Boating and sailing terminology
Saling Glossary: || A - C || D - F || G - I || J - L || M - O || P - R || S - U || V - X || Y, Z ||
MMAINSHEET: 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.
Saling Glossary: || A - C || D - F || G - I || J - L || M - O || P - R || S - U || V - X || Y, Z ||