A LEE Toward the opposite to the source of the wind side of a boat.
ABAFT Toward the rear (stern) of the boat or behind it. Aft
ABEAM At right angle or off to the side of the keel of the boat; at right angle to the centreline of a boat.
ABOARD On or within the boat.
ABOVE DECK On the deck (not over it-- see ALOFT).
ADRIFT Floating without any means of propulsion, and without mooring.
AERIAL see antenna.
AFT At, near, or toward the stern of a boat.
AFTERPART The part of a boat aft of the beam.
AGROUND Touching or fast to the bottom of any body of water; on or onto the shore.
AHEAD In a forward direction.
AIDS TO NAVIGATION Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks to indicate safe and unsafe waters.
ALL STANDING To have all sails flying when running before the wind.
ALOFT Above or on top of the deck of the boat.
AMBIENT CONDITIONS The surrounding temperature or pressure, or both.
AMIDSHIPS In the middle 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 mainly because the designed shape digs into the bottom.
ANCHOR ROLLER A roller over which the anchor chain is passed when at anchor.
ANCHORAGE A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom.
ANTENNA (aerial) A conductor that radiates or collects radio waves.
ANTENNA GAIN The measure of the effectiveness of an antenna.
ANTISIPHON VALVE A valve that admits air into a line and prevents siphonic action.
APORT To the port side of the boat.
APPARENT WIND The combination of the true wind and the wind caused by the boat's own speed. This is the wind felt on the boat, as well as the one shown by the telltales.
ASHORE To be on or to go to the shore.
ASPECT RATIO Concerns sails - the ratio of height to the length. A narrow but tall sail has a high aspect ratio, and a wide but shorter sail has a low aspect ratio.
ASTERN Toward the boat's stern, in back of the boat, opposite of ahead.
ATHWARTSHIP At right angles to the centerline of the boat.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE The pressure of the air at the surface of the earth, conventionally taken to be 14.7 psi.
AUTOPILOT A device - may be electronic or mechanical - used for keeping the boat on course without having to steer it (the same idea as on aeroplanes). It uses a compass, and is attached to the boat's steering mechanism.
AUXILIARY/AUXILIARY POWER An engine that is permanently installed on the boat.
BACK A SAIL To hold a sail in such a way, that the wind will fill it from the opposite to usual side. This manoeuvre is used to slow down the boat (as if applying brakes), or to force a boat to tack when in irons.
BACKING WIND A change in wind direction running counter clockwise, as in from west to south-west.
BACKSTAY A rigging wire used to keep the mast from moving forward, as well as to vary the amount of bend in the mast.
BACKWIND Hold a sail so the wind pushes its backside.
BACKWINDED If your sails are filled with the wind on the opposite side to what you want (for example, if they are trimmed for the starboard tack, but you get the wind from the port side), you are said to be back winded.
BAIL To get rid of water accumulated in the boat.
BALLAST A very heavy material, such as lead or iron, placed in the keel of the boat, or in the bilge. It is used to provide stability. Oftentimes the crew is also a ballast - especially on smaller boats, or in a jocular way.
BARE POLES In a very strong wind it is possible to be propelled by the force of the wind on only the mast and the boom. To sail in such a way is called "bare poles".
BATTEN A flat piece of wood, GRP or tufnol that fits into a pocket on the mainsail to stiffen the leech. Specially cut mainsails can be used without battens.
BATTEN DOWN Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
BATTEN POCKET A pocket in the mainsail to hold a batten.
BEACON A lighted or unlighted fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth's surface. (Lights and day beacons; both constitute "beacons.")
BEAM REACH Sailing at 90 degrees to the wind's direction.
BEAM The widest part of a boat.
BEAR AWAY To alter the yachts course away from the direction of 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.
BEATING Zigzagging upwind, sailing closehauled and coming about.
BEHIND-THE-MAST REEFING An adaptation of headsail reefing systems to main and mizzen masts.
BELAY To make fast to a cleat or bollard.
BELOW Beneath the deck.
BIGHT The part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed; a slack part or loop in a rope; shallow bay or bend in a coast forming an open bay.
BILGE The interior of the hull below the floorboards.
BINNACLE A housing for a compass.
BITTER END The last part of a rope or chain; the inboard end of the anchor rope.
BLEEDING The process of purging air from a fuel or hydraulic system.
BLOCK A wooden or metal case enclosing one or more pulleys to increase its mechanical advantage and having a hook, eye, or strap by which it may be attached.
BLOCK Nautical term for a pulley.
BOAT A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship; 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.
BOBSTAY A stay from the tip of the bowsprit to the waterline.
BOLTROPE A reinforcing rope along the luff or the foot of the sail, it is slid into a slot along the edge of a spar (mast, boom).
BOOM A spar (a wooden or metal pole) attached to the mast at a right angle, used to support the foot of a sail.
BOOM VANG Line that keeps the boom at right angles to the mast.
BOOM Horizontal pole that holds the bottom of the mainsail; named after the sound it makes when hitting your head.
BOSONS CHAIR (boatswain's chair) A canvas seat used for hoisting someone up a mast.
BOTTLE SCREW see turnbuckle.
BOW LINE A docking line leading from the bow.
BOW LINE A docking line leading from the bow.
BOW PAINTER Line attached to the bow; used to tie the boat to the dock, etc.
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.
BOW The front end of a boat.
BOW The front (pointy) end of the boat.
BOWER A main anchor of a vessel. It is carried at the bow.
BOWLINE KNOT A knot used to form a temporary loop in the end of a line.
BOWSPRIT A horizontal spar projecting forward from the bow.
BREAKERS Waves that have entered a shallow water, and built up on height. By doing this they "break" at the crest producing a curled up formation.
BRIDGE The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled.
BROACH REACH Sailing at 90 to 135 degrees to the wind direction.
BROACH To round up uncontrollably from a run to a beam reach, heeling over. "If broaching sideway to the sea, our dropsied ship may founder by the lee".
BROAD REACHING Sailing with the wind between reaching and running.
BULKHEAD A vertical partition separating compartments.
BULLDOG CLAMP see cable clamp.
BUOY An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.
BUTANE see LPG.
CABIN A compartment for passengers or crew.
CABLE CLAMP A U-shaped bolt with a saddle used to join or to make loops in wire rope.
CAM An elliptical protrusion on a shaft.
CAM CLEAT A cleat with two spring-loaded, toothed jaws that trap and hold a line.
CAP SHROUD see shroud.
CAPSIZE To turn over.
CAPSIZE When a boat tips over.
CAST OFF To let go.
CASTING OFF Letting go the warps before leaving a berth or pontoon .
CATAMARAN A twin hulled boat, with hulls side by side.
CAULKING Various semiflexable compounds used to seal seams. Sometimes applied with less precision to sealing and bedding compounds.
CENTERBOARD DOWNHAUL Stretchy cord, pull to make centerboard go down.
CENTERBOARD UPHAUL Regular line, pull and cleat it to hold centerboard in up or partially up position.
CENTERBOARD Used to keep the boat from moving sideways under certain wind conditions. It also increases the boat's stability and aids in steering it.
CENTERBOARD Fin under boat to prevent sideways sailing; swings up for storage.
CENTREBOARD A pivoting board that prevents the boat from sliding sideways.
CENTREBOARD TRUNK A compartment where the centreboard resides.
CENTRELINE The center of the boat: from the stern to the bow.
CENTRIFUGAL ACTION The process of imparting velocity to a liquid through a spinning impeller that drives the liquid from the center of a pump housing to its periphery.
CHAFING GEAR Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.
CHAIN PLATES The metal straps bolted to a hull to which the standing rigging attaches.
CHAINPLATE metal piece on boat that attaches shrouds (wires that hold mast up).
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 nautically specialized map.
CHEEK PLATES The plates that enclose a sheaf on a block.
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.
CIRCLIP see snap ring.
CLEAT A fitting for securing a line. It can be wooden, metal or nylon.
CLEAT A fitting, usually with two horn-shaped ends, to which lines are made fast. The classic cleat is almost anvil-shaped. Also, to fasten a line using a cleat.
CLEVIS PIN A metal pin with a flattened head at one end and a hole for a cotter pin (split pin) at the other. It is used to fasten rigging together.
CLEW OUTHAUL A length of cord or wire attached to the outer end (clew) of the mainsail and the after end of the boom , it is used for tensioning the foot of the sail ( it can also be metal jaws running along a track).
CLEW The lower, aft corner of a sail.
CLEW Aft corner of a sail (where the outhaul pulls it out, "without a clew").
CLOSE HAULED Sailing as close to the wind as possible with the sheets hauled aft and all sails drawing.
CLOSE HAULED Sailing at about 45 degrees to the wind direction.
CLOSE REACHING Sailing with the wind between close hauled and reaching.
CLOVE HITCH A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.
CNG Compressed natural gas.
COAMING A vertical raised frame or piece around the edge of a cockpit, hatch, etc. to prevent water on deck from running below.
COCKPIT The rear boat area from where the crew operates the boat.
COIL To lay a line down in circular turns.
COME ABOUT To turn the boat up into the wind and over to change the side the sails are on (also called "tack").
COMING ALONGSIDE Bringing the boat alongside a berth or pontoon.
COMPASS CARD Part of a compass; the circular card graduated in degrees. It is attached to the compass needles and conforms with the magnet meridian-referenced direction system inscribed with direction. The vessel turns not the card.
COMPASS Navigation instrument, either magnetic (showing magnetic north) or gyro (showing true north).
COMPASS ROSE The resulting figure when the complete 360° directional system is developed as a circle with each degree graduated upon it. True North is indicated as 000° and is also called true rose. This is printed on nautical charts for determining direction.
CONDUIT A pipe in which electric cables are run; also a reinforced sheathing used with steering and engine control cables.
CORROSION A process that leads to the destruction of two metals. Galvanic corrosion arises when two dissimilar, electrically connected metals are immersed in an electrolyte (e.g., salt water). A current is generated , leading to a transfer of electrons from one metal (the anode or more noble). As a result the anode corrodes. Pinhole and crevice corrosion are the results of galvanic corrosion occurring in just one piece of metal due to minute differences in the microscopic structure of the metal. Stray-current corrosion is the result of external current leakage through metal fittings in contact with an electrode, such as salt water. Where the current leaves a fitting (the anode), massive corrosion can occur. The term electrolysis refers to the passage of electricity through the electrolyte.
COTTER PIN A pin with two legs. With legs together the pin is placed through the hole in a clevis pin. The legs are then opened (separated) outward to prevent the cotter pin from backing out of the hole. The cotter pin, in turn, prevents the load bearing clevis pin from backing out of its retaining hole.
CRIMP-ON TERMINAL A Fork, spade, or ring terminal fitted to electric cables with a crimp on tool.
CUNNINGHAM Line used to pull down on the luff (front edge) of the sail.
CURRENT The horizontal movement of water.
CUTLASS BEARING A ribbed rubber sleeve in a metal tube, used to support a propeller shaft.
CUTTER Similar to a sloop except sails are arranged so that many combinations of areas may be obtained.
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 colours (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 or behind.
DEAD RECKONING A plot of courses steered and distances travelled through the water.
DECK A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part of a ship serving as a floor.
DECKHAND A crew member responsible for cleaning the deck, and an overall boat maintenance.
DINGHY A little open boat.
DISPLACEMENT HULL A type of hull that ploughs through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.
DISPLACEMENT The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel.
DOCK A protected water area in which vessels are moored. The term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.
DRAFT The depth of water a boat draws.
E In sail measurements, the longest reach of the mainsail along the boom.
EASE To slacken or relieve tension on a line.
EBB TIDE A receding tide; a period or state of decline.
ENSIGN A flag indicating nationality of the vessel.
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.
FAIRLEAD A fitting through which a rope or chain is fed, to alter the direction to an anchor, cleat, sail or winch, and to prevent chafing.
FAIRLEAD ring used to guide lines.
FALL OFF Turn the boat more downwind.
FAST Said of an object that is secured to another.
FATHOM A unit of length equal to 6 feet used in measuring water depth.
FENDER A cushion placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FIGURE EIGHT KNOT A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.
FLARE The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow; a distress signal.
FLOTSAM Wreckage or cargo that remains afloat after a ship has sunk. Floating refuse or debris.
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.
FOIL An attachment on the forestay, comprising a groove into which the luff of the jib can be fed.
FOLLOWING SEA An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
FOOT The bottom edge of the sail - the one attached to the boom.
FOOT Bottom edge of a sail.
FORE AND AFT In a line parallel to the keel.
FORE To, at or near the front of the boat.
FORESAIL A sail set immediately before the mast.
FORESTAY A cable supporting the mast, running from the bow to the top of the mast.
FORESTAY The wire between the bow and mast, which keeps the mast from falling backwards when the jib is off.
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.
FREEBOARD The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.
FURLING Stowing a sail on its boom by means of folding or flaking, and then lashing it down with sail ties. A foresail can also be rolled around a rotating stay.
GAFF A spar in a gaff rig (four sided sails) to which the top side of the sailed is attached.
GAFF RIG Four-sided mainsail defined by two booms, one located on the bottom, perpendicular to the mast, and another, located on top, at an angle from the mast.
GALLEY The kitchen area of a boat.
GANGWAY The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.
GEAR A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
GENOA A large staysail.
GIVE WAY VESSEL A term, from the Navigational Rules, used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
GOING ABOUT The action of changing course when the wind is ahead, by steering the boat through the wind.
GOOSENECK A universal joint fitting on the mast to which the boom is secured.
GOOSENECK Fitting that attaches the boom to the mast with a flexible joint.
GOOSEWING To set the foresail and mainsail on opposite sides when running before the wind.
GRAB RAILS Hand-held fittings mounted on cabin tops and side for personal safety when moving around the boat.
GROUND TACKLE Anchor, anchor rode (line or chain), and all the shackles and other gear used for attachment.
GUARD RAIL A length of wire between the pulpit and pushpit, and running through or joined to the stantions.
GUNWALE The upper edge of a boat's sides.
GYBING To alter course with the wind astern, so that the stern goes through the wind and the boom passes from one side to the other.
HALYARD A rope or wire to attached to the head of a sail for hoisting and lowering.
HALYARD Line used to lift the sails; from "haul yard" since square-rigged boats had yards that were hauled up to lift their sails.
HANK A snap - plastic or stainless steel - attached to the luff of the jib, used to attach the jib to the forestay.
HANK Plastic or metal clip or snap to hold jib on forestay.
HARBOUR A safe anchorage, protected from most storms; may be natural or manmade, with breakwaters and jetties; a place for docking and loading.
HATCH An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover.
HEAD A marine toilet; also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
HEAD UP turn the boat more upwind.
HEAD The upper corner of a triangular sail.
HEADING The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
HEADSAIL Any sail located in front of the main mast.
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 bow into the wind or nearly so.
HEEL To tip to one side.
HEEL A boat's leaning over to one side, usually because of the wind.
HELM The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.
HIKE OUT Move your weight out to balance the sails' force, by sitting out on the rail above the seat.
HIKING STICK Extension on the tiller for steering while hiked out.
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.
HOLD A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.
HULL The main body of a vessel.
HULL The main body of a vessel.
HYPOTHERMIA A life threatening condition in which the body's temperature are subnormal and the entire body cools.
I In sail measurements, the height of the foretriangle. It is measured from the deck to the highest useful point on the forward side of the mast. Can be either the point where the forestay is attached to the mast, or if mounted above the forestay, the top of the spinnaker block.
IN IRONS When the boat loses way head to wind and will not pay off on either tack.
IN IRONS A sailboat with its bow pointed directly into the wind, preventing the sails from filling properly so that the boat can move.
INBOARD More toward the centre of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside the boat.
J In sail measurements, the base of the foretriangle. It is measured from the forestay at the stem to the forward side of the mast, horizontally to the waterline.
JETTISON To cast overboard or off. Informal. To discard (something) as unwanted or burdensome.
JIB A foresail set before the staysail.
JIB BOOM Spar forward of bowsprit to which the the tack of the jib is lashed.
JIB HANKS Hanks or Piston Hanks Clips for securing a foresail to a sail. Keel The heavy length of metal projecting below the bottom of the boat. It aids stability and prevents movement of the boat bodily sideways.
JIB SHEET Line that controls the trim (angle to the wind) of the jib.
JIB A triangular foresail in front of the foremast.
JIBE Turn away from the wind to cause the sails to flip over to the other side of the boat.
JIBSHEET The line used to pull the jib in or let it out.
KEDGE To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor rode; a basic anchor type.
KEDGE To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor rode; a basic anchor type.
KEEL A weighted extension of a boat running below it that prevents the boat from sliding sideways.
KETCH A two-masted sailboat with the smaller after mast stepped ahead of the rudderpost.
KICKING STRAP (Boom Vang)A rope or tackle to exert a downward pull on the boom to aid the adjustment of the shape of the mainsail.
KITE Sometimes used to indicate spinnaker.
KNOT A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour. 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.
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. 3. To enclose or bind an object. 4. To form a loop or a noose. 5. To tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together.
LASH To tie something using a light rope.
LEECH The aft edge of the triangular sail - the one that's not attached to anything.
LEECH Aft (rear) edge of a sail.
LEEWARD The direction away from the wind; opposite of windward.
LEEWARD The direction away from the wind; opposite of windward.
LEEWAY The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current.
LINE Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.
LOG A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed.
LUBBER'S LINE A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward; parallel to the keel when properly installed.
LUFF The leading edge of a sail: also to alter course towards the direction of the wind.
LUFF UP To luff up means to bring the boat's bow so close to the wind, that the leech of the sail begins to flap.
LUFF 1. When sails flap because they're not pulled in. 2. To turn the boat into the wind or let out the sails so that the sails luff. 3. Forward edge of the sail.
MAINMAST The tallest mast of the ship; on a schooner, the mast furthest aft.
MAINSAIL The sail set behind the main mast, the luff of which is supported by the mast.
MAINSAIL The sail set on the mainmast.-the lowest square sail on the mainmast.
MAINSHEET The line used to pull the mainsail in or let it out.
MARCONI RIG The most common type of sail used today, a triangle-shaped mainsail defined by the mast and one horizontal beam perpendicular to the mast called a boom.
MARLINESPIKE A tool for weaving and splicing rope.
MAST A spar set upright to support rigging and sails.
MAST A spar set upright to support rigging and sails.
MASTHEAD The top of the mast.
MIZZEN The sail set on the second (aftermost, or rear) mast - as on a ketch.
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.
MOORING Permanent anchorage. It consists of a heavy weight (or an anchor), a chain of a certain length, and a buoy. Mooring is also often used for piers, instead of pilings.
NAUTICAL ALMANAC A book containing all current data:
navigational, tidal, astronomical and so on. It is published annually.
NAUTICAL MILE A unit of distance used for sea and air navigation; equal to 6076.115 feet (1852 meters); about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.
NAVEL PIPE The fitting or hole in the foredeck through which the anchor chain is fed into the chain locker.
NAVIGATION The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another.
OUTBOARD Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.
OUTDRIVE A propulsion system for boats with an inboard engine operating an exterior drive, with drive shaft, gears, and propeller; also called stern drive and inboard/outboard.
OUTHAUL A device located on the aft part of the boom, used to secure the clew, so that the foot is kept tense.
OUTHAUL Line that pulls on the clew of the mainsail.
OVERBOARD Over the side or out of the boat.
P In sail measurements, the longest reach of the mainsail along the mast.
PAINTER A line attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing or making fast.
PAY OUT To ease out a line, or let it run in a controlled manner.
PENDANT The line by which a boat is connected to a mooring buoy; a short rope hanging from a spar having at its free end a spliced thimble or a block.
PENNANT Any nautical flags that taper to a point and used for identification.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) Official terminology for life jacket. When properly used a PFD will support a person in the water. Available in several sizes and types.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) Official terminology for jetskis
PIER A loading/landing platform extending at an angle from the shore.
PIER A wooden structure (although it may be built from other materials) built over the water, used by boats for landing.
PILING A thick post supporting or mooring a dock or pier. It is deep inside the seabed, and it projects above the water level.
PILOTING Navigation by using visible references.
PINCH To sail continually too close to the wind so that the sails are not properly filled and the boat loses way.
PINCHING Sailing at less than 45 degrees to the wind, with the sails partly luffing.
PITCH The alternating rise and fall of the bow of a vessel proceeding through waves; the theoretical distance advanced by a propeller in one revolution; tar and resin used for caulking between the planks of a wooden vessel.
PITCHPOLE To turn end over end in very rough seas.
PLANING HULL A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
PORT TACK Sailing with the mainsail on the starboard side of the boat.
PORT The left side of a boat looking forward; a harbour.
PORT The left side of a boat looking forward; a harbor.
PROPELLER A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw in propelling a vessel.
PULPIT/PUSHPIT Rails at the bow and stern of the boat to prevent people falling overboard.
QUARTER The sides of a boat aft of amidships.
QUARTERING SEA Sea coming on a boat's quarter.
RANGE The distance between two objects (horizontally).
REACH Sailing with the wind coming over the side of the boat..
REACHING Sailing with the wind on the beam.
REEF POINTS Short lengths of line secured through a sail above its foot, used for reefing the sail.
REEF To reduce the sail area.
REEFING To reduce the sail area.
REEFING Tying up the bottom of the sail to avoid being overpowered.
RIDING TURN This happens when the turns of the sheet around the winch drum become crossed and jam.
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 a line.
RUDDER HEAD The top part of the rudder - the one being actually attached to the tiller.
RUDDER The underwater, movable plate used for steering, and for providing resistance to sideways motion caused by waves and wind. It is being controlled by the helmsman with a help of a tiller or a steering wheel.
RUN Opposite of reach - sailing with the wind coming over the stern.
RUNNING BY THE LEE When on a run and the wind blows over the stern from the same side as the mainsail.
RUNNING LIGHTS Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.
RUNNING RIGGING The rigging which is not standing, i.e. is adjustable such as; halyards, kicking strap and sheets.
RUNNING Sailing with the wind aft.
SAMSON POST A strong post on the foredeck to which is secured the anchor chain or warp.
SCHOONER First seen among 19th-century ships. It is multi masted and furls triangular sails. The foremost mast is always shorter than the others.
SCOPE The ratio of the length of an anchor line, from a vessel's bow to the anchor, to the depth of the water.
SCREW A boat's propeller.
SCULLING Rowing the boat, i.e. by swinging the tiller back and forth.
SCUPPER An opening in the side of a ship at deck level to allow water to run off. An opening for draining off water, as from a floor or the roof of a building.
SEA ANCHOR Any device used to reduce a boat's drift before the wind.
SECURE To make fast.
SHACKLE A "U" shaped connector with a pin or bolt across the open end.
SHACKLE A "U" shaped connector with a pin or bolt across the open end.
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.
SHEET A rope that is attached to the clew of the sail by which the sail is trimmed as required; it is named after the sail that it is attached too, i.e. jib sheet.
SHEET BEND A knot used to join two ropes. Functionally different from a square knot in that it can be used between lines of different diameters.
SHEET WINCH A drum around which the sheets are turned to pull in and ease out the sails, usually geared to make easier.
SHIP A larger vessel usually used for ocean travel. According to Webster's, a sailing vessel usually having a bowsprit and three masts each composed of a lower mast, a top mast, and a topgallant mast. Also, a vessel that is 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, composed of unconsolidated material.
SHOALING A phenomenon occurring as the waves enter a shallow water - their movement forward is slowed down because of the bottom friction, and thus their height increases.
SHROUDS Wires that support the mast in the athwartship position.
SHROUDS Run from the top of the mast to the port (left) and starboard (right) side of the hull to give sideways support.
SLACK Not fastened; loose; to loosen.
SLOOP A single-masted vessel with working sails (main and jib) set fore and aft.
SPAR A general name for all masts, booms, gaffs, and bowsprits.
SPINNAKER A large balloon shaped sail hoisted forward of the forestay when reaching or running.
SPLICE To permanently join two ropes by tucking their strands alternately over and under each other.
SPREADERS Struts on the mast which brace the shrouds.
SPRING LINE A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock..
SQUALL A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
SQUARE - RIGGER Large ships dating back to the 17th century typically with three masts carrying rectangular sails mounted on horizontal beams called yards.
SQUARE KNOT A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.
STANCHIONS Upright metal posts along the edge of the deck to which the guardrails are attached.
STAND-ON VESSEL A boat that has the right-of-way over the give-way vessel. It must maintain its course and speed.
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.
STANDING RIGGING Galvanized or stainless steel permanent wires supporting the mast, may sometimes be in the form of a stainless steel rod, such as stays and shrouds. These are attached to the mast at the top or near the spreaders by a pin or shackle, and at the bottom by lashings, a pin or turnbuckles.
STARBOARD TACK Sailing with the mainsail on the port side of the boat.
STARBOARD The right side of a boat when looking forward.
STARBOARD The right side of a boat when looking forward.
STAYS (Backstay/Forestay) A wire rope supporting the mast in the fore and aft position.
STAYSAIL A triangular sail immediately forward of the mast, the luff of which is supported by the forestay.
STEM The foremost vertical part of the boat.
STERN LINE A docking line leading away from the stern.
STERN The after part (back) of the boat.
STERN The back end of a boat, usually the square end.
STORM JIB A very small staysail. for heavy weather.
STORM TRYSAIL A small strong sail set without a boom in heavy weather.
STOW To pack or store away; especially, to pack in an orderly, compact manner.
SURF A continuous line of breakers at the shore.
SWAMP To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
TACK HOOK A snap used to hold the tack of the jib at the bow, while the sail is raised.
TACK PIN A pin used to secure the tack of a triangular sail at the mast.
TACK To make a course either side of the wind. The tack is defined by the side over which the main boom is carried, i.e. boom over port side, starboard tack; boom over starboard side, port tack. It is also the term for the lower forward corner of the sail.
TACK 1. The forward and lower corner of a sail, ("tack it down"). 2. A boat's heading as determined by the side that its sails are on. 3. Change tacks, usually by coming about.
TACKING Making a course to windward by going about, also known as beating or working to windward.
TACKLE A combination of blocks and line used to increase mechanical advantage.
TELLTALES Short pieces of yarn attached to the shrouds, or the sails. At the shrouds they indicate the direction of the wind (the apparent wind), and at the sails they help to check the air flow over the sail, so that proper trimming is easier.
THWART A seat or brace running laterally across a boat; also, a rower's seat extending across the boat.
TIDE The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
TILLER A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor.
TILLER A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor.
TO WEATHER A boat weathers an object by passing to windward of it. An object that is on the windward side of the boat is said to be up to weather.
TOPPING LIFT A wire or rope attached to the after end of the boom via a sheave (roller) at the top of the mast. It is used to support the boom when the mainsail is hoisted
TOPSAIL The sail above the lowermost sail on a square-rigged ship; also, the sail set above and sometimes on the gaff in a fore-and-aft rigged ship.
TOPSIDES The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.
TRAMPOLINE The space on a catamaran, usually made of some kind of mesh, located between the two hulls. It's a place for the crew (like a cockpit on dinghies and cruisers).
TRANSOM The stern cross-section of a square-sterned boat; any transverse beams secured to the sternpost.
TRAVELER A track (usually metal) with a fixture sliding on it. The fixture holds the main sheet (usually), and the sliding allows for changing angles of the sail.
TRAVELER Metal bar or other fitting that holds mainsheet blockt.
TRIM Fore and aft balance of a boat.
TRIM Fore and aft balance of a boat.
TRIMARAN A boat with three hulls.
TRIMMER The person controlling the shape of the sails on a boat. It is usually the crew on a dinghy, and a different person for each sail on larger boats.
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 and 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.
TRUE WIND The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
TRYSAIL A very small sail, used in a very heavy weather instead of a mainsail.
TURNBUCKLE (bottlescrew) A fitting for securing the stays or shrouds to the deck, consisting of a sleeve with a right handed screw on one end and a left handed screw on the other end. Sometimes called a rigging screw.
UNDERWAY When the boat is not secured in any way to the land.
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.
VHF RADIO A very high frequency electronic communications and direction finding system.
WAKE Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind when moving across the waters.
WAKE Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind when moving across the waters.
WATERLINE A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed.
WAY Movement of a vessel through the water, such as headway, sternway, or leeway.
WEIGHING ANCHOR To raise and secure the anchor.
WHARF A manmade 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.
WHITECAPS White foamy tops on the waves caused by high winds.
WINCH A mechanical device used to increase hauling power when raising or trimming sails.
WINDWARD Toward the direction from which the wind is coming; opposite of leeward.
WINDWARD Toward the direction from which the wind is coming; opposite of leeward.
YARD In yachts with square sails - the spar on which the sail is suspended.
YAW To swing off course, as when due to the impact of a following or quartering sea.
YAWL A two-masted sailboat with the small mizzen mast stepped abaft the rudder post
ZEPHYR A gentle, warm breeze. Also, the wind from the west.
ZIGZAGGING Alternating tacks on approximately equal distances.
abaft extra super salty talk for "aft of", as in "abaft the mast".
aft toward the stern of a boat or behind it.
anchor metal device for taking mud samples and keeping Lidos off rocks.
backwind hold a sail so the wind pushes its backside.
beam reach sailing at 90 degrees to the wind's direction.
beating zigzagging upwind, sailing closehauled and coming about.
block nautical term for a pulley.
boom horizontal pole that holds the bottom of the mainsail; named after the sound it makes when hitting your head.
boom vang line that keeps the boom at right angles to the mast
bow painter line attached to the bow; used to tie the boat to the dock, etc.
bow the front (pointy) end of the boat.
bowline pronounced bo' linn, super salty knot with loopy end--see knots section.
broach to round up uncontrollably from a run to a beam reach, heeling over. "If broaching sideway to the sea, our dropsied ship may founder by the lee".
broad reach sailing at 90 to 135 degrees to the wind direction.
capsize when a boat tips over.
centerboard downhaul stretchy cord, pull to make centerboard go down.
centerboard fin under boat to prevent sideways sailing; swings up for storage.
centerboard uphaul regular line, pull and cleat it to hold centerboard in up or partially up position.
chainplate metal piece on boat that attaches shrouds (wires that hold mast up).
cleat (noun) device for holding lines such as jib sheets or halyards.
cleat (verb) fasten a line using a cleat.
clew aft corner of a sail (where the outhaul pulls it out, "without a clew").
close hauled sailing at about 45 degrees to the wind direction.
close reach sailing at between 45 and 90 degrees to the wind direction.
come about to turn the boat up into the wind and over to change the side the sails are on (also called "tack").
cunningham line used to pull down on the luff (front edge) of the sail.
dinghy a little open boat.
fairlead ring used to guide lines.
fall off turn the boat more downwind.
foot bottom edge of a sail.
forestay the wire between the bow and mast, which keeps the mast from falling backwards when the jib is off.
gooseneck fitting that attaches the boom to the mast with a flexible joint.
halyard line used to lift the sails; from "haul yard" since square-rigged boats had yards that were hauled up to lift their sails.
hank plastic or metal clip or snap to hold jib on forestay.
head top corner of the sail.
head up turn the boat more upwind.
heavy weather strong winds and waves, possible 60's origin.
heel a boat's leaning over to one side, usually because of the wind.
hike out move your weight out to balance the sails' force, by sitting out on the rail above the seat.
hiking stick extension on the tiller for steering while hiked out.
hull the floating parts of a boat, not including sails, etc.
in irons pointing into the wind.
jib sheet line that controls the trim (angle to the wind) of the jib.
jib small sail in front of boat, hooked onto forestay.
jibe turn away from the wind to cause the sails to flip over to the other side of the boat.
kedging salty talk for throwing out the anchor and hauling in to move the boat.
knots nautical miles per hour; 1 knot = approx 1.1 mph.
leech aft (rear) edge of a sail.
leeward downwind; pronounced "lew' ard".
lido cheap boat that holds 4 and goes 3, both maximum.
luff noun forward edge of the sail.
luff verb when sails flap because they're not pulled in, or to turn the boat into the wind or let out the sails so that the sails luff.
mainsail big sail in back.
mainsheet line that controls the trim (angle to the wind) of the mainsail.
mast long vertical pole that holds the sails up.
outhaul line that pulls on the clew of the mainsail.
p.f.d. what it's like when there's no wind, or lifejacket.
padeye metal dohickey with a ring on it for attaching stuff.
pinching sailing at less than 45 degrees to the wind, with the sails partly luffing.
port left side of the boat when you are facing forward.
port tack sailing with the mainsail on the starboard side of the boat.
reach sailing with the wind coming over the side of the boat.
reefing tying up the bottom of the sail to avoid being overpowered.
rigging the hardware on a boat, or putting the sails and other pieces on a boat.
rudder big movable fin that helps one to steer a boat.
run (opposite of reach) sailing with the wind coming over the stern.
sculling rowing the boat, i.e. by swinging the tiller back and forth.
shackle snap or locking ring used to connect lines, sails, spars, and blocks.
shroud a wire that keeps the mast from falling over sideways.
starboard right side of the boat when you are facing forward.
starboard tack sailing with the mainsail on the port side of the boat.
stern the back end of a boat, usually the square end.
tack noun as in port tack and starboard tack; a boat's heading as determined by the side that its sails are on.
tack noun the forward and lower corner of a sail, ("tack it down")
tack verb change tacks, usually by coming about.
tiller stick for steering, attached to the rudder.
trailer dolly for moving trailers, looks like push lawn mower.
transom the flat part of the stern.
traveler metal bar or other fitting that holds mainsheet block.
true wind the wind direction as seen by a stationary observer.
whitecaps white foamy tops on the waves caused by high winds.
windward upwind; also called "to weather".
 Parts of the sail
and rig
The long skinny pole that holds the sail up is the mast.
The booms are the two sticks, one on each side of the sail,
that hold the sail out from the mast.
Sails have 3 corners (head, tack, clew) and 3 slides
(luff, leech, foot):
Three ropes (or 'lines') are attached to the sail. The
downhaul pulls the sail down the mast. It is attached to the
tack of the sail. It is the most important rope for adjusting the
sail. The outhaul pulls the sail out the boom. Finally, your
friendly uphaul is the rope that you use to pull the sail up
out of the water.
The battens are flexible plastic strips or tubes that hold
the shape in the sail.
Parts of the board
The fin (or skeg) and the centerboard provide
lateral resistance and keep the board from going sideways. The
universal is a flexible joint that attaches the mast to the
board. The pointy (foreward) end of the board is the bow, the
other (back) end is the stern.
Points of sail
It is necessary to describe the direction a sailboard is
travelling, relative to the wind direction. When you start up,
you will be on a beam reach. You will notice in the figure
below that you cannot sail directly in the direction that the wind is
coming from. To get up wind, you will need to sail on a close
reach and ziz-zag back and forth (tack). Sailing directly
downwind on a run will give you a tippy ride, but is a
necessary skill to learn in order to master the jibe. 
Directions
Directions on the water can be described in terms relative to the
wind, or relative to 'left' and 'right.' Since we've always had
trouble with the latter, we will begin with terms relative to the
wind.
The direction from where the wind is blowing is windward.
The direction away from where the wind is blowing is
leeward.To change one's direction to point more toward the
wind is to head-up. To change one's direction to point more
away from the wind is to fall-off. Now you know when someone
frantically yells at you "fall-off," they do not mean hit the suds.
Now it's time for (ugh) left and right. If the wind is coming over
the right side of a sailboard, therefore the sailor' right hand is
forward, the sailboard is on starboard tack. If the wind is
coming over the left side of a sailboard, therefore the sailor' left
hand is forward, the sailboard is on port tack.
Sailing directions are important for which are covered in the 'Start-Up' section of this
guide.
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