Boating and sailing terminology

Sailing Glossary: || A - C || D - F || G - I || J - L || M - O || P - R || S - U || V - X || Y, Z ||

A
ABAFT: Toward the rear (stern) of the boat. Behind.
ABEAM: A direction that is at exactly 90 degrees, or right angles from the side of the boat
ABOARD: On or within the boat.
ABOVE DECK: On the deck (not over it - see ALOFT)
ABREAST: Side by side; by the side of.
ADRIFT: Loose, not on moorings or towline.
AFT: Toward the rear (stern) of the boat, to move aft is to move back
AGROUND: Touching or fast to the bottom.
AHEAD: In a forward direction.
AIDS TO NAVIGATION: Artificial objects external to the boat, that supplement natural landmarks, assisting safe passage by indicating safe and unsafe waters.
ALADDIN CLEAT: a cleat that attaches to the backstay over the cockpit, usually used for hanging a lantern
ALEE - Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.
ALL ROUND LIGHT: A navigation light on a pleasure craft showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
ALOFT: Above the deck of the boat.
AMIDSHIPS: In or toward the centre of the boat.
ANCHOR: A heavy metal device, fastened to a chain or line, to hold a vessel in position, partly because of its weight, but chiefly because the designed shape digs into the bottom.
ANCHORAGE : A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom.
ASTERN: In the direction of, or behind, the stern. The opposite of ahead.
ATHWARTSHIPS: At right angles to the centreline of the boat; rowboat seats are generally athwart ships.
AWEIGH - The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.
B
BACKSTAY: A support wire that runs from the top of the mast to the stern
BACKED: To back a headsail is to pull it’s clew to weather, or windward, thus setting the sail ‘inside out’. The practise is used in manoeuvring under sail to push a boat’s head to leeward.
BALLAST: Added weight in the boat's bottom to provide stability.
BARE POLES: To sail under ‘bare poles’ is to proceed, usually in heavy weather, by blowing downwind with no sail set and the engine off.
BATTEN DOWN: Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
BEACON: A lighted or unlighted fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth's surface. (Lights and day beacons both constitute "beacons.")
BEAM: The width of the boat at its widest point, usually the middle
BEAR AWAY: To turn away from the wind
BEARING: The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat.
BELOW: Beneath the deck.
BEND : To attach a rope to an object e.g. bend on a sheet means to attach the sheet to the sail
BERTH: Sleeping bunk aboard the boat
BIGHT: The middle part of a rope between the load and the cleat or block. An unloaded bight falls into a curve, and so the term has been transported into coastal topography, where a long shallow bay is referred to as a ‘bight’.
BILGE: The part of the boat below the cabin sole, or floorboards, in which water can collect prior to pump out.
BILGE PUMP: An electric or manual pumping device to rid the bilge of any unwanted water. Having both is recommended.
BIMINI: Cover or roof to protect crew from sun and adverse weather on the bridge or in the cockpit the boat.
BITTER END: The last part of a rope or chain. The inboard end of the anchor rode.
BLOCK: A pulley on board ship in invariably called a block
BOAT: A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship. One definition is a small craft carried aboard a ship.
BOAT HOOK: A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off.
BOLLARD: A heavy post set into the edge of the wharf or pier to which the lines of a boat may be tied.
BOOM: A pole running at a right angle from the mast.
BOOT TOP: A painted line that indicates the designed waterline.
BOW: The forward part of a boat.
BOW LINE: A docking line leading from the bow.
BOWLINE: A knot used to form a temporary loop in the end of a line.
BOW SPRING LINE: A bow pivot line used in docking and undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a pier.
BOWSPRIT: A spar extending forward from the bow.
BRIDGE: The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled.
BRIDLE: A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points.
BRIGHTWORK: Varnished woodwork and/or polished metal.
BULKHEAD: A vertical partition separating compartments.
BUOY: An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.
BURDENED VESSEL: That vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rules, must give way to the privileged vessel. The term has been superseded by the term "give-way vessel".
BURGEE: Small, triangular flag flow at the masthead. It generally signifies membership of a specific yacht club, but sometime can be a blank or a private flag used mainly as a wind indicator.
BY THE LEE: Steering with the wind aft and on the same side of the stern as the mainsail, thus placing the boat in danger of gybing.
C
CABIN: A compartment for passengers or crew.
CABIN TRUNK: The vertical sides of the ‘coach roof’ or cabin top.
CAPSIZE: To turn a boat over
CAR: A point of attachment, or of fair-leading for a sheet, adjustable in the fore and aft plane. Typically found sliding on a metal track on the side deck (genoa sheet fairlead).
CAST OFF: To let go.
CATAMARAN: A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side by side.
CHAFE: Wearing through of a line, sail, etc. from rubbing.
CHAFING GEAR: Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.
CHANNEL: 1) That part of a body of water deep enough for navigation through an area otherwise not suitable. It is usually marked by a single or double line of buoys and sometimes by range markers. 2) The deepest part of a stream, bay, or strait, through which the main current flows. 3) A name given to a large strait, for example, the English Channel.
CHART: A map for use by navigators.
CHINE: The intersection of the bottom and sides of a flat or v-bottomed boat.
CHOCK: A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led. Usually U-shaped to reduce chafe.
CLEAT: A fitting to which lines are made fast. The classic cleat to which lines are belayed is approximately anvil-shaped.
CLEW: The aft lower corner of the sail, to which the sheet attaches.
CLOVE HITCH: A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.
COACH ROOF: The structure of the cabin top where it stands proud of the deck.
COAMING: The raised portion of decking surrounding the hatch or cockpit to prevent water on deck from running below.
COCKPIT: The ‘well’ in the deck, to the rear of the boat, from which the boat is handled.
COIL: To lay a line down in circular turns.
COLREGS: The collision regulations
COMPANIONWAY: The main entrance to the accommodation, usually found at the forward end of the cockpit.
COMPASS: Instrument for finding directions.
COMPASS CARD: Part of a compass, the card is graduated in degrees, to conform with the magnetic meridian-referenced direction system inscribed with direction which remains constant; the vessel turns, not the card.
COMPASS ROSE: The resulting figure when the complete 360° directional system is developed as a circle with each degree graduated upon it, and with the 000° indicated as True North. True North is also known as true rose. This is printed on nautical charts for determining direction.
COURSE: The direction in which a boat is steered.
CRINGLE: A reinforced eye worked into the luff or leech of a sail to form the new tack or clew when reefing.
CUDDY: A small shelter cabin in a boat.
CUNNINGHAM: (also called a Downhaul): Adjusting the tension of a sail's luff.
CURRENT: The horizontal movement of water.
D
DANFORTH ANCHOR: A patented lightweight anchor characterized by long, narrow, twin flukes pivoted at one end of the relatively long shank.
DAYBEACON: A fixed navigation aid structure used in shallow waters upon which is placed one or more daymarks.
DAYMARK: A signboard attached to a daybeacon to convey navigational information presenting one of several standard shapes (square, triangle, rectangle) and colors (red, green, orange, yellow, or black). Daymarks usually have reflective material indicating the shape, but may also be lighted.
DEAD AHEAD: Directly ahead.
DEAD ASTERN: Directly aft.
DEAD RECKONING: A plot of courses steered and distances travelled through the water.
DEADHEAD: A log or heavy timber floating nearly vertical, with little of it's bulk showing above the surface.
DECK: A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof.
DINGHY: A small open boat. A dinghy is often used as a tender for a larger craft.
DISPLACEMENT: The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, thus, a boat's weight.
DISPLACEMENT HULL: A type of hull that plows through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.
DOCK: A protected water area in which vessels are moored. The term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.
DOCKING: The procedure for coming alongside a wharf or jetty.
DODGER: Protective cover over the cockpit area of the Vessel.
DOLPHIN: A group of piles driven close together and bound with wire cables into a single structure.
DRAFT OR DRAUGHT: The measurement of how deeply a boat sits in the water.
DRY ROT: A fungus decay which causes wood to become soft and to fall apart.
DUCKBOARD: The wooden floorboards found on many yachts’ cockpit soles
E
EASE: To slacken or relieve tension on a line.
EBB TIDE: A receding tide or current.
ENSIGN: The national flag, or ‘colours’ displayed from aft by all yachts.
EVEN KEEL: When a boat is floating on its designed waterline, it is said to be floating on an even keel.
EYE OF THE WIND: The direction from which the wind is blowing.
EYE SPLICE: A permanent loop spliced in the end of a line.
F
FAIRLEAD: A device for leading a sheet or some other line at the correct angle – often on to a winch. Typically, a fairlead takes the form of a sheave in some sort of metal holder.
FAST: Said of an object that is secured to another.
FATHOM: nautical measurement equivalent to a depth of six feet or 1.8 metres.
FENDER: A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FIDDLE: An upright guard an inch or two high along a galley edge or table edge, which prevents items from sliding off when the boat heels.
FIGURE EIGHT KNOT: A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a jammer or a block.
FLAME ARRESTER: A safety device, such as a metal mesh protector, to prevent an exhaust backfire from causing an explosion; operates by absorbing heat.
FLARE: 1) The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. 2) A distress signal.
FLOOD: An incoming current.
FLUKE: The palm of an anchor.
FLYING BRIDGE: An added set of controls above the level of the normal control station for better visibility. Usually open, but may have a collapsible top for shade.
FOLLOWING SEA: An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
FORE-AND-AFT: In a line parallel to the keel.
FOREPEAK: A compartment in the bow of a small boat.
FORWARD: Toward the bow of the boat.
FOULED: Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.
FOUNDER: when a vessel fills with water and sinks.
FRAP: (verb) To use a small line to hold an external halyard away from the mast by tying it to the shrouds. This is done to stop noise and chafe.
FREEBOARD: The minimum vertical distance measured on a boat's side from the waterline to the upper edge of the boat.
FURLER: A self winding system for the head sail of a sailboat, which allows you to control the sail from the cockpit area.
G
GAFF: The spar supporting the upper edge of an old fashioned type of fore and aft rigged, four-cornered mainsail. A vessel that uses such a sail is said to be ‘gaff-rigged’.
GALLEY: The kitchen area aboard a boat.
GANGWAY: The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.
GEAR: A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
GENOA : Front sail, usually larger than a jib.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL: A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
GOOSENECK: The universal joint between the boom and the mast.
GPS: Global positioning system; uses satellites in fixed orbits to electronically establish your position.
GRAB RAILS: Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
GROUND TACKLE: A collective term for the anchor and its associated gear.
G.R.P.: Glass Re-Enforced Plastic (fibreglass)
GUARDRAILS: The arrangement of wires and stanchions running around a boat for safety purposes.
GUNWALE: The upper edge of a boat's sides.
GYBE: Also jibe; to turn the boat downwind from one side of the wind to the other
H
HARBOUR: A safe anchorage, protected from most storms; may be natural or man-made, with breakwaters and jetties; a place for docking and loading.
HARD OVER: Turning the wheel as far as possible
HALYARD: A rope used for hoisting a sail.
HARD CHINE: An abrupt intersection between the hull side and the hull bottom of a boat so constructed.
HATCH: An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover.
HEAD: Also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
HEAD(S): A marine toilet. Originally the facility was supplied by a hole in the deck right up forward, hence the name.
HEAD UP: Sailing closer to the wind.
HEADSAIL: A sail forward of the mast
HEADING: The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
HEADWAY: The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway.
HEAVE TO: To bring a vessel up in a position where it will maintain little or no headway, usually with the head sail backed and the boat sitting at 90 degrees (beam on) to the wind.
HEEL: The leaning of a boat in response to the wind blowing in her sails.
HELM: The wheel or tiller controlling a rudder or outboard motor; the place from which you steer a small boat.
HELMSPERSON: The person who steers the boat.
HITCH: A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.
HOIST: To raise aloft
HOLD: A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.
HULL : The main body of a vessel.
HYPOTHERMIA: A life-threatening condition in which the body's warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature and the entire body cools.
I
I/O: Inboard/Out drive; stern drive.
INBOARD: More toward the centre of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat.
INBOARD ENGINE: An engine mounted inside the hull, connected to the propeller by a propeller shaft.
(IN) IRONS: Boat is pointing into the wind, sail is flapping and probably also going backwards.
J
JACOBS LADDER: A rope ladder, lowered from the deck, as when pilots or passengers come aboard.
JAMMER: A device for jamming off the bight of a rope under load. Many can also be released under load, but some require the tension of the rope to be taken onto a winch before releasing the tension.
JET DRIVE: A drive depending on the forced discharge of water.
JETTY: A structure, usually masonry, projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbour entrance.
JIB: A fore sail used for sailing into the wind.
JIBE: Also gybe; to turn the boat downwind from one side of the wind to the other
K
KEDGE: 1) To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor rode. 2) a spare or emergency anchor, usually stored in a cockpit locker.
KEEL: The heavy and permanently positioned, fore-and-aft backbone of a boat's hull which protrudes underwater to prevent the boat capsizing and stopping the sideways motion of a boat.
KETCH: A two-masted sailboat with the smaller after mast stepped ahead of the rudder post.
KICKER (also called a Vang): A device used to keep the boom from rising.
KNOT: 1) A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour. 2) A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a stopper, to enclose or bind an object, to form a loop or a noose, to tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together.
L
L.O.A: Length Over All
LANYARD: A short line permanently attached to an object and used for securing it.
LATITUDE: An angular measurement north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.
LAY LINE: The course on which your boat, sailing close on the wind, can just make a windward mark.
LAZARETTE - A storage space in a boat's stern area.
LEE - The side sheltered from the wind.
LEE SHORE: Shoreline downwind of a boat (to be avoided).
LEECH: The trailing edge of a sail.
LEEWARD: The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward
LEEWAY: The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current.
LIMBER HOLES: Drainage Holes through bulkheads or frames.
LINE: Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.
LIST: Inclination of a boat due to excess weight on one side or the other.
LOG: A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed.
LONG KEEL: A boat is said to have a long keel when the keel is part of her hull construction running from well forward right aft to a rudder hung from it’s trailing edge.
LONGITUDE: The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, London, England.
LUBBER'S LINE: A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed.
LUFF: (noun) The leading edge of a sail. (verb) To steer closer to, or directly into the wind.
LUFFING: Pointing the boat into the wind - sail flapping.
M
MAINSHEET: Line that controls the position of the mainsail.
MARK (buoy): An object the sailing instructions require a boat to pass on a specified side.
MARLINSPIKE: A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.
MAST: A spar set upright from the deck to support rigging and sails.
MASTHEAD (STEAMING) LIGHT: A white light on the pleasure craft's centreline, showing an arc of visibility from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side.
MAYDAY: The international radiotelephone distress signal for life threatening situations.
MEAN: ‘Mean’, in the context of high or low water, is the figure for an average tide. Thus, Mean High Water Springs, is the height achieved by an average spring.
MIDSHIP: Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.
MIZZEN: The after mast of a ketch or yawl, or some square riggers.
MONOHULL: A boat with one hull.
MOORING: An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier.
MOORING BUOY: A buoy secured to a permanent anchor sunk deeply into the bottom.
N
NAUTICAL MILE: One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet or 1852 metres - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.
NAVIGATION: The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another.
NAVIGATION RULES: The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules.
NAVIGATIONAL AIDS: Material aboard your boat that will assist in navigating (compass, depth sounder, G.P.S., etc).
O
OAR: A device used for rowing a boat.
OBSTUCTION: Is an object that a boat could not pass without changing course substantially to avoid it. e.g. a mark, a rescue boat, the shore, perceived underwater dangers or shallows.
OUTBOARD: Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.
OUTBOARD ENGINE (Motor): A detachable drive unit mounted on a boat's stern.
OUTHAUL: An adjuster that tensions the sail's foot.
OVERBOARD: Over the side or out of the boat.
P
PAINTER: The line which secures a dinghy or life raft from it’s bow.
PAY OUT: To ease out a line, or let it run in a controlled manner.
PENNANT (sometimes PENDANT): The line by which a boat is made fast to a mooring buoy.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) – PDF: Official terminology for life jacket. When properly used, the PDF will support a person in the water.
PIER: A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
PILE: A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. Craft may be made fast to a pile; it may be used to support a pier (see PILING) or a float.
PILING: Support, protection for wharves, piers etc.; constructed of piles (see PILE)
PILOTAGE: Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc.
PINCH: To sail as close as possible towards the wind.
PISTON HANKS: Snap-on devices for attaching a sail to a stay.
PITCH: 1) The alternate rise and fall of the bow of a vessel proceeding through waves. 2) The theoretical distance advanced by a propeller in one revolution. 3) Tar and resin used for caulking between the planks of a wooden vessel.
PITCHPOLING: A small boat being thrown end-over-end in very rough seas.
PLANING: A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water.
PLANING HULL: A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
PORT: The left hand side of the boat when you are looking forward.
PORT TACK: Wind across the port side.
POWER BOAT: A boat propelled by mechanical means.
PRIVELEGED VESSEL: A vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way (this term has been superseded by the term "stand-on vessel").
PROPELLER: A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw in propelling a vessel.
PULPIT: The metal framework (usually stainless steel) around the bows which supports the guardrails and protects people working at the forestay.
Q
QUARTER: The side of a boat three-quarters of the way aft from the bow. An object sighted ‘over the quarter’ is around 45 degrees abaft of the beam.
QUARTERING SEA : Sea coming on a boat's quarter.
R
REACHING: Sailing with the sail eased.
RECIPROCAL: A course diametrically opposed to it’s predecessor, found by adding or subtracting 180 degrees thus, the reciprocal of 90 degrees is 270 degrees, while the reciprocal of 330 degrees becomes 150 degrees.
REEFING: Reducing the amount of sail area in strong winds
REEVE: To pass the end of a rope or line through a hole or aperture such as an eye, block or fairlead.
RIG: The arrangement of a boat's mast, sails and spars.
RIGGING: The general term for all the lines of a vessel.
RODE: The anchor line and/or chain.
ROLL: The alternating motion of a boat, leaning alternately to port and starboard; the motion of a boat about its fore-and-aft axis.
ROPE: In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store. When it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use it becomes line.
RUDDER: Underwater plate or board used for steering the boat.
RUN: To allow a line to feed freely.
RUNNING: Sailing before the wind with the sail out.
RUNNING LIGHTS: Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.
S
SAIL TRIM: The position of the sails relative to the wind and desired point of sail. Sails that are not trimmed properly may not operate efficiently. Visible signs of trim are luffing, excessive heeling, and the flow of air past telltales.
SAILBOAT: Boat propelled by wind.
SAND BAR: An area in shallow water where wave or current action has created a small, long hill of sand. Since they are created by water movement, they can move and may not be shown on a chart.
SATELLITE NAVIGATION: A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment.
SCOPE: Technically, the ratio of length of anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water. Usually four times the depth with chain and six to seven times the depth with warp.
SCREW: A boat's propeller.
SCUPPERS: Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself.
SEA ANCHOR: Any device used to reduce a boat's drift before the wind.
SEA COCK: A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea.
SEA ROOM: A safe distance from the shore or other hazards.
SEAMANSHIP: All the arts and skills of boat handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging.
SEAWORTHY: A boat or a boat's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions.
SET: Direction toward which the current is flowing.
SEXTANT: A navigational instrument used to determine the vertical position of an object such as the sun, moon or stars. Used with celestial navigation.
SHEAR PIN: A safety device, used to fasten a propeller to its shaft; it breaks when the propeller hits a solid object, thus preventing further damage.
SHEAVE: The ‘wheel’ inside a pulley block or set into a spar to lead a rope or turn it’s direction of pull.
SHEET: The rope which controls the set of a sail.
SHEET BEND: A knot used to join two ropes. Can be used between lines of different diameters.
SHIP: A larger vessel usually thought of as being used for ocean travel. A vessel able to carry a "boat" on board.
SHOAL: An offshore hazard to navigation at a depth of 16 fathoms (30 meters or 96 feet) or less.
SHROUDS: Wire rigging which supports the mast Athwartships (sideways).
SIDELIGHTS: A green light on the starboard side, and a red light on the port side, showing an arc of visibility from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.
SLACK: Not fastened; loose. Also, to loosen.
SLOOP: A single masted vessel with working sails (main and jib) set fore and aft.
SNATCH BLOCK: A block that can be opened to admit the bight of a rope, rather than having to feed the end through.
SOLE: Cabin or saloon floor. Timber extensions on the bottom of the rudder. Also the molded fiberglass deck of a cockpit.
SOUNDING: A measurement of the depth of water.
SPINNAKER: A very large lightweight sail used when running or on a broad reach.
SPINNAKER POLE: Sometimes called a spinnaker boom. A pole used to extend the foot of the spinnaker beyond the edge of the boat, and to secure the corner of the sail.
SPLICE: To permanently join two ropes by tucking their strands alternately over and under each other.
SPRING LINE: A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock.
SPREADER: Small spars extending toward the sides from one or more places along the mast. The shrouds cross the end of the spreaders, enabling the shrouds to better support the mast.
SPRING TIDE: The tide with the most variation in water level, occurring during new moons and full moons. This is the time of the highest high tide and the lowest low tide. The opposite of a neap tide.
SQUALL: A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
STANCHION: Stainless steel or bronze rod providing support for the guardrails at the deck edge.
STANDING PART: That part of a line which is made fast. The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.
STAND-ON VESSEL: That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation.
STARBOARD: The right hand side of the boat when you are looking forward.
STARBOARD TACK: Wind across the starboard (right) side.
STAYSAIL: On a cutter this is the sail located between the jib and the main sail
STEM: The forward most part of the bow.
STERN: The back, or aft end of a boat. ‘Astern’ means behind the boat.
STERN DRIVE : A drive system consisting of an inboard engine, a vertical driveshaft outboard and a propeller.
STERNLIGHT: A white light at or near the boat's stern, showing an arc of visibility from dead astern to 67.5 degrees on either side.
STERN LINE: A docking line leading from the stern.
STOW : To store items neatly and securely.
SWAMP: To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
SURVEY: An inspection done by a Marine Surveyor on a vessel to determine the general condition and the current market value of the vessel.
T
TACKING: Changing direction by turning into the wind.
TACKLE: An arrangement of pulley blocks and rope used to gain mechanical advantage. Typical application is a mainsheet. Ground tackle is the name given to anchors and their associated cables.
TAFFRAIL: The section of toerail which runs athwartships across the stern.
TENDER: A generally accepted term meaning a yacht’s dinghy.
THROTTLE: A device to control a boats speed.
THWART: A seat or brace running laterally across a boat.
THWARTSHIPS: At right angles to the centreline of the boat.
TIDE: The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
TIDAL CURRENT: Horizontal flow of water due to the gravity of the Moon and the Sun. Usually present in channels or on points of land.
TILLER: A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor.
TOERAIL: Raised ledge around the outer deck edge. It may be made of wood (traditional), aluminium, plastic, or some other compound.
TOPSIDES: The sides of the boat between the waterline and the deck. Can also mean going up on deck, as in ‘I’m going topside’.
TRANSOM: The stern cross-section of a square sterned boat.
TRIM: Fore and aft balance of a boat through good adjustment of the sails.
TRIMARAN: A boat with three hulls.
TRIPLINE: A line fast to the crown of an anchor by means of which it can be hauled out when dug too deeply or fouled; a similar line used on a sea anchor to bring it aboard.
TRUE NORTH POLE: The north end of the earth's axis. Also called North Geographic Pole. The direction indicated by 000° (or 360°) on the true compass rose.
TRUE WIND: The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
TURNBUCKLE: A threaded, adjustable rigging fitting, used for stays, lifelines and sometimes other rigging.
U
UNDERWAY: Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground.
V
V BOTTOM: A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a "V".
VARIATION: The angular difference between the magnetic meridian and the geographic meridian at a particular location.
VESSEL: A general term for all craft capable of floating on water, and larger than a rowboat.
VHF RADIO: A very high frequency electronic communications and direction finding system.
W
WAKE: Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters.
WARP: (noun) Another word for a heavy rope. Sometimes used for shore lines.
WATERLINE: A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed (see BOOT TOP).
WAY: Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway.
WEIGHTING ANCHOR: Raising the anchor when preparing to get under way.
WHARF: A man-made structure bonding the edge of a dock and built along or at an angle to the shoreline, used for loading, unloading, or tying up vessels.
WINCH: A mechanical device used to increase hauling power when raising or trimming sails.
WINDAGE: The sum of those parts of a boat other than sails that catch the wind.
WINDEX: Trade name that has passed into general usage. A mast head fitting with a wind vane arrow and two aft-facing legs that approximately coincide with the close-hauled apparent wind angle.
WINDLASS: A power winch on the bow of the vessel to pull the anchor up, usually electric.
WINDWARD: Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.
X
No boating terms for this letter
Y
YACHT: A pleasure vessel, a pleasure boat; in American usage the idea of size and luxury is conveyed, either sail or power.
YAW: To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea.
Z
No boating terms for this letter