed of the boat through the water that allows the rudder to function efficiently. Stem – The foremost tip of the boat. Stern – The aft part of the boat. Stern spring – A line running from the stern of the boat parallel to the dock or mooring that stops the boat from moving backward along the dock. Stow – To store properly. Swamped – Filled with water.

Tack – To alter course so as to cause the bow of the boat to pass through the eye of the wind. Tackle – A series of blocks and line that provide a mechanical advantage. Tail – To hold the end of a line so as to keep it under tension on a winch. Telltales – Short lengths of yarn or cloth attached to the sails which indicate when the sail is properly trimmed. Tide – The rise and fall of water level due to the gravitational effects of the sun and the moon. Tiller – A long handle attached to the rudder which is used to steer the boat. Toe rail – A low rail around the outer edge of the deck. Topping lift – A line used to hold the boom up when the mainsail is lowered or stowed. Topsides – The sides of a boat between the waterline and the deck. Transom – The vertical surface of the stern. Trim – To adjust the sail controls to create optimum lift from the sails. Trimaran – A three-hulled vessel. True wind – The actual speed and direction of the wind as you would feel when standing still. Tune – To adjust the boats standing rigging. Turnbuckle – A mechanical fitting attached to the lower ends of stays allowing the standing rigging to be adjusted.

Underway – A boat that is not attached to the ground by either anchor or mooring lines. Upwind – Towards the direction of the wind. U.S.C.G. – United States Coast Guard. U.T.C. – Universal Time Coordinated. As the modern term for Greenwich Mean Time, this is the standard reference time which is used internationally for navigational information.

Vang – A block and tackle system, which pulls the boom down to assist sail control. Veer – A clockwise change in the wind direction. Vessel – Any sailboat, powerboat, or ship.

Wake – Waves caused by a boat moving through the water. Waterline – The horizontal line on the hull of a boat where the surface of the water should be. Weather helm – The tendency of the boat to head up towards the wind, this increases as the sailboat becomes overpowered. Whip – To bind together the strands at the end of a line. Whisker pole – A pole temporarily mounted between the mast and the clew of the jib. Used to hold the sail out and keep it full when sailing downwind. Winch – A deck-mounted drum with a handle offering a mechanical advantage when used to trim sheets. Windward – Towards the wind. Windward side – The side of the boat closest to the wind. Wing-and-wing – Sailing downwind with the jib set on the opposite side to the mainsail. Working sails – The mainsail and the standard jib. Working sheet – The leeward sheet that is under tension.

Yard – The horizontal spar from which a square sail is suspended. Yawl – A two-masted vessel on which the mizzenmast is mounted aft of the rudderpost.

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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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Sailing Terms: A Complete Guide

Last Updated by

June 15, 2022

Learning sailing terms when you first get into boating can be a daunting task.

Some sailing terms are logical, like 'fore' means forward or front of the boat, while others might as well be in a different language. Athwartship, for example. Nothing in our daily lexicon gives any clues as to what that might mean. Like it or not, it's time to dust off the old noodle and get to memorizing some new vocab words!

Knowing the difference between a clew and a tack, a luff and a leech, will help you communicate with your sail maker regarding which part of your sail needs resewn. If you need to have your rigging adjusted, you must know the difference between your shrouds and your stays, your standing rigging vs. your running rigging.

By educating yourself in the correct names of all parts of your sailboat, you can avoid situations in which you may need to use terms such as ‘thingy’ or ‘that round part at the end of that thing’. While even the most seasoned sailor occasionally troops over the vernacular, it is always beneficial to have as wide a nautical vocabulary as possible. Many in the sailing community get by without knowing the entire sailing dictionary, but if you’re interested in avoiding vocabulary embarrassment, check out the list I’ve compiled of sailing terms that every sailor ought to know.

I’ve been sailing on and off throughout my life and I know from experience that it is incredibly helpful to know the correct terms for each part of your sails, rigging, and boat.

Sailors are among the kindest, most helpful people you’ll ever meet. But, if you’re looking for help on why you’re not getting the most speed out of your mainsail and you know don’t know the correct terms for each part of the sail, it may be hard to get advice from you fellow sailor on why ‘the back of the mainsail is flappy’. They would be more likely to give useful advice if you’re able to tell them that you’re struggling to keep wind in the roach of your mainsail. Check out my list of sailing terms and see if a few don’t stick. I’ve done my best to include pictures when possible.

Table of contents

Sailing Terms

Abeam : When an object, craft or island is abeam your vessel, that means that it is off the side of your boat. It is 90 degrees from the centerline of your boat.

Abaft : Toward the stern. “Honey, have you seen my boat shoes?” “They’re abaft the navigation table!” This is the opposite of forward.

Aft : In the stern of the boat. For example, the back cabin is referred to as the aft cabin.

Apparent wind : The wind direction and speed which the crew observes to be blowing in combination with the true wind. This is often different from the true wind direction and speed due to the boat's motion.

Astern : The area behind the boat. If you go astern, you are going in reverse.

Athwartship : Directionally perpendicular to the centerline of the boat.

Backing (a sail) : Forcing the sail to take wind into its opposite side by pulling the sail to the opposite side of the boat.

Backstay : The wire that runs from the back of the boat to the mast head. This prevents the mast from falling forward.

Bailer : Any scoop-like container that is used to remove water from within a vessel’s hull.

Ballast : Weight which adds stability to the vessel. The weight usually is composed of lead or iron and placed low in the boat's hull, such as within the keel.

Batten : a thin, flexible strip (often fiberglass) that is inserted into the main sail to help it stay open to the wind. The batten runs from the back edge of the sail (leech) toward the front edge (luff).

Beam : The width of the vessel at its widest point.

Beam reach : Sailing with the wind blowing perpendicular to the direction the boat is traveling.

Bearing off or Bearing away : Steering the boat away from the direction in which the wind is blowing.

Bend : a knot which connects two ropes.

Berth : A slip, a mooring, or a bed within the boat.

Bight : A bend or loop in a rope. When a rope forms a bight, it has changed direction 180 degrees.

Bilge : The lowest area within a boats hull. This area collects water which is then pumped overboard by a bilge pump.

Bimini : The covering over the cockpit. Usually constructed from a stainless steel frame covered with canvas or fiberglass. It provides protection from sun and rain, but not wind.

Binnacle : The pedestal centrally located in the cockpit that generally holds the steering wheel and navigational instruments.

Block : A pulley.

Boom : This pole runs perpendicular to the mast and holds the bottom of the mainsail in place. Its position is adjustable side to side as needed for the wind direction.

Boom vang : A tackle which ensures that the boom does not lift upward from wind pressure in the mainsail.

Boot Top or Boot Stripe : The stripe of tape or paint between the boat's underwater (bottom) paint and it’s above water (topside) paint.

Bow : Front end of the boat

Bowsprit : The forward most protruding pole or platform which some boats possess. This spar allows for the sails and rigging to be attached further forward.

Broach : When a boat sailing downwind accidentally ends up sideways to the waves and heels over dangerously. This can be caused by large seas or poor steering.

Broad reach : Sailing with the wind coming off your stern quarter. If you’re standing at the helm facing the bow, the wind is blowing halfway between the side and the back of the boat.

Bulkhead : The walls in a boat which run athwartship, or perpendicular to the centerline of the vessel.

Capsize : When a vessel tips over past 90 degrees.

Catamaran : A vessel with two hulls.

Centerboard : A retractable keel which helps the sailboat maintain course and stability underway. When raised, the vessel is able to enter shallow waters.

Centerline : An imaginary line that runs from the center of the bow to the center of the stern.

Chainplate : A metal plate that is secured to the boat's hull to which wires supporting the mast are attached. The chainplates may be exterior or interior, visible or hidden.

Chandlery : A store that sells boat supplies and parts.

Cleats : The wooden or metal piece to which ropes are secured.

Chock : A fitting that a line passes through to change direction without chafing.

Clew : The lower back corner of a sail. This is where the foot and leech of the sail meet.

Close-hauled : Sailing as close to the direction the wind is coming from as possible with the sails pulled in tight. (See Points of Sail for infographic.)

Close Reach : Sailing between close hauled and beam reach. (See Points of Sail for infographic.)

Coamings : The lip around a hatch or window which stops water from entering. Also the raised area around the cockpit to keep out water.

Cockpit : The area from which steering occurs. This can be in the center of the boat or in the back of the boat.

Companionway : The doorway into the cabin.

Cotter pin : a bendable metal pin which is inserted into a metal rod then bent to lock it in place.

Daybeacons : Markers for navigation which are on posts. These are red or green.

Dead run : Sailing with the wind coming from directly behind the boat. Sails are fully out to catch the wind.

Dead reckoning : Determining a vessel's position by knowing the direction and speed traveled.

Dinghy : A small boat which is used to travel to shore from the main vessel. This can be propelled oars or a motor.

Dodger : The structure at the front of the cockpit which protects the cockpit and companionway from wind and spray. This is generally made of stainless steel frame covered with canvas and plastic windows. It can also be a solid structure with solid windows.

Dismasting : When the mast breaks off the boat. This can occur due to rigging failure or structural failure of the mast.

Displacement : The weight of the water that would otherwise be in the place of the boats hull.

Drogue : A sea anchor which is deployed to help control the drift of a vessel. It can be constructed like a parachute, bucket, or even a rope dragging behind the boat.

Ebb tide : After high tide when the water is receding towards low tide.

EPIRB : Stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This device transmits a distress signal to emergency services and notifies them of a vessel's location.

Fairlead: A fitting which encloses a line within a smooth ring and helps guide its direction.

Fathom : A measurement of water depth equal to 6 feet.

Fid : A pointed tool used when splicing a line.

Fiddle : The raised edge around a table which prevents objects from falling off as the boat rocks or heels.

Fix : Determining a vessel's location by using the compass bearing of two or more fixed points of reference such as landmarks or buoys.

Fin keel : A fixed, ballasted keel which is centrally located beneath the hull. It does not run the full length of the hull.

Flogging : When a sail flaps noisily because it is not being filled by the wind.

Flood tide : Time period between low tide and high tide when the water is rising.

Foot : The bottom edge of a sail.

Fore : At or near the bow of a vessel.

Forestay : The wire which leads from the bow to the top of the mast. The forward most sail attaches to the forestay either directly or by use of a roller furling system.

Full keel : A fixed, ballasted keel which runs the full length of the hull.

Furling system : A system around which the sail wraps when not in use and is unwrapped for sailing. This may be around the forestay or within the mast.

Freeboard : The distance on a vessel from the waterline to the deck.

Galley : The kitchen on a boat.

Gelcoat : A colored resin which is painted onto the outside surface of a boat and forms a protective glossy layer.

Genoa : A large forward sail which, when fully extended, comes back past the mast. Larger than a jib sail.

Gimbals : Often attached to a boat's stove, it is the fitting which allows an object to maintain an upright position when a vessel heels.

Gooseneck : The point at which the boom attaches to the mast. It allows the boom to move in all directions.

Ground tackle : The anchor, chain, and line used to fix a boat to the bottom when anchoring.

Gunwale : Pronounced “gunnel”. This is the top edge of a boat's hull.

Halyard : The line which attaches to a sail to raise it.

Hanks : The clips that attach the front edge (luff) of a sail to the forestay.

Hatch : An opening window in the cabin roof much like a skylight.

Head : Bathroom on a boat. Also, the uppermost corner on a sail.

Headway : The forward motion of a vessel through the water.

Heave to : A method of controlling a boat’s position to the waves and limiting headway by backwinding the forward sail and keeping the rudder hard over into the wind.

Heel : The tilt that occurs to a boat's hull when the sails are filled with wind.

In-Irons : When a sailboat is bow into the wind with sails flapping. No steerage is possible as the vessel has no forward motion. (See Points of Sail for infographic.)

Jackline or Jackstay : Lines that are run from the bow to the stern. To these safety lines, sailors attach a lanyard connected to their harness so that they may work on deck without fear of being swept overboard in rough seas.

Jib : A triangular forward sail.

Jib sheets : Lines used to control the jib.

Jibing : Pronounced with a long i sound. Steering the boat from one downwind direction to another downwind direction by turning the stern of the boat through the wind. This will cause the sails to move across the boat to the other side, i.e. from port to starboard.

Kedge anchor : A small, lighter second anchor.

Keel : The bottom most part of a boat's structure. This part provides ballast and stability.

Ketch : A sailboat with two masts. The forward mast is the taller mast.

Knot : Regarding speed, one knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour.

Lazyjacks : Light lines that run from the boom to the mast and help contain the mainsail while it’s being lowered to the boom.

Leech : The back edge of a sail. If the sail is square, then this term refers to the outside edges of the sail.

Lee shore : The shore onto which the wind is blowing. On an island, the side of the island facing into the wind is the lee shore.

Leeward : The direction to which the wind is blowing. If the wind is coming from the north, then south is leeward.

Luff : The forward edge of the sail.

Lying a-hull : When a vessel is drifting with all of it’s sails down.

Mainsail : Pronounce main’sil. The primary sail of a boat that is hoisted up or unfurled from the mast.

Mayday : An emergency call put out over a marine radio when there is clear and present danger to the crew of the vessel.

Mizzen : The shorter mast behind the main mast on a ketch.

Monohull : A vessel with a single hull.

Mooring field : An anchorage in which permanently anchored buoys are present to which vessels may be secured.

Multihull : A vessel with more than one hull such as a catamaran or trimaran.

No-sail zone : This is an area 45 degrees to either side of directly into the wind. It is not possible for a boat to sail in this zone as the sails cannot fill with wind. Tacking is necessary. (See Points of Sail for infographic.)

On the hard : When a vessel is out of the water and being stored on land.

Painter : The line which secures the bow of a dinghy to the main boat.

Pan Pan : Pronounced pon-pon. This is an urgent distress radio call which is used when a vessel needs assistance. It is one step below Mayday.

Points of sail : The vessels course in relation to the direction of the wind.

Port : The left side of the boat when facing forward.

Port tack : Sailing with the wind hitting the port side of the vessel and the sails are out on the starboard side.

Pulpit : The metal rails at the bow of the boat which protect the crew from going overboard.

Pushpit : The metal rails at the back of the boat to protect the crew from going overboard.

Quarter : The back corner area of the boat. This area is 45 degrees behind, or abaft, the beam of the vessel.

Reef : reducing the size of the sail in high winds for the safety of the crew and equipment. This is done by either tying or rolling the sail to the boom or forestay.

Rigging : All the wires and ropes used to hold the mast in place and adjust the sails.

Roach : The outer back edge area of the mainsail. If you were to draw a diagonal line from the head of the sail to the clew (back corner), the roach would be outside this diagonal line.

Roller furling : A system which rolls the sail up when not in use. The sail is stored on the roller either at the mast or boom for the mainsail, and at the forestay for the jib or genoa.

Rudder : Steering fin at the back of the boat. Controlled by a steering wheel or tiller from the cockpit.

Running : Sailing in a downwind direction.

Running rigging : The lines, such as sheets and halyards, which control the sails.

Schooner : A sailing vessel with two or more masts. The mainmast is at the back.

Seacock : a valve which can be open or closed to allow water to flow in or out of a through hull fitting.

Scope : The length of chain and line that is between the anchor and the boat.

Scuppers : Deck drains which allow water to flow overboard.

Securite : Pronounced securi-tay. This is a radio call to provide mariners with local marine safety information.

Shackle : A metal U or D shaped link which has a removable pin through the ends.

Sheet : A line or rope which connects to the clew (back corner) of a sail. It is used to control or trim the sail.

Shrouds : Wires or ropes which run from the deck chainplates to the mast. The shrouds prevent the mast from moving side to side.

Skeg : A section of the hull from which the rudder hangs. It provides a variable amount of protection to the rudder depending on its size.

Sloop : A single masted sailboat with a mainsail and a foresail.

Slugs : Fittings on the front edge (luff) of the mainsail that slide into the mast track for hoisting the sail.

Spinnaker : A large, light, often colorful sail that is used off the bow of the boat for sailing downwind (running).

Splice : Connecting two lines together by weaving their strands together.

Spreaders : The horizontal arms extending out from the sides of the mast.

Spring line : Dock lines positioned from the bow to a midship point on the dock or from the stern to a midship point on the dock. This line configuration helps decrease forward and backward motion of the boat while docked.

Stanchions : The metal posts along the outside edge of the deck through which the lifelines run.

Standing rigging : The wires and ropes, such as the shrouds and stays, that are permanently in place and hold up the mast.

Starboard : The right side of the boat when facing forward.

Starboard tack : Sailing with the wind hitting the starboard side of the boat and the sails out on the port side.

Stays : The wires or ropes which run from the bow and stern to the mast top to keep the mast from moving forward or backward.

Steerage way : When a vessel is moving through the water with enough speed to allow the rudder to steer the boat.

Stern : The back end of a boat.

Storm jib : A small, strong forward sail used in heavy winds.

Swing : The circular motion of an anchored boat around it’s anchor due to wind and water movement.

Tack : The forward lower corner of a sail.

Tacking : Turning the boat across the direction the wind is coming from to change course direction. This causes the sails to travel to the other side of the boat.

Tender : Small boat used to transport from shore to the main boat.

Tiller : A bar which controls the rudder and is used to steer the boat from the cockpit. It is used in place of a steering wheel.

Toe rail : The raised lip around the edge of the deck. This can be constructed of wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. It helps prevent items from rolling overboard.

Topping lift : A wire or rope which runs from the back end of the boom to the mast top. This line controls the height of the boom.

Trysail : A small, strong storm sail that is used in place of the mainsail in high winds.

Trim : To adjust the sails.

Winch : A round, drum-like mechanical device used to pull on a line to raise or adjust sails.

Windlass : A winch used to raise and lower the anchor.

Windward : The direction from which the wind is blowing.

Wing on wing : Sailing downwind with the mainsail out on one side and the foresail on the opposite side.

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Beth lives on board her 1983 30ft S2 sailboat with her husband, 6 year-old son, and her two fur babies. She has been sailing and boating for most of her life. Beth has been blessed to experience cruising in the Great Lakes, the Bahamas, and in Alaska. She loves to travel and adores living on her tiny boat with her family.

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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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40 Sailing Terms: How to Talk Like a Sailor

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA American Sailing , Nautical Trivia

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified in 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.

Sailing has its own language, and when you go through the ASA curriculum, you’ll find yourself using terms like port and starboard if talking about directions, or referring to a zephyr or a squall when discussing the weather. Some language is meant to help clarify sailing directions, while other terms sound like novelties or just sailors loving that we are part of a special club, but actually have super interesting origins and stories tied to them.

After 40 years, we are going strong, and we continue to help students not only talk like sailors, but become sailors. 

40 terms to help you start talking like a sailor

• Aft – The rear section of the boat
• Bow – The front section of the boat
• Mast – The vertical pole that supports the sails
• Boom – The horizontal pole that extends from the mast and supports the foot of the mainsail
• Winch – A device used to adjust the tension on a rope or wire, usually used to hoist sails or adjust rigging
• Helm – The steering wheel or tiller used to steer the boat
• Tiller – A lever used to steer the boat by moving the rudder
• Rudder – The hinged device at the back of the boat used for steering
• Keel – The fin-like structure beneath the boat that provides stability
• Centerboard – A retractable fin-like structure beneath the boat that provides stability and helps prevent sideways movement
• Ballast – Heavy material, such as lead, placed in the bottom of the boat to provide stability
• Beam – The width of the boat at its widest point
• Freeboard – The distance from the waterline to the deck of the boat
• Draft – The distance from the waterline to the deepest point of the keel or centerboard
• Rigging – The ropes and wires used to support the mast and sails
• Headstay – The wire or rope that runs from the top of the mast to the bow and supports the forestay
• Forestay – The wire or rope that runs from the mast to the bow and supports the jib or genoa
• Backstay – The wire or rope that runs from the top of the mast to the stern and helps support the mast
• Shroud – The wire or rope that runs from the mast to the side of the boat and helps support the mast
• Halyard – The rope used to raise a sail
• Sheet – The rope used to control the angle of a sail
• Jib – A triangular sail in front of the mast
• Genoa – A large, overlapping jib that provides additional power
• Mainsail – The large, primary sail that is attached to the mast and boom
• Spinnaker – A large, colorful, balloon-like sail used for downwind sailing
• Tack – The forward corner of a sail
• Clew – The aft corner of a sail
• Reef – To reduce the area of a sail in high winds
• Port – The left side of the boat when facing the bow
• Starboard – The right side of the boat when facing the bow
• Leeward – The side of the boat away from the wind
• Windward – The side of the boat facing the wind
• Heeling – When the boat leans to one side due to wind or weight distribution
• Running – sailing with the wind coming from behind the boat 
• Hiking – The act of leaning out over the side of the boat to counteract heeling
• Capsize – When a boat overturns or turns over
• Jibe – A maneuver in which the boat turns downwind and the mainsail moves from one side of the boat to the other
• Tack – A maneuver in which the boat turns into the wind and the mainsail moves from one side of the boat to the other
• Nautical mile – A unit of measurement used to measure distance at sea, equivalent to 1.15 miles
• Knot – A unit of measurement used to measure speed, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour

If you’re ready to take your knowledge to the next level, check out these ASA 101 Study Cards — great as a resource when you take ASA 101, 103, or 104 and even more fun later as a coffee table set to quiz your friends!

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Basic Sailing Terminology: Sailboat Parts Explained

Sailing is a timeless activity that has captivated the hearts of adventurous souls for centuries. But, let’s face it, for beginners, sailing can be as intimidating as trying to navigate through a dark, labyrinthine maze with a blindfold on. The vast array of sailing terminology, sailboat parts and jargon can seem like a foreign language that only the most experienced seafarers can comprehend.

Fear not, intrepid sailor, for this comprehensive guide on basic sailing terminology for beginners will help you navigate the choppy waters of sailing jargon with ease. From learning the difference between the bow and stern to mastering the intricacies of sail trim, this article will equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently take to the seas. So hoist the mainsail, batten down the hatches, and let’s set sail on this exciting journey of discovery!

Parts of a Sailboat

Before you can begin your sailing adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a sailboat. From the sleek bow to the sturdy keel, each component plays a vital role in keeping your vessel afloat and propelling you forward through the waves.

• Hull The main body of the boat that sits in the water and provides buoyancy and stability.
• Bow The front of the boat that meets the water and helps to determine its direction.
• Stern The rear of the boat where the rudder and motor are located.
• Deck The flat surface of the boat that you stand on, which can include various features such as seating, storage compartments, and hatches.
• Cockpit The recessed area of the deck where the skipper and crew sit or stand while sailing, which allows for easy access to the sail controls and provides protection from the wind and waves.
• Keel The long, fin-shaped structure beneath the waterline that helps to keep the boat stable and upright.
• Rudder The flat, vertical surface located at the stern of the boat that is used to steer and control the direction of the boat.
• Tiller or wheel The mechanism used to steer the boat, either in the form of a tiller (a handle attached to the rudder) or a wheel (similar to the steering wheel of a car).
• Mast The tall, vertical pole that supports the sails and allows you to catch the wind and move through the water.
• Boom The horizontal pole extending off the bottom of the mast that holds the bottom edge of the mainsail.
• Mainsail The large, triangular-shaped sail attached to the mast and boom that captures the wind’s power to propel the boat forward.
• Jib The smaller, triangular-shaped sail attached to the bow that helps to steer the boat and balance the force of the mainsail.
• Rigging The network of ropes and cables that hold the mast and sails in place and help control their movement.

Sail Terminology

Understanding the terminology associated with sails is critical to becoming a successful sailor. Here are 12 of the most important sail terms you should know, along with brief explanations for each:

• Luff The forward edge of a sail that is attached to the mast, allowing you to adjust the sail’s shape and angle to catch more wind.
• Leech The aft edge of a sail that is attached to the boom, which helps to control the sail’s shape and release the wind as needed.
• Foot The lower edge of a sail that is attached to the boom, which helps to control the sail’s shape and power.
• Head The top of a sail that is attached to the mast and controls the sail’s overall shape and angle.
• Battens The long, thin strips inserted into the pockets of a sail to help maintain its shape and stiffness.
• Clew The bottom corner of a sail that is attached to the boom or sheet, which helps to control the sail’s shape and power.
• Tack The bottom forward corner of a sail that is attached to the boat or a line, which helps to control the sail’s shape and power.
• Sail Area The total area of a sail, which is measured in square feet or meters.
• Sail Draft The curve or depth of a sail, which affects its performance and power.
• Sail Shape The overall form and contour of a sail, which is critical for catching the wind effectively.
• Reefing The process of reducing the sail area by partially lowering or folding the sail, which can be necessary in strong winds or heavy seas.
• Furling The process of rolling or folding a sail to reduce its size or stow it away, which is often used when entering or leaving port or in rough conditions.

Wind Direction and Sail Positioning

Understanding wind direction and sail positioning is crucial for successful sailing. Here are the key terms you need to know:

Types of Wind

• Apparent Wind The wind that is felt on the boat, which is a combination of the true wind and the wind generated by the boat’s movement.
• True Wind The actual direction and strength of the wind.

Points of Sail

You can find a detailed explanation of the points of sail here

• Close-Hauled Sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the sail set at a sharp angle to the boat.
• Beam Reach Sailing perpendicular to the wind, with the sail set at a right angle to the boat.
• Broad Reach Sailing with the wind at a diagonal angle behind the boat, with the sail angled away from the boat.
• Running Sailing directly downwind, with the sail on one side of the boat.

Other Terms

• Windward The side of the boat that is facing the wind.
• Leeward The side of the boat that is sheltered from the wind.
• Sail Trim Adjusting the sail and rigging to maximize the power and efficiency of the sailboat.

Navigation Terminology

Navigating a sailboat requires an understanding of a variety of nautical terms. Here are some of the most important terms you should know:

• Starboard Side The right side of a boat
• Port Side The left side of a boat
• Compass A device used for determining the boat’s heading or direction.
• Bearing The direction from the boat to a specific point on land or water.
• Chart A map or nautical publication that displays water depths, navigational aids, and other important information for safe navigation.
• Latitude The angular distance between the equator and a point on the earth’s surface, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
• Longitude The angular distance between the prime meridian and a point on the earth’s surface, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
• Course The direction in which the boat is traveling.
• Plotting The process of marking a course on a chart or map.
• Waypoint A specific point on a navigational chart or map that serves as a reference point for plotting a course.

• Tacking This maneuver involves turning the bow of the boat through the wind in order to change direction. To tack , the sailor will turn the helm towards the wind until the sails begin to luff, then quickly steer the boat in the opposite direction while adjusting the sails to catch the wind on the new tack.
• Jibing This maneuver is similar to tacking, but involves turning the stern of the boat through the wind. To jibe, the sailor will steer the boat downwind until the sails begin to luff, then quickly turn the stern of the boat in the opposite direction while adjusting the sails to catch the wind on the new tack.
• Heading up This maneuver involves turning the boat closer to the wind in order to sail upwind. To head up, the sailor will turn the helm towards the wind while simultaneously trimming the sails in to maintain speed and prevent the boat from stalling.
• Falling off This maneuver involves turning the boat away from the wind in order to sail downwind. To fall off, the sailor will steer the helm away from the wind while simultaneously easing the sails out to catch more wind and accelerate the boat.
• Docking This maneuver involves bringing the boat alongside a dock or other fixed object in order to moor or disembark. To dock, the sailor will typically approach the dock at a slow speed while using lines and fenders to control the boat’s position and prevent damage.

Knots and Lines

Learning the right knots and lines to use is essential for any sailor. Here are some of the most important knots and lines to know:

• Bowline This is a versatile knot used for many purposes, including attaching a line to a fixed object, such as a mooring or cleat.
• Square Knot A simple knot used to join two lines of the same diameter.
• Clove Hitch A quick and easy knot for attaching a line to a post or piling.
• Figure-Eight Knot A knot used to stop the end of a line from unraveling.
• Cleat Hitch A knot used to secure a line to a cleat.
• Sheet Bend A knot used to join two lines of different diameters.

• Main Halyard A line used to raise the mainsail.
• Jib Sheet A line used to control the angle of the jib.
• Mainsheet A line used to control the angle of the mainsail.
• Jib Furling Line A line used to furl the jib.

Sailing Safety

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) These are the life jackets or vests that you must wear when on board to ensure your safety. Choose a PFD that fits you properly and is appropriate for your body weight.
• Tethers and Harnesses These are designed to keep you attached to the boat and prevent you from falling overboard. Make sure to clip yourself onto the boat when you’re on deck or going up to the mast.
• Man Overboard ( MOB ) Drill This is a critical safety procedure to practice with your crew. Learn how to quickly identify and recover someone who has fallen overboard.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) An EPIRB sends a distress signal and your location to rescue services in an emergency. Make sure it’s properly registered and in good working condition.
• Navigational Lights Ensure your boat has the required navigational lights and know how to use them properly. These lights help other boats see you in low-light conditions.

Remember that safety is always the top priority when sailing, and it’s essential to take it seriously.

Sailing Terminology Conclusion

As we come to the end of our sailing terminology crash course, it’s important to remember that the world of sailing is vast and varied. Learning even the basics can be a daunting task, but with practice and perseverance, you’ll be able to hoist your sails and set a course for adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, understanding the terminology is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage. From the parts of the boat to the knots and lines, each aspect plays a significant role in the overall sailing experience.

So, as you prepare to embark on your next sailing adventure, keep in mind the importance of safety, navigation, and proper etiquette on the water. And remember, when all else fails, just hoist the Jolly Roger and hope for the best! (Just kidding, don’t actually do that.) Happy sailing!

What is the difference between apparent wind and true wind?

Apparent wind is the wind felt by the sailor on the boat, while true wind is the wind direction and speed relative to the ground.

What are the points of sail?

The points of sail are the directions that a sailboat can travel in relation to the wind. They include upwind, close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, and downwind.

What does it mean to be “on a reach”?

Being “on a reach” means sailing with the wind coming from the side of the boat, at a perpendicular angle to the boat’s direction.

What is tacking?

Tacking is the maneuver used to turn the boat’s bow through the wind, allowing the boat to change direction while still sailing upwind.

What is jibing?

Jibing is the maneuver used to turn the boat’s stern through the wind, allowing the boat to change direction while sailing downwind.

What is the difference between windward and leeward?

Windward is the side of the boat that is facing into the wind, while leeward is the side of the boat that is sheltered from the wind.

What is a boom vang?

A boom vang is a line used to control the position of the boom, which helps control the shape and position of the sail.

What is a cleat?

A cleat is a device used to secure a line to the boat, allowing the sailor to adjust the tension of the line without having to hold onto it constantly.

What is a winch?

A winch is a mechanical device used to control lines and adjust sails. It typically consists of a drum and handle that can be turned to wind or unwind a line.

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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.

Sailing Basics: 10 Nautical and Sailing Terms To Learn

If you’re learning how to sail—or if you’re thinking about purchasing a sailboat of your own—these handy terms can provide a helpful overview of sailing basics you need to become familiar with.

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10 Nautical and Sailing Terms Everyone Should Know

1. aft .

The back of a ship. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. The aft is also known as the stern. 

2. Bow 

The front of the ship is called the bow. Knowing the location of the bow of the boat is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port (left of the bow) and starboard side (right of the bow). 

3. Port 

Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, port defines the left side of the boat as it relates to the bow or front. 

Read Next: Beginner Sailing Tips

4. Starboard 

Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, starboard defines the right-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow or front. 

5. Leeward 

Also known as lee, leeward is the opposite direction of the wind blowing (windward). 

6. Windward 

The direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Windward is the opposite of leeward (the opposite direction of the wind). Sailboats tend to move with the wind, making the windward direction an important sailing term to know. 

7. Boom 

The boom is the horizontal pole extending from the mast’s bottom. The sailboat can harness wind power to move forward or backward. This is done by adjusting the boom towards the direction of the wind. 

8. Rudder 

Located beneath the boat, the rudder is a flat piece of wood, fiberglass, or metal used to steer the boat. Larger sailboats control the rudder via a wheel, while smaller boats will have a steering mechanism directly aft. 

9. Tacking 

The opposite of jibing, this basic sailing maneuver refers to turning the boat’s bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. The boom of a boat will constantly shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe. 

10. Jibing 

The opposite of tacking, this basic sailing maneuver refers to turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. The boom of a boat will always shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe. Jibing is a less common technique than tacking since it involves turning a boat directly into the wind.

Conclusion: Learn Nautical Terms Before Setting Sail!

In conclusion, knowing sailing terms and phrases is an essential skill for anyone who wants to take up sailing as a hobby. It enables sailors to communicate effectively with each other and understand the different parts of the boat and their functions. It also enhances safety and reduces the risk of accidents on the water. 

Therefore, whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, learning these sailing terms can enhance your enjoyment of this exciting and rewarding sport!

Editor’s Note:  This article was updated in April 2023.

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• 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:

10 reasons to go on a 14-day charter

3 easy sailing routes in Greece

Flags on boat

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

What skipper's licence do I need and where does it apply

How to plan your sailing route properly

Clever on-board light sources

9 essential sailing knots

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.

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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

Learn the Parts of a Sailboat and How to Communicate Them

Essential Words You Need to Know

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The following are terms related to sailboats and their equipment , including the parts of the boat and how to communicate on one. Enjoy our list of all things nautical.

• Auxiliary - A sailboat's engine, or a sailboat with an engine
• Backstay - The cable, usually made of wire, running from the stern to the masthead that helps support the mast
• Ballast - The weight in a sailboat's keel (sometimes in a centerboard) that helps keep the boat from leaning too much
• Batten - A slat, typically made of plastic, placed in a pocket in the mainsail to help it maintain good shape
• Beam - The width of the boat at its widest point
• Bitter end - The free end of a line
• Block - A pulley-like device used on a boat, with a sheave around which a line runs
• Boom - The spar, which is usually horizontal, back from the mast to which the foot of a sail is attached
• Boom vang - A device that prevents the boom from rising and, in some types, lowering
• Bow - The front section of the boat
• Cat rig - A sailboat designed for using a mainsail only, with the mast usually located more forward than in a sloop
• Centerboard - A thin, keel-like structure that can be raised (usually rotated on a hinge up into a centerboard trunk in the hull) that's present on many sailboats without a fixed keel to prevent the boat from being blown sideways
• Chock - A type of fairlead fitting through which an anchor rode or dock line passes to reduce chafing
• Cleat - A fitting around which a line is secured
• Companionway - The entrance area and steps from the cockpit into a sailboat's cabin
• Clew - The lower rear corner of a sail
• Daggerboard - Like a centerboard, but raised and lowered vertically instead of rotating on a hinge
• Daysailer - Generally a small sailboat without a cabin large enough for comfortable overnight cruising
• Dinghy - A type of small sailboat or a small row or powered craft typically taken along when cruising in a larger sailboat
• Displacement - The weight of a boat, equal to the weight of water the boat displaces
• Dodger - A spray shield often made of foldable or removable fabric at the front of the cockpit
• Draft - The distance from a boat's waterline to the lowest part of its keel
• Fender - A bumper generally made of rubber hung alongside the boat to prevent the hull from rubbing against a dock or other structure
• Foot - The bottom edge of a sail (compare to leach and luff, below)
• Forestay - A cable usually made of wire running from the bow to the masthead that helps support the mast
• Forward - Toward the bow
• Freeboard - The height of the deck above the water (the topsides section of the hull)
• Gate - An opening in the lifelines for boarding the boat, also called gangway
• Genoa - A large jib sail (the clew extends aft of the mast)
• Gooseneck - The fitting that attaches the boom to the mast
• Ground tackle - The collective term for a boat's anchor and anchor rode
• Gunwale (sometimes gunnel) - The outer edge of the boat's deck and cockpit, also called the rail
• Halyard - Line or wire used to hoist a sail
• Hank on - To attach a jib sail to the forestay with small snap hooks called hanks
• Head - The bathroom of a boat and also the top corner of a sail
• Helm - The means by which the sailboat is steered: the tiller or wheel
• Jackline - A line, strap, or wire secured over the deck as an attachment point for the tether of a safety harness
• Jib - The triangular sail attached to the forestay
• Keel - The lower section of a sailboat's hull that's usually permanent and counteracts sideways movement and typically contains ballast
• Ketch - A type of sailboat with two masts
• Lanyard - A short cord or line, often used to secure a piece of gear (knife, whistle, etc.) that might be dropped
• Leech - The back edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and luff, above and below)
• Lifeline - A line or wire (often vinyl coated) all around the boat that's held up with stanchions to prevent falling overboard
• Line - Any piece of rope used on a boat
• Luff - The leading edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and leech, above)
• Mainmast - The mast, or the tallest mast of a sailboat with multiple masts
• Mainsail - The sail affixed to and behind the mainmast
• Mast - A tall vertical pole on a sailboat to support sails and rigging
• Mast step - The support structure for the bottom of the mast
• Mizzen - The smaller aft mast on a ketch or yawl; the mizzensail is affixed to and behind the mizzenmast
• Multihull - A catamaran (two hulls) or trimaran (three hulls)
• Outhaul - A fitting to adjust the tension of the foot of the mainsail on the boom
• Padeye - A fitting usually made of metal with a loop or hoop to which other gear is attached
• Pendant (sometimes pennant) - A short line attaching the bow of a boat to a mooring, or a short wire attached to a sail or halyard as an extension
• PFD - A personal flotation device such as a lifejacket or an inflatable PFD
• Port - The left side of the boat when facing forward; the opposite of starboard
• Preventer - A-Line or other device used to prevent the boom from accidentally swinging from one side to the other
• Pulpit - A rail generally made of stainless steel around the bow or stern typically at the height of the lifelines
• Rail - the outer edge of the boat's deck and cockpit; also called the gunwale
• Rig (or rigging) - The mast, boom, and associated equipment including stays, shrouds, sheets, and halyards
• Rode - The line or chain between an anchor and the boat
• Roller furler - A device by which a sail is rolled up, such as the jib rolling around a rotating forestay fitting
• Rudder - An appendage below or on the boat's stern that is rotated by moving the tiller or wheel to steer the boat
• Safety harness - Personal gear, either a separate harness or one built into a PFD, that attaches to a tether to keep the person on board
• Sail ties - Short straps or pieces of line used to tie a lowered mainsail to the boom or secure a sail on deck
• Schooner - A type of sailboat with two or more masts, the forward one being shorter than the main mast
• Seacock - A valve fitting for closing an opening through the boat's hull (drains, water pipes, etc.)
• Shackle - A fitting typically made of metal that secures two things together, such as a halyard shackle connecting to a sail
• Sheet - The line used to let out or trim in a sail; on a sloop, a mainsheet and two jib sheets
• Shroud - Wire or line stay from the deck or hull supporting the mast on each side
• Sloop - A type of sailboat with one mast and two triangular sails (main and jib)
• Sole - The floor of the cockpit or cabin
• Spinnaker - A lightweight sail used downwind, often ballooning in front of the boat
• Spreaders - Metal struts on the mast that hold the shrouds out from the mast for a better support angle
• Stanchions - Short metal poles around the boat's perimeter that support the lifelines
• Starboard - The right side of the boat (when facing forward); opposite of port
• Stay - Wire or line from the deck or hull to support the mast; stays include the forestay, backstay, and shrouds (on the sides)
• Tack - The bottom front corner of a sail
• Telltales - Pieces of yarn or ribbons on the luff of a sail to help with trimming, or fastened to shrouds to show the wind direction
• Tether - A short line or strap that runs between a safety harness and a point of attachment on the boat to prevent going overboard
• Tiller - A long handle connected to the rudder or rudder post on many sailboats for steering
• Topping lift - A wire or line from the masthead that holds up the boom when the sail is lowered
• Topsides - The area of outer hull above the waterline
• Traveler - A fitting allowing the mainsheet attachment to the boat to be adjusted side to side
• Vang - See Boom vang
• Whisker pole - A pole used to hold out the jib when sailing off the wind
• Winch - A drum-like device used to pull in lines under strain (halyards, sheets)
• Windless - A heavy winch used with the anchor rode
• Yawl - A type of sailboat with two masts, the aft one (mizzen) being behind the rudder post

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GoSailing.info Ltd

Glossary – sailing terms, glossary of sailing terms, sailing edmonton: learn to sail with our introductory sailing lessons and canadian yachting assoc. certified sailing courses – just 40 minutes west of edmonton on lac st. anne. sailboat rentals also available..

Sailing 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Table of Contents

Many people think it takes years of training and experience to navigate the waters when it comes to sailing safely. While there is some truth to this, it certainly doesn’t take much to get started. The first step to becoming a sailor starts with knowing the rules and basic vocabulary associated with sailing and then moving on to more hands-on training with your sailboat. 

Sailing is one of the most invigorating sports or hobbies out there; almost everyone has dreamed of sailing the seas at one time or another. This luxurious sounding goal can certainly be accomplished by  renting or chartering a boat , but having and sailing your own boat comes with the freedom and flexibility most sailboat owners are seeking.

There is a lot to be learned when starting out and learning to sail a boat of your own. While this Sailing tutorial only gives you the basic information you need to get started, once learned, this knowledge can serve as the doorway to your grandest adventures at sea.  

Important Vocabulary

Knowing the vocabulary is crucial when it comes to sailing and communicating with   others on the water. As you progress through the trials and joys of sailboat ownership, you’ll become more familiar with the terms and vocabulary associated with sailing .  

There are over a hundred terms unique to sailing, sailboats, and boating in general. The terms described below are the very basic vocabulary needed to get started on your journey, so familiarizing yourself with them is key to starting on the right foot.

Aft:  The aft of the boat means the back end of the boat. If something is said to be “aft,” it’s referring to a location at the back of the boat. The aft of the boat is also known as the stern .

Boom:  The boom is the giant horizontal pole attached to the mainsail. Adjusting the boom allows the sail to harness the power of the wind . 

Bow :  The bow is the front end of the boat. Anything in the front end of the boat will be referred to as “ forward ” of the boat.

Helm :  The helm of the boat is the area in which you steer the boat. Most sailboats have a wheel at the helm of the boat that is used for steering.

Heeling:  This is when the wind picks up under your sailboat, causing it to lean over and speed up.

Jib:  The jib is the secondary sail on a sailboat. The jib is located forward on the mast and does not have a boom. 

Keel :  The keel of the boat is the long shark-fin-looking thing protruding from the boat’s bottom. The keel gives the boat stability and helps to prevent the boat from capsizing.

Leeward:  Leeward means the opposite direction of the wind or the side of the boat opposite to the wind; the low side when heeling over.

Lines:  In the boating community, ropes are referred to as lines.

Mainsail:  The mainsail is the biggest sail on the boat . It is triangular and is attached to the boom.

Port :  This is anything to the left of the bow. You won’t hear the terms left and right very often on a sailboat; you’re more likely going to hear port instead of left.  

Starboard :   Anything to the right-hand side of the bow is considered starboard. This term is used instead of saying right-hand side. Left and right can become confusing on the open seas, so these terms were established based on the front of the sailboat.  

Tacking : refers to the action of changing direction by bringing the bow of the boat through the wind in the process.

Windward:  Windward refers to the side of the boat closest to the wind, the high side, and the direction the wind is currently blowing.

Be Prepared

As romantic as it sounds, most first-time sailing trips are not the carefree sail you imagine. They are more a part of a huge learning curve experienced by all sailors at one time or another. Some things can certainly make you more comfortable, and there are probably items that you will inevitably wish you’d brought.

Things can get rough out there, especially if you’re a novice sailor. Don’t be discouraged, though; you have to start somewhere. Make sure you have a waterproof jacket, shoes that won’t slip and slide on wet surfaces, sunscreen, and a life jacket for yourself and everyone on board. Also, make sure the fire extinguishers are up to date…. just in case. 

Checking the weather before you go sailing is always a good idea, especially if you’re new to it. Windy conditions can make for some great sailing but can also be a recipe for disaster. Scheduling your inaugural trip on a slightly less breezy day is ideal for getting to know the ropes. Always get your weather forecast from a  reliable weather source  that’s focused on boating and weather at sea. 

One thing that new sailboat owners are not accustomed to is avoiding getting struck by the swinging boom. Until a combination of muscle memory and autonomic reflexes takes over in your brain, it’s going to take some conscious observation to avoid getting hit in the back of the head when the boom swings.  

Know the Rules

Knowing the rules  of boating is of utmost importance when taking to the water. Could you imagine someone getting a car and driving around not knowing a single rule of the road, sounds like a chaotic mess; the same applies to sailing. Besides, it can be pretty scary when you are heading straight toward the bow of an enormous sailboat, and you’re not sure who has the right of way.

The most common boating rules and regulations can be obtained from boating websites which give you the basics. However, each state has its own set of rules, much of which varies from state to state. Check the rules and regulations for out on the water and those associated with owning and registering your sailboat.  

Starting Out

There are various ways to gain valuable experience before hitting the high seas with your crew . There’s almost no amount of reading material that can fully prepare you for sailing, so getting out there beforehand is key to your success.

Take a hands-on sailing course:  Taking a sailing class that puts you out on the water with professionals is by far the best way to gain experience. While some of the courses may be pricey, you get valuable information and an opportunity to experience sailboating with other like-minded individuals. You may even make some new friends.

Go out with friends:  If you’re considering taking on sailing as a hobby or sport, it’s likely that you either have friends or family involved already or you are living in an area that encourages sailing. Tagging along on a friend’s boat can give you valuable training hours while enjoying the day with a buddy or two.  

Rent a boat…and a captain  : Renting a boat is a good way to get out on the water with little to no pressure. This is particularly helpful when deciding what kind of sailboat you want to buy . Some websites link boat owners and captains to individuals and families wanting an outing on the water.

Get Out and Practice

The next step of your sailing adventures begins with practicing. It’s very tempting to hit the water the minute you acquire your new sailboat, but this isn’t necessarily a good idea. Starting slow and getting to know your boat can save you a lot of stress while working through potential mishaps that could otherwise have escalated into a serious problem.

Start slow and small if possible. If you have the opportunity to  rent a boat  a little lighter or smaller than the one you plan on using, your chances of successfully navigating a bigger sailboat are improved exponentially`. 

Take an experienced sailor with you on your first couple of times out in your boat. Let them guide you along as they see potential mistakes while still allowing you a learning curve.

Go to an area that is less likely to be crowded by other boats; it’s easier to focus on the ins and outs of learning to sail when you’re not worried about getting plowed down by a party yacht.

Plan your practice runs when the weather is ideal. As with overcrowding, not having to worry about the weather allows you to fine-tune your technique.

This practice time is the perfect opportunity to learn the points of the sail. There are 8 points of the sail in total, with each having a different effect on the direction and speed of your sailboat. Learning to master the points of sail is essential for quick maneuvers and sudden weather changes. 

It’s one thing to start out slow and easy, but eventually, it’s time to get serious about sailing. Once you’re comfortable and confident in your sailboat, it’s time to introduce some environmental factors you’re likely to encounter while out on your boat, like the bad weather and crowded waters that were being avoided during practice.

Have an experienced sailor accompany you as you venture out into choppy waters, wind gusts, and whatever weather your geographic region might throw at you. Have an expert there as you navigate your way through the inevitable.

The same applies to sailing in crowded waters. This can be very intimidating at first, and it’s best to ease into it with a seasoned sailor on hand. Having someone to help maneuver you through a maze of various-sized boats will be a worthwhile lesson.

Hit the Water

Most sailors know intuitively when they are ready and confident enough to sail without a chaperone. Having someone knowledgeable about sailing onboard is always a good idea in case of an emergency, if at all possible.

There is a fire or your boat capsizes; you must have a plan. Preparing for these events depends on your boat and other environmental factors particular to your geographic region. Having a medical kit and first-hand knowledge of CPR is also a valuable tool for boating safety and emergencies.

Many boaters will have real-time practice drills where they intentionally capsize their boat to train and prepare for the worst-case scenario; others will practice the routine for rescuing someone who’s fallen overboard. It’s good to know the  correct procedure  for dealing with sailing and boating emergencies.

As a boat owner, it’s also your responsibility to go above and beyond the state laws to protect the waters you choose to sail in. There are many environmental factors to consider, like fuel and oil leaks and greywater disposal, to name a few. Familiarizing yourself with some of the  eco-friendly best practices  will be beneficial at any level.

It takes some sailors many years to perfect their craft, and even then, each time out serves as an opportunity to learn something more about sailing or experience something new out at sea. Once you get out there and spend time with other sailboat owners, you’ll learn the secrets of the seas and the tricks of the trade.

Sailing is unlike any other sport or hobby out there. For some, it serves as a sense of freedom, others exhilaration. Many sailboat owners enjoy the lifestyle that comes with owning a sailboat; sitting on your sailboat with friends as the sun sets over the ocean certainty exudes a passion for the finer things in life!

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

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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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Sailboating Term: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 24, 2023 | Sailboat Racing

==Short answer sailboating term:== In sailboating, a sailboating term refers to jargon or specific vocabulary used within the sailing community to describe various aspects of sailing, such as boat parts, maneuvers, wind conditions, and more. These terms help sailors communicate effectively and facilitate a better understanding of the sport.

Understanding the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to Sailboating Terminology

Sailboating, also known as sailing, is a fascinating and exhilarating water activity that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or someone who is interested in taking up this exciting sport, understanding the basics of sailboating terminology is crucial to safely navigate the open waters. So, let’s embark on a comprehensive journey through the depths of sailboating lingo!

When it comes to sailboats, various terms describe different parts and elements that make up these seafaring vessels. Let’s start with one of the most fundamental components: sails. Sails are large pieces of fabric made from durable materials such as canvas or synthetic fibers like Dacron or Mylar. They harness the power of wind and propel the boat forward. Sail shapes may vary depending on their purpose; there are main sails, jibs, genoas, spinnakers, and more.

Now imagine yourself aboard a sailboat, ready to set off into uncharted waters. As you prepare to weigh anchor (that means lifting the anchor from the seabed), you need to understand how to harness the wind effectively. The point from which wind direction originates is called “windward” while “leeward” refers to the side opposite to where the wind is blowing – these terms become essential in navigating your course accurately.

As you catch enough wind in your sails and start sailing away smoothly, you’ll encounter common maneuvers known as tacking and gybing (or jibing). Tacking involves turning your boat into and against the wind so that it passes through an imaginary line parallel to its original heading – this allows you to zigzag towards your destination by choosing different points of sail based on which way the wind blows.

On the other hand, gybing involves changing your course by steering downwind in a manner opposite to that of tacking. This maneuver requires careful coordination between crew members as it can be a swift and powerful movement that alters the position of the boom, which is the horizontal pole attached to the mast and carries part of the sails. It’s crucial to have good control over the boom to avoid accidental collisions or dangerous situations.

In sailboating, it’s also essential to understand different points of sail – these are actually directions in relation to the direction of the wind. The most basic points include “upwind” (sailing as close as possible into the wind), “downwind” (sailing directly with the wind at your back), and “beam reach” (sailing perpendicular to the direction of the wind). The precise angle between your boat’s heading and where the wind is coming from determines these points, and understanding them allows you to adjust your boat’s course accordingly.

As you gain confidence and experience in sailboating, you might find yourself exploring more advanced techniques like trimming your sails. Trimming refers to adjusting various controls on board – such as halyards, sheets, and vangs – that allow you to optimize your sails’ shape for optimum performance. Properly trimmed sails can significantly improve your speed, control, and overall maneuverability on water.

Lastly, let’s not forget about safety aboard a sailboat! When it comes to personal floatation devices (PFDs), every sailor should have one readily accessible when setting sail. PFDs are designed to keep you afloat if an accident occurs or if you end up overboard unexpectedly. They come in various types based on their intended use; some offer higher buoyancy for offshore sailing while others provide more freedom of movement for racing or recreational purposes.

In conclusion, travel through sailboating terminology waters is an exciting adventure filled with unique language quirks that will undoubtedly enrich your experience as a sailor. Understanding key terms like sails, tacking/gybing maneuvers, different points of sail, trimming for maximum performance, and safety measures will help you navigate the intricate world of sailboating with confidence and finesse. So, set your course, hoist those sails, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the realm of sailboating!

Frequently Asked Questions about Essential Sailboating Terms Answered

Have you ever found yourself on a sailboat, feeling a little lost when it comes to the specific terminology being thrown around by fellow sailors? If so, fear not! In this blog post, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about essential sailboating terms and provide you with detailed, professional yet witty explanations.

1. What is a hull?

The term “hull” refers to the main body or shell of a sailboat. It is the part that remains in contact with water and provides buoyancy and stability. Imagine it as the foundation of your floating vessel, supporting everything else that sits atop it.

2. What is the difference between a jib and a mainsail?

A jib and mainsail are both types of sails used to catch wind and propel the boat forward. The key difference lies in their size and position. The mainsail is larger, positioned behind (or aft) of the mast, while the jib is smaller and usually located towards the front (or bow) of the boat. Think of them as partners in crime―the mainsail takes charge from behind, while the jib assists from upfront!

3. What does it mean to tack or jibe?

Tacking and jibing are two essential maneuvers for changing direction while sailing against the wind (windward). Tacking involves turning your bow through the wind so that it comes from one side before continuing on a new course. Jibing, on the other hand, means changing your course by turning away from (leeward) rather than into (windward) the wind. Remember: tacking rhymes with cracking; you crack through that wind!

4. Could you explain what heel refers to?

Heel refers to how much an inclined sailboat leans due to wind pressure on its sails. While it may seem intimidating at first, a controlled heel actually improves the boat’s performance by maximizing the sail’s efficiency. Picture it as a graceful tilt―like leaning into a gust of wind to maintain balance and speed.

5. What is a keel, and why is it important?

The keel is a structural element located beneath the hull of most sailboats. Its purpose is twofold: providing stability by counterbalancing the forces of wind on the sails and preventing sideways drift (leeway) when sailing against the wind. In simpler terms, think of it as your boat’s anchor underwater―keeping you steady and on course.

6. What does it mean to trim the sails?

To trim the sails means adjusting their position or tension to harness the maximum power from the wind while maintaining control of your boat. Proper trimming ensures that your sail catches and directs wind effectively, leading to smoother sailing and improved speed. It’s like finding that sweet spot where everything falls perfectly into place!

By understanding these essential sailboating terms, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate any conversation or voyage with confidence. So go ahead, embrace your inner sailor, and let these explanations propel you towards new horizons on those captivating seas!

Step-by-Step Explanation: How to Master Sailboating Terminology

Sailing offers a sense of freedom and adventure like no other activity. However, as with any new endeavor, diving into the world of sailboating comes with its own specialized language that can sometimes sound like it’s from another planet. Fret not! In this step-by-step guide, we will unravel the mysteries of sailboating terminology and help you become fluent in this unique lexicon.

1. Start with the Basics: Before embarking on your sailboat journey, familiarize yourself with the foundational terms used in sailing. These include port (left side), starboard (right side), bow (front), and stern (rear). Understanding these fundamental directions will build a solid groundwork for further comprehension.

2. Set Sail with Sailing Essentials: Every sailor should be well-versed in essential sailing terms to navigate their way through waters smoothly. Learn significant concepts such as windward (the direction upwind), leeward (the opposite direction downwind), tacking (turning the bow passing through the wind) and gybing (making a turn with the stern passing through the wind).

3. Navigate Nautical Knots: When it comes to tying knots, sailors have perfected an art form over centuries. Discovering a few key nautical knots can greatly enhance your sailing experience. Begin with learning how to tie reef knots to secure sails during strong winds or figure-eight knots to prevent line slippage under tension. Mastering these basic knots ensures safety on board while exhibiting your newfound expertise.

4. Embrace Rigging: Understanding rigging –the system of ropes, wires, and pulleys that support a sailboat’s masts– is crucial for any aspiring sailor. Familiarize yourself with elements such as halyards (lines used to raise sails), sheets (lines controlling sail position/deployment) and shrouds/stays (wires supporting the mast). Once you grasp these essential rigging components, you’ll feel more confident and at ease on any sailboat.

5. Hoist the Colors of Sail Types: Sailboats come in various sizes and types, each requiring its own set of terminologies. Get acquainted with terms like mainsail (the largest and primary sail), headsail (attached to the forestay at the bow), genoa/jib (larger headsails usually used for upwind sailing) and spinnaker (a large, colorful sail for downwind sailing). Knowing these different sails will equip you to adapt to various sailing conditions.

6. Weathering Weather Terms: To be truly proficient in sailboating, understanding weather-related language is crucial. Educate yourself about common terms such as windward/lee side (influenced by wind direction), luffing (when a sail flutters due to insufficient wind pressure), gusts/squalls (sudden bursts of strong wind) and chop/seas/swells (various forms of wave patterns), among others. This knowledge ensures your safety and enhances your decision-making skills when facing changing weather conditions.

7. Embrace Nautical Expressions: Finally, embrace the delightful world of nautical expressions that sailors have cultivated over generations. Phrases like “feeling a breeze,” “rocking the boat,” or “being taken aback” hold fascinating origins worth exploring. These witty idioms encapsulate the rich history and culture surrounding sailing while adding flair to your conversations on deck or amongst fellow maritime enthusiasts.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll gradually navigate through the sea of sailboating terminology with poise and confidence – building a foundation for many unforgettable adventures on open waters! So hoist those sails high, batten down the hatches, and embark upon an incredible voyage into the captivating world of sailboating!

Unraveling the Jargon: Exploring the Intricate Sailboating Terms

Ahoy, sailors! We’re setting our course on a linguistic adventure today as we delve deep into the fascinating world of sailboating jargon. Whether you’re an experienced maritime enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of these majestic vessels, understanding the intricate terminology that surrounds sailboating is essential to fully appreciating this unique and time-honored pastime.

Set sail with us as we navigate through a sea of words and phrases that are as captivating as they are cryptic. From bow to stern, we’ll uncover the hidden meanings behind some of the most intriguing terms used by seasoned sailors around the globe.

Let’s start at the very beginning, shall we? The “bow” refers to the front section of a sailboat. Often adorned with regal figureheads or sleek designs, it’s both functional and visually striking. Next up is the “stern,” which happens to be just another word for the rear end of a vessel. Think of it as where Captain Jack Sparrow might casually lean against while surveying his domain.

Now that we’ve covered basic anatomical terms, let’s proceed to unravel some linguistic mysteries surrounding sails themselves. A vital component for harnessing wind power, sails have their own quirky vocabulary set. For instance, “halyard” is not an overly complicated yoga pose; rather, it’s a line used to raise or lower a sail. And if you hear someone talking about “reefing,” do not fret; they’re not discussing underwater ecosystems. Reefing simply means reducing the size of a sail in order to cope with stronger winds.

But what about those slender wooden rods that hold up your sails? They’re known as “spars.” The main spar supporting the largest foresail is called a “mast,” while smaller ones connected to masts via cables are known as “booms” and “gaffs.” All of these spars are essential for controlling the shape and position of the sails, working together in a beautifully choreographed dance with the wind.

Moving on to another intriguing aspect of sailboating: nautical directions. To hoist a sail properly, it’s crucial to be familiar with your port from your starboard. Port refers to the left side of the boat when facing forward, distinguished by the fact that both words contain four letters. On the other hand, starboard is simply nautical slang for “right.” Knowing these terms allows sailors to communicate effectively while maneuvering through crowded waters or avoiding unexpected obstacles.

Now that we’re confidently conversing in sailor-speak, let’s dive further into some specialized terms encountered during exciting moments at sea. Ever heard someone shouting “avast!”? It’s not an invitation for a royal feast but rather a command to stop or cease any action. Similarly, when you hear “ahoy,” it’s not merely a friendly greeting but an attention-getter signaling someone has something important to say.

Just like any field brimming with insider knowledge, sailboating has its fair share of acronyms too. Don’t be caught off guard when someone utters “M.O.B.” – it doesn’t stand for an eccentric fashion trend but rather refers to Man Overboard, a distress signal indicating someone has fallen into open water and immediate assistance is required.

As we dock our journey here and bid adieu to the mesmerizing world of sailboating jargon, we hope we’ve successfully unraveled some linguistic mysteries for you today. This intricate terminology not only adds depth and character to this cherished hobby but also helps build a strong sense of camaraderie among sailors worldwide.

So next time you find yourself aboard a majestic sailboat or simply marveling at their elegance from afar, remember that behind those billowing sails and majestic figures stand a centuries-old lexicon waiting to be explored. Unravel the jargon, embrace the language of the sea, and let your sails carry you to new horizons of knowledge and adventure!

Must-Know Sailboating Terms for Beginners and Beyond

Welcome aboard, all you aspiring sailors and seasoned seafarers! Whether you’re just starting your journey into the world of sailboating or looking to expand your maritime vocabulary, this blog post is here to shed light on some must-know terms that will help you navigate the seas with confidence and finesse. So, grab your captain’s hat, put on your sailor’s swagger, and let’s dive right in!

1. Bow and Stern: Let’s start with the basics. The bow refers to the front of the sailboat, while the stern is its rear end. Knowing these directional cues will prevent any confusion when communicating with fellow sailors or docking your vessel.

2. Port and Starboard: Don’t get caught in a starboard-port mix-up! When facing forward (towards the bow), port is always on your left-hand side, while starboard is on your right-hand side. Remembering this simple rule will ensure smooth sailing during maneuvering situations.

3. Tacking and Gybing: These two maneuvers are essential for controlling sail direction when sailing upwind (against the wind). Tacking involves turning the bow of the boat through the wind so that it switches sides, while gybing refers to turning away from the wind to change tack. Mastering these techniques will keep you in control no matter which way those gusts blow.

4. Boom: No, we’re not referring to a sound effect; we’re talking about a crucial part of your sailboat! The boom is a horizontal pole attached to the bottom of a mast that holds out the foot (bottom edge) of a mainsail when sailing downwind or across winds. Be aware of its position during maneuvers to avoid unexpected bumps on deck!

5. Heeling: Picture this – as strong winds push against your sails, causing an imbalance between wind force and resistance provided by under-sail surfaces; your boat starts tilting sideways—this is known as heeling! Embrace the thrill of sailing, but always maintain a healthy balance to prevent capsizing.

6. Rudder: Ahoy, helmsman! The rudder is your trusty lifesaver when it comes to steering a sailboat. It’s a vertical or horizontal plate that can be turned to control the boat’s direction by changing its resistance against water flow. Watch out for this mighty nautical gadget and use it wisely to chart your course!

7. Halyard: Are you ready to hoist those sails? The halyard plays an important role in this endeavor! A halyard is a line or rope used for raising and lowering sails, connecting them securely to their respective masts or spars. Make sure your halyards are well-tended, keeping the wind firmly in your sails.

8. Head Up and Bear Away: These terms are commonly used when adjusting course relative to the wind direction. Head up means steering closer towards the wind (nearer in relation to the bow), while bearing away refers to steering further away from the wind (towards the stern). Understanding these instructions will help you navigate through varying wind angles effortlessly.

9. Jib and Genoa: Get acquainted with these two types of headsails – jib and genoa! The jib is a smaller triangular sail positioned forward of the mast, while genoa refers to larger overlapping headsails extending back past the mast. Choosing between them depends on weather conditions, wind strength, and your desired speed – ahoy versatility!

10. Reefing: Sometimes nature throws strong winds our way, making it necessary to reduce sail area for safety reasons. This process is called reefing wherein you partially lower or secure parts of the sail—typically done by rolling or folding—to reduce exposure against powerful gusts without completely losing momentum.

Now that we’ve provided you with this arsenal of essential sailboating terms, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the waters like a true captain! Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and hoist those sails high while embracing the wind in your hair. Smooth sailing, avast-ly adventurous journeys, and fair winds to you all!

Demystifying Complex Sailboating Terminology: Everything You Need to Know

Ahoy, sailor! Ready to set sail on a journey through the intricate and captivating world of sailboating? Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just dipping your toes into this exciting nautical hobby, understanding the complex terminology that accompanies it is essential.

Sailboating, with its rich history and deep-rooted traditions, boasts an extensive vocabulary that can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. But fear not! We’re here to unravel this enigma, breaking down each term with a professional, witty, and clever explanation. So hop aboard as we voyage into understanding the language of sailboating.

1. Windward and Leeward:

Imagine yourself standing at the helm of your trusty vessel, feeling the breeze against your face. Now, let’s learn some jargon related to wind direction. The windward side refers to the direction from which the wind blows, whereas leeward represents the opposite side – sheltered from the wind’s force. Remember: if you want speed and exhilaration on your sailing adventure, harness the power of the mighty windward!

2. Points of Sail:

Have you ever wondered how sailors move their boats so gracefully? It’s all about mastering different “points of sail.” This quirky phrase essentially describes your boat’s direction in relation to where the wind hits its sails.

a) Close-Hauled: Brace yourself for an up-close encounter with some fancy sailing terms! Close-hauled simply means steering as close as possible towards where the wind is blowing from without losing momentum – think of it as sailing efficiently into mother nature’s embrace.

b) Beam Reach: Ahhh… Feel that sweet spot when you can relaxingly sit back munching on snacks without worrying about turning constantly? That’s what we call beam reach – comfortably sailing perpendicular to where our breezy friend comes from while enjoying stunning views of the horizon.

c) Broad Reach: Picture this: you’re sailing in harmony with nature, your sails capturing the wind’s energy at that perfect angle. That’s what a broad reach is all about – sailing less directly into the wind and more diagonally, reveling in the freedom while leaving stress behind.

d) Running Downwind: As much as sailors love to challenge themselves by sailing against the current, sometimes it’s okay to go with the flow. Running downwind refers to sailing in the same direction as the wind. A breeze caressing your face, sun shining upon you – pure bliss!

3. Tacking and Jibing:

Embrace your inner pirate spirit as we delve into maneuvers that will make you feel like a true seafaring legend! Tacking and jibing are terms describing different techniques for changing direction when sailing against or with the wind, respectively.

a) Tacking: Ready to turn heads? Tacking involves a daring change of course where you sail against the wind. By maneuvering your boat skillfully through this 180-degree turn, you’ll astound fellow sailors on nearby vessels.

b) Jibing: If tacking is yin, then jibing is yang. With jibing, you transition from one side of downwind (with the stern crossing through head winds) to keeping up momentum on a new tack—all without losing control. It’s like performing an elegant pirouette on water—a move that is both smooth and captivating!

4. Winches:

Winch can be a bit of an odd-sounding word but trust us; it’s an essential tool found onboard most sailboats. Picture a sturdy contraption resembling an oversized spool—it’s no ordinary object! These mechanical miracles come in various sizes and help sailors control lines such as sheets or halyards (don’t worry if those words seem unfamiliar—we’ll get there!).

5. Sheets, Halyards, and Lines:

No, we’re not talking about decorating your sailboat with fancy beddings. In the world of sailboating, sheets, halyards, and lines are integral parts of controlling your sails and maneuvering the vessel.

a) Sheets: These are ropes connected to the lower corners of a sail. By adjusting them correctly using those trusty winches we just mentioned, you can control the shape and angle at which your sails catch the wind.

b) Halyards: Ever noticed how sailors magically raise their sails skyward? That’s where halyards come into play! Attached to the head of a sail (the top part), these lines allow you to hoist or lower your majestic sails with ease.

c) Lines: If sheets and halyards didn’t sound fascinating enough, enter ‘lines’ – a catch-all term encompassing all ropes used on a boat. Whether attaching fenders or securing equipment—lines help ensure everything remains shipshape.

Congratulations! You’ve now embarked on an introductory voyage into the mysterious realm of sailboating terminology. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you

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Sailing Basics 101

What every beginning sailor needs to know:.

The process of sailing may look like something that’s fairly effortless but it actually requires an extensive amount of management. Sailboating is a skill that can definitely be learned. In order to master the direction that sails can take you, it’s very important that you start off small. A small but manageable vessel can help you in the process of learning the basics. With enough training, you can control even larger vessels in the future.

Sailing basics for beginners:

There are a number of sailing fundamentals that many beginners start out with during some of their early days out on the water. By mastering some of these basics it’s possible to start building on your knowledge and practicing so that these basics come naturally:

Understanding the physics of sailing:

Being able to picture the physics of the wind on the boat can play a powerful role in sailing. One of the fundamentals of sailing is positioning the sale in the right direction as the wind so that the boat can continually go forward and harness its power. Knowing the way that a sailboat will slide if the wind is not centered in the sail and how to appropriately stabilize a sailing vessel is very important. When you can picture the vessel in your mind as you are sailing along, the fundamentals of sailing become clearer.

The points of a sail:

Being able to recognize the points of a sail and the angle is another element of sailing that you will need to master so that you can harness the full power of the wind. Being able to position the sail correctly according to the points and angle of the sail is a huge aspect of proper navigation and just pointing the vessel where it needs to go.

Knowing how to use a life jacket, how to properly anchor the vessel, what to do if there’s a fire and other emergency procedures should always be covered before you go out on the water. Even something as simple as knowing where the radio is could help to save your life in an emergency.

Navigating:

As soon as you learn the basics of maneuvering a sailboat, navigating will also become one of the basic items included in the fundamentals of sailing. As soon as you get away from the shore, utilizing GPS technology or having a method of navigation remains important.

Basic sailing terms:

In order to probably learn how to sail, it’s very likely that you may spend some time in a classroom setting or listening to an experienced captain. Understanding some of the basic sailing terms can make sure that you have a better understanding of the concepts that someone may be trying to explain to you. Here is some of the basic sailing terminology that you might hear during your instruction:

This is a piece of sailboat terminology that describes the back of the ship.

This describes the front of the ship.

This is the right-hand side of the boat as you are facing the bow while standing in the boat.

Port is the left-hand side of the boat while you are facing the bow and standing inside of it.

This term refers to the main direction that the wind is blowing and making the windward direction means moving with the wind.

This is the direct opposite of the Windward direction and often given as a guide when a boat is moving into the wind.

This is a mechanism beneath the boat that is usually flat and design that of a strong material. The rudder is connected to a mechanical device on the top of the ship that controls its direction back and forth. Smaller sailboats can control this rudder with a direct mechanism whereas larger sailboats have a full-sized wheel. The rudder directs the vessel by displacing water like a paddle.

This is the main component point where the sail is raised.

This is the horizontal pole that extends out from the mast for adjusting the direction of the sail.

This is a maneuver that involves turning the bow of the boat into the wind so that it changes from one side of the boat to the other side.

This is an action in which the stern of the boat will go through the wind changing the wind from one side to the other. Whenever a tack or jib occurs the boom will have to shift in order to catch the wind on the new side.

Sailing gear:

What you need to pack every trip..

In order to be comfortable while you are out on the water, it’s important that you pack the right items to go sailing. There are a number of items that you can take with you on the water that can really improve comfort. Whether you are packing up for a lesson or going out in a vessel for the first time with friends here are some items that you won’t want to forget:

A sailor outfit:

The wind will be a factor in any type of sailing vessel. Having the right water and windproof outfit will help to make sure that you can stay comfortable all day. A sailing outfit covers exposed skin while you are out on the water. This can help by stopping a nasty sunburn from occurring. Make sure that you pick out a comfortable sailor outfit that consists of a windbreaker and waterproof pants. A life jacket is also generally an excellent idea as part of your sailor outfit.

Sailing shoes:

Specific nonslip sailing shoes are a fantastic idea out on the water. There is always a chance that you may have to act quickly especially in high winds. It’s important to have the right shoes on so that you can move quickly across the sailing vessel.  This will help keep you from tripping or getting hit by some of the rigging in a high wind situation.

Sailing shorts:

These shorts are actually a set of pants that can zip off and are extremely helpful. Sailing shorts are a great idea on the warmer days. They can also serve swim trunks as well if you wanted to take a dip off the boat.

Sailing gloves:

Until you get more experienced with knots and handling a sailing vessel, it’s a good idea to wear gloves. Rope burn can be quite serious especially if the winds pick up suddenly. When you are handling any of the rigging, wearing specialty gloves could help to save your hands from injury.

Where can a beginner learn to sail?

Learning how to sail could be a skill that you can take with you for your lifetime. The process of learning how to sail is usually best done with someone that has been doing it for years. To receive your basic sailing instructions there are some great ways to proceed:

Sailing School:

A classroom setting and learning the basic fundamentals of sailing before you go out on the water is a great way to learn the basics of sailing. You get the chance to try out a number of things on the water under safe conditions while learning all of the applicable terms you may need to know. Sailing school is one of the safest ways that you can learn to sail and from experienced instructors.

Book one-on-one lessons:

if you would rather learn how to sail a smaller boat, taking one-on-one lessons is usually a much better option.  An experienced captain can provide you with the expertise that you need to eventually sail a smaller boat on your own. These types of lessons often take place over many appointments. But can be one of the best ways that you will feel extremely safe out on the water.

Basic instructions from a friend:

If you would rather learn from someone you know, it’s possible to go out and sail with a friend or a family member. Doing this could allow you to pick up some of the basics of sailing comfortably without pressure.

Volunteering with a crew:

Larger sailing vessels often require many people to keep them up and running.  Putting a classified ad out and volunteering with a crew on a larger boat could teach you all the basic sailing instructions that you need to use a sailboat in exchange for help in running the sailboat over the day or chartered journey.

Learning the process of sailing can be a skill that can stay with you for life. Sailing is a popular pastime and mastering the process of sailing early on could allow you to try out several different vessels like small catamarans, raising goats and even large sailing yachts. Taking lessons is usually one of the best places to get started when sailing for the first time. With enough time and effort, you can become an experienced sailboating professional, and feel far more at ease knowing that you will never be stranded due to a lack of control or knowledge.

Israel-Hamas war latest: Hamas number three killed, US says - as video shows anguish after Israel's raid on hospital

The US has said Israel killed Hamas number three Marwan Issa in an operation last week. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claims 20 Hamas fighters were killed and dozens of suspects arrested in a raid on Gaza's al Shifa hospital - which the health ministry described as a war crime.

Tuesday 19 March 2024 10:55, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• US says Hamas number three Marwan Issa killed by Israel
• Alistair Bunkall: Death is a big success for Israel
• IDF soldiers raid al Shifa hospital in Gaza City
• Screams of anguish in video showing aftermath of Israel's raid on hospital
• Several killed as hospital on fire, say Palestinian health officials
• Journalist 'beaten and detained' in raid
• Michael Clarke : Israel under pressure as evidence grows it is committing systematic war crimes
• Watch: Israel films storming of hospital by drone | What video tells us about the raid
• Biden speaks to Israeli PM - their first call in 32 days

That's all for this evening, but we'll be back tomorrow with regular updates and analysis.

Scroll down to read what happened during the day.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has joined those to express their concern about Israel's planned assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Mr Trudeau was speaking with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Monday.

A statement from Mr Trudeau's office said he had "shared his concern" around the planned offensive "and the severe humanitarian implications for all civilians taking refuge in the area".

"He underscored the need to increase the volume of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians and to ensure aid reaches all those in need, safely and without delay."

Christopher Lockyear, from Doctors Without Borders says any attack on Rafah would be "a disaster upon a disaster".

He tells the camera he is travelling through part of Rafah "which is incredibly crowded - we've been moving at a snail's pace for the last 10-15 minutes or so".

"There are people everywhere, there are tents and makeshift shelters to the left and right of me and there are kids literally everywhere, which is a real shock."

Mr Lockyear said: "Clearly any ground invasion into Rafah would be an absolute catastrophe.

"It doesn't bear thinking about."

As we have been reporting today, the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly desperate, with children now starving to death in the enclave.

The UN has said famine is imminent, and the head of its  Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief body, Martin Griffiths, has condemned world leaders for failing to prevent the current state of affairs.

"Famine is imminent in Gaza," he said.

"More than one million people are at risk because they have been cut off from life-saving aid, markets have collapsed and fields have been destroyed.

"The international community should hang its head in shame for failing to stop this.

"We must flood Gaza with food and other life-saving aid. There is no time to lose.

"I renew my call to the Israeli authorities to allow complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods.

"We know that once a famine is declared, it is way too late. We also know that, with action and goodwill, it can be averted."

This is footage filmed by a Sky News team near the al Shifa hospital earlier today.

Israel raided the hospital for the second time during the war, accusing Hamas of using it as a base.

Israel said it had killed more than 20 gunmen in the operation.

The hospital was Gaza's largest before the war and is now one of the only healthcare facilities that is even partially operational in the territory's north.

It has also been housing displaced civilians.

Israel's prime minister has agreed to send a team of officials to Washington DC so "an alternative approach" can be discussed with regards to Israel's plans for Rafah.

The news comes from US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who was speaking after a call between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu.

The team will include military intelligence and humanitarian officials but it was not clear when they would travel to the US.

Israel said last weekend that it planned to launch an assault on Rafah, but there is growing concern about the safety of civilians in the city - where more than one million people fled to after being ordered to evacuate other parts of Gaza by Israel.

The call between the two leaders also comes amid US frustration with Israel's conduct during the war, including accusations that it has prevented from getting into the enclave.

Mr Sullivan said a major ground offensive would be a "mistake" and would "further isolate Israel internationally".

Bearing in mind that Rafah is a primary entry point for aid from Egypt and Israel, he said an invasion would also "shut that down or at least put it at grave risk right at the moment when it is sorely needed".

Looking across the rest of Gaza, Mr Sullivan said a "humanitarian crisis" had descended.

"Anarchy reigns in areas that Israel's military has cleared but not stabilised," he said.

The death of Marwan Issa is a big success for Israel, writes  Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall .

First reported a week ago by the Jerusalem Post after an air strike in central Gaza, there was no official confirmation until tonight.

It's unclear why the US confirmed his death before Israel.

Issa is the deputy Commander of Hamas's military wing and would have been involved in the planning of the October 7th attacks. He is normally regarded as the number three in Hamas.

Issa has the nickname "shadow man" for his ability to evade Israeli forces.

The whereabouts of Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, remains unknown, likewise Mohammed Deif, the commander of the military wing.

It's thought they might be hiding in the southern city of Rafah, one reason why Israel wants to send ground troops in, though if Issa was located in central Gaza then it's possible others might be there too.

The US says Israel killed Hamas number three Marwan Issa in an operation last week.

Sky News has approached the IDF for confirmation but their response was: "The IDF has no comment on the matter."

When we covered reports of the death on 11 March, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari had said they were awaiting confirmation.

Below is the last-known photo of Issa, taken at a 2015 security conference organised by a Hamas-aligned organisation.

For those following the situation in the Middle East, one of the big questions is when - or if - Israel will launch its assault on Rafah.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during the weekend that the assault was still necessary to "eliminate the remaining terrorist battalions in Rafah".

But for those who are trying to arrange aid deliveries - and those who are desperately waiting for them - the lack of certainty is already risking lives.

United Nations humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick said aid operations in Gaza cannot be planned more than two or three days ahead at the moment because of the instability and uncertainty.

"It would be a really difficult scenario for us to envisage the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people being forced from Rafah because of the incursion.

"We are not in a position to contingency plan that. We're not in a position to pre-position shelter, material, food, medical supplies and especially water... It will be a real problem for us." 

Why does this matter?

It is already extremely difficult to get aid into Gaza due to the security situation and Israeli restrictions.

In desperation, a small group of countries has resorted to dropping aid from the air and deliveries have finally been arriving by sea - but neither of these makes up for the capacity that should be brought in by road.

And, as has been confirmed today, the need is immense - the UN says famine is "imminent" in northern Gaza and people in the rest of the enclave are struggling to access food.

Mr McGoldrick said: "If there was to be an incursion, that (aid) system we have, which is already precarious and intermittent, would then be broken."

Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall  is in Jerusalem and says the US and Israeli leaders would have had a lot to discuss during their 45-minute call.

"We have seen over recent weeks, in the absence of communication between the two leaders, quite a public spat between Israel and Washington, the US president making it very clear that he is not happy with the way that this war is being fought and the lack of humanitarian aid that is getting into Gaza.

"For his part, the Israeli prime minister has been defiant and adamant that Israel will pursue its war aims, specifically, the release of all the hostages and the elimination of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. If that means going into the southern city of Rafah, then that is what the Israelis plan to do."

Over the weekend we learnt that Israel is still planning to push ahead with an assault on Rafah, in Gaza's south.

The US, Israel's staunchest ally, has said it will not support such an operation without the Israelis presenting a credible plan to ensure the safety of civilians.

Bunkall said an assault on Rafah does not seem to be imminent but that the world is "increasingly concerned that Israel is gearing up for it", with all of the humanitarian consequences that could have.

Meanwhile, ceasefire talks have resumed in Qatar, with a senior Israeli delegation flying there today.

"The expectation is that they might take a long time, maybe a couple of weeks if they're going to be successful.

"But Hamas has lowered its demands, Israel is still saying that are being unrealistic in what they are expecting. But there is certainly, it seems, room for negotiation. And as long as that stays the case, then there will remain hope that a new ceasefire deal can be agreed at some point."

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