Aback .... A sail is said to be aback, when it is trimmed to bring the wind to the forward side.
Abaft .... Towards the stern of a vessel, relative to another point of reference; e.g. the mizzen mast is abaft the mainmast.
Abaft the beam -- Behind a perpendicular line extending out from the middle of the boat.
Abeam .... On one side or the other of a vessel at right angles to the fore-and-aft centreline.
Aboard .... In or on a vessel.
About .... To go about or to tack, to bring the bow across the wind, bringing the wind to bear on the opposite side of the vessel.
Above-board .... Above the deck, out in the open and visible.
A-bracket .... A triangular bracket fitted to the hull of a vessel, used to support the propeller shaft where it extends outside the hull.
Abreast .... To be alongside or abeam another vessel facing in the same direction.
A-cockbill .... Said of an anchor when it is suspended, ready to be released.
Adrift .... A vessel or an object that is floating free and is unable to move under its own power. A vessel that has broken free from her moorings.
Aerodynamics .... The interaction between the air and an object moving through it.
Afloat .... Said of a vessel when it is fully supported by the water.
Afloat .... To be at sea or to be on board a vessel.
A-frame .... A hinged A-shaped framework which is attached to the deck of a vessel and is used to give a mechanical advantage when raising or lowering a mast.
Aft .... At, near, or towards the stern of a vessel.
After body .... The rear half of the hull of a vessel.
After part .... That part of the vessel, that is behind the widest part or beam of the vessel.
Aground .... A vessel is said to be aground when it is on or touching the bottom.
Ahead, to go .... To move forwards.
Ahoy .... The call, or hail used to attract the attention of another vessel.
A-hull, to lie .... A vessel is said to be lying a-hull, when it has no sails set and the helm lashed down.
Aldis lamp .... A hand held electric lamp that is used to send signals at sea.
A-lee .... The position of the helm when it held over to the leeward side of the vessel, bringing the bow up into the wind.
Alfa .... The letter A in the phonetic alphabet. More.
All hands .... The complete crew.
All in the wind .... Said of a vessel when it is head to the wind with all sails flapping.
All standing .... A vessel is said to be brought to a halt all standing, when it stops as the result of dropping anchor while still moving.
Aloft .... Up the mast, overhead, above the deck.
Alongside .... Lying side by side with another vessel, or at a dock or jetty.
Alow .... Opposite to aloft. On or near the deck.
Alternating light .... A navigational light that displays two different colours in turn. Usually displayed by a buoy or lighthouse. More.
Altocumulus .... A medium altitude cloud formation consisting of rounded masses with a flat base. Clouds.
Altostratus .... A medium altitude, flat layer of continuous uniformly shaped cloud. Clouds.
Amidships .... In the middle of the vessel.
Anchor .... A heavy metal weight used to moor a vessel to sea-bottom. More info
Anchorage .... An area in which it is safe for a vessel to anchor. Usually, sheltered from prevailing winds, tides and currents with good holding ground.
Anchor buoy .... A small buoy that is used to mark the position of an anchor. With a smaller anchor it may also act as a tripping line enabling the recovery of a fouled anchor.
Anchor cable .... The rope, chain or warp to which the anchor is attached.
Anchor rode .... An anchor cable.(the line or chain attached to the anchor)
Anchor light .... An all-round white light displayed while at anchor; usually mounted on the forestay.
Anchor windlass .... A mechanical device used to retrieve the anchor rode or cable and thereby weigh anchor.
Anchor warp .... A rope, hawser or cable attached to an anchor.
Anemometer .... An instrument used for measuring wind speed.
Angle of cut .... The angle at which two position lines plotted on a chart cross.
Anodes .... Sacrificial zinc fittings that are attached to the outside of the hull adjacent to any exterior fittings; e.g. rudder, propeller etc. to protect them from corrosion by electrolysis. More info
Answering pendant .... A red and white vertically striped pendant, that is raised to a position half way up the signal halyard to indicate that a message has been received and subsequently fully raised when it has been understood. Flags.
Anticyclone .... A wind system that circulates around an area of high pressure, usually bringing fair weather.
Anti-fouling .... A paint compound that is applied to the hull of a vessel to discourage the growth of marine life.
Apeak .... An anchor is said to be apeak when the bows of a vessel are directly above it and it is just about to be broken out the of the ground.
Apparent wind .... The wind that blows across a vessel. The combination of the true wind and of the wind created by the movement of the vessel.
Arm .... To place tallow on the base of a lead when taking a depth sounding to determine the nature of the bottom.
Arm .... That part of an anchor between the flukes and the shank. More info
Aspect ratio .... The ratio between the length of the luff or forward edge, and the length of the foot or bottom of a sail.
Astern .... Behind a vessel.
Astern ,to go .... To move backwards.
Astronavigation .... To navigate using the positions of the sun, moon and stars.
Athwart, athwartships .... Across a vessel, from one side to the other.
Athwart-hawse .... A vessel is said to be athwart-hawse when the wind or the tide has driven it across the bows of another vessel.
Athwart the tide .... Said of a vessel when it is held across the flow of the tide by the wind while at anchor.
A-trip .... An anchor is said to be a-trip when it is just braking out of the ground.
Auxiliary .... An engine that has been fitted in a sailing vessel for occasional use is known as an auxiliary engine.
Auto-pilot .... An automatic steering device which maintains a vessel on a constant course.
Avast .... A command, to stop or cease.
Awash .... Flooded, level with the surface of the water. An object is said to be awash when the water just washes over it.
A-weather .... In the direction that the weather or wind is coming from.
Aweigh .... An anchor is said to be aweigh, just after it has broken out of the ground.
Awning .... A sun canopy, usually made of canvass.
Asymmetric spinnaker .... A sail that looks like a cross between a jib sail and spinnaker. It is set from a pole extending from the bow.
B
Back .... The wind is said to back when it changes in an anticlockwise direction (in the northern hemisphere); e.g. a change from north to north west.
Back an anchor .... To lay a second anchor ahead of the bower anchor for additional holding power.
Backboard .... A board that forms the back of a seat, to give support.
Backing the jib .... To position or sheet the jib to the windward.
Backing a sail .... To put a sail into a position so that the wind fills it from the opposite side. The resultant effect being to slow the vessel down.
Back splice .... To weave the strands at the end of a rope back in on themselves to prevent them from unravelling.
Backstay .... The stay that supports the mast from aft, preventing any forward movement.
Backwash .... The receding waves that are created by the movement of a vessel.
Backwind .... When a mainsail is eased or let out and it flaps and spills the wind it is said to backwind.
Baggywrinkle .... A protective sheath wound around shrouds etc. to prevent the sails from chafing, made from many short lengths of line woven together.
Bail .... To remove water from a vessel by hand.
Bailey .... The name given to a sea area situated off out from the North West of Scotland.
Balance .... A boat is balanced when it is upright, both from side to side and fore-and-aft.
Balanced helm .... A vessel that has a balanced helm has little or no tendency to change direction.
Ballast .... Weight, normally lead or iron carried within a vessel or formed into the keel of a vessel to improve trim and stability.
Barber hauler .... A device used for moving the jib sheet leads in an athwartships direction.
Bare away .... To turn away from the wind.
Bare boat charter .... A vessel chartered without a crew.
Bare poles.... Underway without any sails set.
Barge .... A large flat bottomed vessel used for carrying freight on canals, rivers and in coastal waters.
Bargee .... A person in charge of, or working on a barge.
Barograph .... An instrument that makes a continuous record of the atmospheric pressure.
Barometer .... An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
Barque .... A vessel that has the rear mast rigged fore-and-aft and the remaining masts square-rigged.
Barquentine .... A vessel that has only the foremast square-rigged and the remaining masts rigged fore-and-aft.
Battens .... Flexible strips of wood, metal or plastic that are placed into long slots in a sail to assist the leach to maintain the correct shape.
Batten down .... To secure all fittings and make a vessel watertight in preparation for heavy weather.
Bawley .... A small coastal fishing vessel (no longer used), peculiar to the south-east coast of England.
Beacon .... A navigational mark, usually but not always lit.
Beam .... The maximum width of a vessel.
Beam reach .... Sailing with the wind coming directly from the side of the boat.
Beam ends .... A vessel is on beam ends when it is heeled over to such an extent that it is about to capsize.
Bean-cod .... A small Portuguese inshore fishing vessel.
Bear away .... To alter course away from the wind.
Bear down .... To approach from up wind.
Bear in .... To approach closer.
Bearing .... The measured angle between true north and the direction of an object from a position of observation.
Bear off .... To stand further away.
Bear up .... To alter course closer to the wind.
Beat .... To sail to the windward, close hauled.
Beating .... To sail to the windward. Close hauled, zigzagging across the wind, in order to reach an objective upwind.
Beaufort scale .... An internationally used scale of wind force. Table
Becalmed .... To be motionless as the result of the absence of any wind.
Becket .... An eye or loop in the end of a rope or on a block.
Becue .... To attach a rope to the flukes of an anchor so that it may be retrieved if it becomes fouled.
Bee .... A ring or a hoop of metal.
Bee block .... A small wooden block housing a sheave through which leech reef pendants are passed.
Before the wind .... Running with the wind coming from astern.
Belay .... To make a rope fast, usually around a cleat with a figure of eight knot.
Belay .... A instruction meaning 'stop'.
Belaying pin .... A fixed wooden or metal pin used for fastening a rope round.
Bell buoy .... A buoy usually unlit on which a bell is mounted, rung by the motion of the sea to warn of shallow water.
Bell rope .... A rope attached to the clapper of a bell, used to assist in ringing it.
Belly band .... A strip of canvas sometimes sewn to a square sail between the foot and the reefing points in order to strengthen it.
Bend .... To attach a mainsail to its boom.
Bend .... A knot used to fasten the ends of two lines together.
Bendy mast .... A mast which is capable of being deliberately bent to take up the desired degree of curvature.
Beneaped .... A vessel that has gone aground at the top of a spring high tide.
Bermudan rig .... Triangular fore-and-aft sails set on a single tall mast.
Berth .... A place in a harbour in which a vessel may be moored or swing at anchor.
Berth .... A bunk, a place to sleep on board a vessel.
Berth .... To give a wide berth. To give clearance to or keep clear of a vessel.
Berthon boat .... A folding canvass boat, named after the inventor, Edward Berthon.
Best bower .... The starboard hand anchor carried at the bow of a vessel.
Bight .... A bight is formed when a rope is turned back on itself.
Bight .... A curve or recess in the coastline.
Bilge .... The almost flat part of the bottom of a vessel.
Bilge keels .... Shallow keels, attached to the bilge of a vessel.
Bilge pump .... A small pump used to pump the water from the bilges.
Bilge water .... Dirty water that collects inside the bilge of a vessel.
Binnacle .... A mounting for the compass in the cockpit.
Biscay .... The name given to a sea area situated in the Bay of Biscay.
Bite .... When the flukes of an anchor dig into the bottom and take hold it is said to bite.
Bitter .... The part of a anchor warp or cable that is wound around the bitts.
Bitter end .... The unused end of an anchor cable.
Bitts .... Two small posts fixed to the foredeck to which a mooring cable or the bowsprit can be attached.
Block .... A housing with one or more pulleys. A device used as part of a block and tackle or with a single pulley to change the direction of a rope or line.
Block and tackle .... A system of blocks designed to give a mechanical advantage.
Blue jay .... A light single handed dinghy. International class.
Blue Peter .... A flag hoisted to indicate that a vessel is about to set sail. The flag is the letter P in the International Code of Signals. Flags.
Board .... One leg of a beat to the windward.
Boat .... A small open craft. In general used to describe almost any vessel.
Boat-hook .... A long pole with a spike and a hook on one end which is used for manoeuvring boats.
Boat-house .... A shed at the edge of the water , used to house a boat.
Boatswain .... On board ship, the officer in charge of equipment and the crew.
Boatswain's chair .... A seat suspended on ropes upon which a man may be hoisted aloft.
Bobstay .... A stay rigged from the bow or stem of a vessel to the end of the bowsprit to counteract the upward pull of the forestay.
Bollard .... A short post on a quay or on board a vessel, used for securing mooring lines.
Bolt .... A roll of canvas or other material. Originally a standard measure of thirty nine yards.
Bolt rope .... Rope sewn into the edges of a sail to reinforce it.
Boom .... A floating barrier across the mouth of a river or harbour.
Boom .... A spar used to extend and support the foot or bottom of a sail.
Boom crutch or gallows .... A temporary structure erected to secure and support the boom when moored, or when at anchor.
Boom preventer .... A line or tackle set up to prevent an accidental gybe.
Boom-vang .... A line that stops the boom from rising when the mainsail is set.
Bora .... A strong north-east wind occurring in the northern part of the Adriatic.
Bore .... A large wave or surge of water caused by the constriction of a high tide entering a long narrow inlet or estuary.
Bosun's chair .... A seat suspended from ropes upon which a man may be hoisted aloft.
Bottle screw.... A metal screw fitting used to adjust the tension in a shroud or a stay.
Bow .... The front part of a vessel.
Bower anchor .... One of the two main anchors carried at the bow of a vessel.
Bow fitting .... The fitting to which the forestay is attached.
Bowline .... A knot used for making a loop.
Bow line .... A mooring warp that runs from the bow to a point on shore.
Bow roller .... A roller situated at the extreme forward part of the bow, over which the anchor chain or rode passes to ease the raising and lowering of the anchor.
Bowse .... To tighten a sail using tackle.
Bowsprit.... A spar that projects forward from the bow enabling headsails to be set further forward.
Bow wave.... A wave set up at the bows of a vessel as it moves through the water.
Braided rope .... A rope consisting of a sheathed core of braided or plaited strands.
Brails .... Ropes on both sides of a loose footed fore-and-aft sail used to temporarily furl or gather the sail to the mast.
Bravo .... The letter B in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Breach .... The breaking down of sea defenses.
Breaker .... A heavy wave that breaks over rocks or shallows.
Break ground .... Said of an anchor as the flukes break free from the ground.
Break sheer .... A vessel is said to break sheer if, while at anchor it swings into a position in which it could foul the anchor cable.
Breakwater .... Sea wall or other structure designed to break the force of the waves.
Breast rope .... A rope which lays approximately at right angles to the vessel used for mooring to a dock or jetty.
Breeches buoy ... A life buoy that is fitted with a pair of breeches for the users legs.
Breeze .... A light wind.
Bridge deck .... The raised area that separates the cockpit from the cabin.
Bridle .... A length of rope which is attached to either end of an object, the centre part or the bight of which is used to provide a more balanced point at which to apply a purchase.
Bridle .... The cable that runs from a fixed mooring point on the bottom to a mooring buoy.
Bridle-port .... An opening in the bows of a vessel at deck level through which mooring cables are passed.
Brig .... A square rigged two masted vessel.
Brigantine .... A two-masted vessel with the fore mast square rigged and the rear mast, fore-and-aft rigged..
Bright work .... The varnished areas of a vessel.
Bring up .... To bring up a vessel is to approach an anchor or mooring either head to tide, or if the tide is slack, head to wind.
Bring to .... To bring to a vessel is to bring it to a stop by turning the bow into wind.
Broach .... When a vessel swings out of control broadside to the waves, whilst heeling at an extreme angle.
Broad reach .... Sailing when the wind is coming from the port or starboard quarter.
Bruce .... A type of anchor. More info
Bulb keel .... A fin keel that is ballasted with a large bulb shape at the lower end.
Bulkhead .... A vertical partition across a vessel which divides and strengthens the hull.
Bulwarks .... The parapet around the edge of the deck of a vessel.
Bumpkin .... A short spar extending forward from the bow, fitted instead of a bowsprit.
Bunk .... A bed on board a vessel.
Bunting .... A thin line used to support signal flags.
Buoy .... A floating navigational mark. Buoyage
Buoyage .... A system of navigational marks that indicate the positions of hazards and safe channels. Buoyage
Buoyancy bags .... Inflatable bags that are used to provide additional buoyancy in a dinghy .
Buoyancy tanks .... Sealed tanks fitted to a vessel to give additional buoyancy in the event of being swamped.
Buoy rope .... A rope that is used to attach a buoy to the object that it is marking.
Burgee .... A small triangular flag sometimes flown from the top of the mast to indicate the direction of the apparent wind.
By the board .... Close to a vessels deck.
By the head .... When a vessel sits deeper in the water at the bow, than is normal.
By the stern .... When a vessel sits deeper in the water at the stern, than is normal.
By the wind .... To sail close to the wind, close hauled.
By the lee .... Running with the wind coming slightly from the lee side of the vessel.
C
Cabin .... Accommodation, living quarters below deck.
Cabin sole .... The floor or floor boards of the cabin.
Cable .... A unit of measurement. One cable = One tenth of a nautical mile.
Cable .... A heavy wire or hemp rope, or a chain used for anchoring.
Cable-laid .... A rope is cable-laid, when it is made of three strands of triple strand rope.
Call sign .... A signal that is broadcast which identifies the transmitter it originates from.
Cardinal points .... The four main points of the compass. North, South, East, and West.
Cardinal buoyage system .... The practice of placing buoys to mark the cardinal points of obstacles to navigation. Buoyage
Camber .... The curve in the surface of the deck from one side to the other.
Camber .... The curvature of a sail.
Cam cleat .... A cleat designed with two cams between which a rope or line can be secured.
Canal .... A manmade inland waterway
Can buoy .... A cylindrical shaped buoy used as a lateral mark. Buoyage
Canvas .... A ship is said to be under canvas when it is under sail.
Canvas .... A cloth made from hemp or flax, used to make sails and awnings.
Capsize .... To turn a boat over into a position from which it can not right itself.
Capstan .... A winch or windlass with a vertical drum used to haul in an anchor.
Caravel .... A two or three masted Mediterranean trading vessel used by the Spanish and the Portuguese during the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries.
Careen .... To haul a vessel down to one side to expose the underside of the hull for cleaning or repairs.
Careenage .... A steep sandy beach upon which a vessel could be careened.
Carrack .... A large European trading vessel used during the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries.
Carriage .... A fitting that supports a fairlead or block and slides on a track so that position can be adjusted.
Carrick bend .... A knot used to join two ropes; when tied it is of a shape that will not foul the tackle.
Cartography .... The science or practice of map or chart making.
Cast off .... To release any lines that attach a vessel to a jetty, dock, buoy etc.
Catamaran .... A twin hulled vessel.
Catenary .... The curve made by an anchor cable, between the anchor and the vessel.
Catspaw .... A hitch formed by twisting the bight of a rope to produce two eyes that can be placed on a hook for towing or hoisting.
Catspaw .... A very light puff of wind that just disturbs the surface of the water.
Caulk .... To make watertight the seams of a wooden vessel by filling with cotton or oakum and waterproofing material.
Caulking .... The cotton, oakum and waterproofing material that is packed into the seams of a wooden vessel to make it watertight.
Caulking iron .... A flat chisel-like tool used for driving caulking material into a seam.
Centreboard .... A retractable wooden board, That is swivelled through a slot in the bottom of a sailing dinghy to reduce leeway.
Centreboard casing .... The housing in which the centreboard sits.
Centreline .... The centre of a vessel running from bow to stern.
Centre of effort .... The centre of the sail area where all the forces of the wind pressure can be said to be concentrated.
Centre of gravity .... The point at which the total weight of a vessel can be said to be concentrated.
Centre of lateral resistance .... The centre point of the underwater part of a hull where the lateral resistance can be said to be concentrated.
Centreplate .... A centerboard that is constructed in metal.
Chain locker .... The place where the anchor chain is stowed.
Chain plate .... A metal fitting that attaches the rigging to the hull or deck of a vessel.
Channel .... The navigable part of a waterway; a length of water wider than a strait connecting two larger areas of water.
Charlie .... The letter C in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Chart .... A geographical map or plan used for navigation.
Chart datum .... The water level at the lowest tide. The level from which the depths recorded on a chart are taken.
Charter .... A contract to hire a vessel for exclusive use.
Chili .... A hot Southerly wind blowing into the Western Mediterranean from North Africa.
Chine .... The join between the side and the bottom of a vessel.
Chock .... To secure objects to prevent them from rolling about with the motion of the vessel.
Chock-a-block .... A situation that occurs when two blocks that are part of a tackle run together preventing any further movement.
Choke the luff A method of stopping the movement of a rope through a block, by jamming the hauling part across the sheave or pulley.
Chops .... An area where two tides meet and cause an irregular sea.
Chord .... An imaginary line parallel to the foot or bottom of a sail between the luff and the leech. i.e. between the front and back edges of the sail.
Chronometer .... An accurate timepiece or clock, essential to navigation.
Chute .... An opening in the deck at the bow from which a spinnaker is hoisted.
Cirrus .... A feathery white cloud, occurring at high altitude. Clouds.
Cirrocumulus .... A layer of small lumpy, fleecy white clouds often in contact with each other, occurring at high altitude. Clouds.
Cirrostratus .... A thin high altitude white cloud mainly composed of fine ice crystals. Clouds.
Clap on .... To make a temporary addition of something to an existing object.
Class .... A number of boats built to the same design.
Claw off .... To beat to the windward to avoid being blown onto a lee shore.
Claw ring .... A C-shaped fitting that can be slipped over the boom after roller reefing to enable the kicking strap to be reattached.
Clean lines .... Said of a vessel if it is streamlined and cuts through the water without undue resistance or turbulence.
Clear wind .... Wind that reaches a sailing vessel without interference.
Clearing lines .... Lines plotted on a chart to define the limits of areas of hazardous and safe navigation.
Cleat .... A wooden or metal fitting with two projecting ends securely attached to the vessel, to which a line can be fastened or belayed.
Clench .... To make a permanent joint; e.g. to hammer over the end of a bolt so that the nut can not be removed.
Clew .... The lower after corner of a sail.
Clew outhaul .... A line or tackle used to tension the foot of a sail.
Clinch .... To fasten a rope to an object by using a half hitch and then binding the working end back on the standing part with a seizing.
Clinch .... A technique used to ensure that the planking on a vessel does not become loose, by turning over the ends the fixing nails.
Clinker .... A form of hull construction where the edges of the planks are overlapped.
Clipper bow .... A bow that has a concave curvature.
Close hauled .... Sailing as close as possible to the wind with the sails pulled in tight.
Close reach .... Sailing close to the wind but slightly freer than close hauled.
Close reefed .... All reefs taken in.
Close winded .... Said of a vessel that sails particularly close to the wind.
Cloths .... The strips of cloth or canvas that are sewn together to form a sail.
Clove hitch .... A knot used to secure a line at right angles to a rail.
Clump block .... A large heavy duty block.
Coach roof .... Part of the structure of a cabin above deck.
Coaming .... A raised edging surrounding any opening in the deck of a vessel to prevent water entering.
Cock .... A valve or tap used to control the flow of a liquid.
Cockbill .... Said of an anchor when it is hanging in position ready to be dropped.
Cocked hat .... The triangle formed by three position lines when plotted on a chart.
Cockpit .... That part of the vessel where the helm and instruments are located.
Cockpit coaming .... The raised border around the cockpit to keep the water out.
Cockpit locker .... A cupboard within the cockpit area.
Cockpit sole .... The floor of the cockpit.
Coffee grinder .... A powerful sheet winch usually with two handles mounted on a pedestal.
Coil .... The way in which a rope is stowed, in a number of concentric circles.
Collision regulations .... The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. The rules of the road.
Conical buoy .... A buoy used in the lateral buoyage system to mark a navigable channel, this shape is usually used in a starboard hand position.
Continental shelf .... An area of relatively shallow sea bed lying between the shore of a continent and the deeper ocean floor.
Continental slope .... The steep slope from the edge of the continental shelf down to the ocean floor.
Committee boat .... A vessel from which a race is directed by the officials.
Companionway .... The access to the main cabin.
Compass .... An instrument used to indicate the magnetic north (in the case of a magnetic compass), or the true north (in the case of a gyro compass).
Compass bearing .... The direction of an object (measured in degrees) as indicated by the compass reading.
Compass course .... The course followed as indicated by the compass.
Compass deviation .... The difference made to the reading given by a compass due to the magnetic field of the vessel or of equipment on board.
Compass error .... The amount by which the compass is inaccurate in its reading of true north due to variation and deviation.
Compass north .... The direction in which a compass needle points when there is no nearby magnetic interference.
Composite construction .... Method of hull construction using more than one material.
Counter .... The overhanging part of the stern.
Course .... The direction in which the vessel is being steered.
CQR .... A type of anchor. Also known as a plough. More info
Cradle .... A framework designed to safely support a vessel while stored on land.
Crazing .... Fine hairline cracks in a gel coat or paintwork.
Cringle .... An eye in a sail.
Cromarty .... The name given to a sea area off the coast of North East Scotland.
Crossing turn .... A crossing turn is formed by crossing one part of a rope over or under another.
Cross-trees .... Struts attached to either side of a mast to increase the spread and hence the effectiveness of the shrouds.
Crown .... That part of an anchor where the stock meets the arms. More info
Crown .... A knot formed by folding the strands at the end of the rope back on themselves and weaving them back into the rope to prevent it from unravelling.
Crows nest .... A small sheltered platform mounted high on the foremast of sailing ships, used as a lookout.
Cruising chute .... A light three cornered sail, set forward. Similar to a spinnaker but with one corner attached to the bow.
Crutch .... A rowlock. A U-shaped fitting that is fitted into the gunwale of a rowing boat that supports the oar while allowing it to pivot.
Crutches .... Support for the boom when the sails are stowed.
Cumulonimbus .... A dense tall low level mass of cloud, usually present during thunder storms. Clouds.
Cumulus .... A cloud formation with rounded masses of heaped up cloud and a flat base. Clouds.
Cunninghams control .... A line used to adjust the tension of the luff.
Cunningham hole or cringle .... An eye in the luff of a sail situated above the tack used to attach a line for tensioning the luff.
Cutter .... A sailing vessel with a single mast that is stepped more than one third of the way aft, carrying two or more sails forward of the mast.
Cutwater .... The forward edge of the stem or prow of a vessel.
D
Dagger-board .... A removable centre board.
Dagger-board case .... The casing through which the dagger board is inserted.
Dan-buoy .... A marker buoy that has a vertical pole and flag attached to it, to make it more visible.
Danforth .... A type of anchor. More info
Davits .... A pair of small cranes used for hoisting or lowering a tender, dinghy or lifeboat.
Day mark .... A shape used to identify a shore feature during daylight hours, usually painted white.
Deadrise .... The angle at which the bottom of a vessel rises from the horizontal on either side of the centerline.
Dead Reckoning .... A method of calculating position, using the direction and distance travelled from a known starting point. No allowance being made for leeway or for tidal set and drift.
Dead run .... Sailing directly downwind.
Deck .... A platform or covering, over the interior of a vessel, acting as a floor.
Deck stepped .... A decked stepped mast is fitted directly onto the deck.
Deep vee hull ....A hull designed for speed, where there is a steep angle of deadrise (more than 20%), that extends the whole length of the hull.
Delta .... The letter D in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Depression .... An area of low atmospheric pressure bringing poor weather conditions.
Deviation .... The error induced in a compass by virtue of its proximity to ferrous metals or electrical equipment on board a vessel.
Dew point .... The temperature at which water vapour condenses.
DGPS .... Differential Global Positioning System. An enhanced positioning system that uses information from a network of satellites and a ground station.
Dinghy .... A small open rowing or sailing boat.
Dirty wind .... Turbulent air left by a sailing boat.
Direction .... The direction in which an object lies relative to a point of observation, measured as an angle in degrees clockwise from north.
Dismasted .... To lose the mast through breakage.
Displacement .... The displacement of a vessel is the weight of the vessel, which is equal to the weight of water that is displaced by the hull.
Dock .... A place, alongside which a vessel can moor.
Dodgers .... Screens attached to a rail to give protection from the wind and spray.
Dogger .... The name given to a sea area situated between North East England and Denmark.
Dolphin .... A pile, bollard or structure used for mooring or as a navigational mark. Buoyage.
Double-ender .... A vessel that has both a pointed bow and a pointed stern.
Double sheet bend .... A knot used to join two ropes of varying thickness, or for making fast to an eye or loop.
Double tiller extension .... Two separate tiller extensions attached to the same tiller for use on either side a high performance dinghy.
Dover .... The name given to a sea area situated between the coast of South East of England and France.
Downhaul .... A line or tackle used to put downward pressure on a sail or spar.
Down helm .... To push the tiller to the leeward so that the vessel turns into the wind.
Downwind .... To leeward, running before the wind.
DR .... See Dead Reckoning.
Draft .... The depth of camber of a sail.
Drag .... When an anchor does not hold, a vessel is said to drag.
Draught .... The vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel.
Draw.... When a sail is filled by the wind it is said to draw.
Drift .... The speed of the current in knots.
Drift .... A vessel's leeway.
Driving force .... The force that is produced by the sails that pushes the boat along.
Drogue .... An object towed from the stern of a vessel in order to reduce speed.
Drying feature .... An area or an object which is submerged at high water but exposed at low water.
Dry suit .... Clothing. A waterproof suit with latex seals around all openings.
Dutchman's log .... A method of measuring speed, by dropping an object over the bow and measuring the time it takes to travel the known distance to the stern.
E
Ease .... To let out a line or sheet gradually.
Ebb tide .... A falling tide.
Eddy .... Water moving in a circular motion, often the result of water flowing around an obstruction.
Echo .... The letter E in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Electrolysis .... The chemical reaction that occurs between two dissimilar metals that are immersed in sea water.
Ensign .... A flag flown at the stern of a vessel to indicate the country in which it is registered.
Enterprise .... A light international class racing dinghy.
EP .... See Estimated Position.
EPIRB .... Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
Estimated position .... The best possible estimate of position, based on the distance and direction travelled from a known starting point, making allowance for leeway, tidal set and drift.
Etesian .... Also known as the Meltemi. A North Westerly wind in the Aegean Sea.
Even keel .... When a vessel is floating exactly upright.
Eye of the wind .... The precise point from which the wind is coming.
Eyelet .... A small brass or stainless steel cringle.
F
Fair wind .... A favourable wind from the point of view of the course required.
Fairing .... A structure added to a vessel to streamline it.
Fair Isle .... The name given to a sea area situated off the North coast of Scotland including the area surrounding the Fair Isles.
Faeroes .... The name given to the sea area off out from the North of Scotland surrounding the Faeroe Islands.
Fairlead .... A devise such as an eye or a pulley used to guide a rope to prevent cutting or chafing.
Fairway .... A navigable channel into a harbour.
Fall .... That part of a rope that is hauled upon, in a tackle.
Fall off .... When the bow of a vessel moves away from the wind.
False tack .... The pretence of changing tack in an effort to mislead an opponent during competition.
Fastnet .... The name given to a sea area situated off the South coast of Ireland.
Fathom .... A unit of measurement for the depth of water; one fathom is equal to 6 feet.
Fenders .... A flexible, air filled devise, usually made from plastic, which is hung over the side of a vessel to protect it, and to lessen the effect of minor impacts while moored.
Fend off .... To push another vessel away or hold a vessel off the dock.
Fetch .... To sail close hauled without having to tack.
Fetch .... The distance traveled by wind or waves across open water.
Fetch .... The distance a vessel has to travel to reach open water.
Fiddles .... Raised edges of horizontal surfaces below deck which prevent objects from sliding off when the boat heels.
Figure of eight .... A Knot used as a stopper to prevent the loose end escaping.
Fin keel .... A single fin shaped ballasted keel attached centrally to the bottom of a sailing vessels hull.
Finistere .... The name given to a sea area situated to the West of the Bay of Biscay.
Fisher .... The name given to a sea area situated off the North West coast of Denmark.
Fisherman's .... A type of anchor. More info.
Fix .... A position as determined by two or more position lines.
Flaw .... A gust of wind.
Flashing .... A light is said to be flashing when the periods of dark are longer than those of light. More
Flood tide .... A rising tide.
Flotation bag .... An inflatable bag used to give additional buoyancy to a waterlogged vessel.
Flotsam .... Floating wreckage or rubbish.
Fluke .... The barb of an anchor. More info
Fluxgate compass .... An electronically operated compass.
Fly bridge .... An outside steering position situated on top of the highest area of the coach roof or superstructure.
Flying .... A jib that is set without being hanked to the forestay.
Flying fifteen .... A keeled international class dinghy.
Fog-horn .... An audible devise used to warn of a vessels presence in poor visibility. Sound signals.
Foils .... The underwater parts of a vessel such as the rudder, centreboard or keel, etc.
Folding grapnel .... A folding type or anchor. More info
Following sea .... A sea that is travelling in the same direction as a vessel.
Foot .... The bottom edge of a sail, between the tack and the clew.
Fore .... The front, the forward part of a vessel.
Fore-and-aft .... In line from bow to stern, on or parallel to the center line.
Fore cabin, Foc'sle .... A cabin situated in the bow of a vessel.
Fore deck .... The area of the deck situated at the forward end of the vessel.
Foreguy .... The downhaul for the spinnaker pole. Usually on larger vessels.
Forepeak .... The area in the extreme forward part of a vessel, in the angle of the bows.
Foresail .... A triangular shaped sail which is set forward of the mast.
Forestay .... A stay which runs from the masthead to the bow to prevent backward movement of the mast.
Fore triangle .... The triangle measured for rating purposes. Formed by the mast, forestay and deck.
Forth .... The name given to a the sea area situated off the South East Scotland.
Forties .... The name given to a sea area situated between the East coast of Scotland and southern Norway.
Forward .... Near or towards the bow.
Foul .... To get the propeller jammed with rope or weed.
Foxtrot .... The letter F in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Fractional rig .... A rig where the forestay and hence the jib or foresail is attached only partway up the mainmast.
Free .... When the wind moves further to the aft it is said to free.
Freeboard .... That part of the hull between the water level and the gunwale or deck.
Freer.... .... The wind is said to be freer when it shifts to the aft relative to the vessel.
Free standing mast .... A mast that is not supported by any rigging, sometimes used an smaller dinghies
Free wind .... When the wind moves further to the aft.
Full .... A sail that has plenty of draft is said to be full.
Furl .... To gather a sail on or round a spar or stay.
G
Gaff .... A spar which slides up a mast in order to extend the head of a four sided mainsail.
Galvanic corrosion .... The corrosion that occurs when two different metals are immersed in seawater. More.
Galvanic table .... A table listing metals in order of nobility, or of differing potentials. Metals with a higher negative potential will corrode faster. More.
Gavanize .... The process used to coat iron with a thin layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. More.
Gaskets .... Small cords used to secure a furled sail.
Gather way .... Start to move through the water.
Galley .... The kitchen area on board a vessel.
Gel coat .... The external coat of resin on a fibreglass hull which has a high gloss finish.
Gennaker .... A sail that is a cross between a genoa and a spinnaker.
Genoa .... A very large headsail, which is set on the forestay and has a considerable overlap with the mainsail.
Geographical range .... The maximum range at which a light is visible, within the limitations of the curvature of the earth and the height of the light and of the viewing point.
German Bight .... The name given to a sea area situated off the Northern coast of Germany.
Ghibli .... A hot Southerly wind blowing into the Mediterranean from North Africa.
Ghosting .... Moving gently through the water in an extremely light wind.
Gimbals .... A pivoting devise which enables an object to be suspended whilst maintaining it in a horizontal position.
Give way .... To allow another vessel right of way.
GMDSS .... Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
Go about .... To change to a different tack.
Golf ..... The letter G in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Gooseneck .... The universal joint fitting which is used to attach the boom to the mast.
Goose-wing .... To run or sail before the wind, with the mainsail and the foresail set on opposite sides of the vessel.
GPS .... Global Positioning System.
Grab rail .... A rail or handhold used for support when a vessel is in motion.
Gradient wind .... Wind that is caused by the atmospheric pressure and is not affected by friction with the earths surface.
Grapnel .... A type of light anchor. More info
Gregale .... A cold northerly wind in the Ionian Sea.
Grid .... A framework of parallel lines printed on a chart, forming a basis for map references.
Gripe .... To have a tendency to pull hard up into the wind.
Grommet .... A ring of rope or a loop formed at the end of a rope.
Ground tackle .... The equipment that is used for anchoring; anchors, rode, etc.
Ground track .... The actual course travelled over the sea bed.
GRP .... Glass Reinforced Plastic.
Guard rail .... A safety rail surrounding the deck.
Gudgeon .... A tubular fitting into which the pin of pintle of the rudder, is inserted allowing it to swivel.
Gunter rig .... A rig where the gaff slides up the mast to form an extension to it.
Gunwale .... The top edge of the hull.
Guy .... A rope that is used to steady a spar.
Gybe .... To change from one tack to the other with the wind from the aft.
H
Halyard .... A rope or line used to hoist or lower a sail, flag or spar.
Hand .... To hand or take a sail down.
Hand bearing compass .... A portable hand held compass.
Hanging locker .... A wardrobe.
Hanks .... The rings or hooks used to attach a sail to a stay.
Hard .... Solid ground adjacent to the water used to launch a vessel from.
Hard eye .... A reinforced wire loop.
Harden up .... To sail a vessel closer to the wind.
Hard up/down.... When the tiller is held over to its furthermost point toward or away from the wind respectively.
Hatch .... A cover or trapdoor style window often in the deck, fitted to cover an opening.
Hawser .... A heavy rope or cable used for mooring or towing.
Head .... The topmost part of a sail.
Head .... The part of an anchor that houses the ring to which the rode is attached. More info
Header .... A shift in the wind further forward relative to the vessel.
Headfoil .... Solid forestay with a groove to take the jib luff.
Heading .... The direction in which the bow of a vessel is pointing.
Headland .... A promontory, a piece of high land jutting out into the sea.
Heads .... The toilet on a vessel.
Headsail .... A sail that is set forward of the main mast.
Head sea .... A sea that is travelling in the opposite direction to that of the boat.
Head to wind .... With the bow pointing directly into the wind.
Heave to .... To bring the vessel to a stop, by bringing the headsail to the windward, letting the mainsail partially out and holding the tiller to the leeward.
Hebrides .... The name given to a sea area situated off the North West coast of Scotland.
Heel .... The sideways leaning of a sailing vessel caused by the winds force on the sails.
Heeling error .... The error in a compass reading due to the heeling of a vessel.
Heel fitting .... The lowermost attachment of the rudder to the keel, also the lowermost part of the mast.
Heeling force .... The force resulting from the combination of the resistance of the keel and the wind force on the sails, causing the vessel to heel.
Height of tide .... The vertical distance between chart datum and the level of the water surface.
Heights .... The height of an object measured from MHWS.
Helm .... The device used to steer vessel, usually a tiller or a wheel.
Helmsman .... The one who steers.
Herreshoff .... A type of fisherman's anchor. More info
High water .... The level of the water surface when the tide is in or at it's highest point.
Hike out .... To sit on the side deck and lean outboard to improve the stability of the sailing vessel.
Hitch .... A knot used to make a line fast to an object.
HMP .... High Modulus Polyethylene. A material used in the production of very strong and light rope.
Holding ground .... That part of the sea bed where the anchor digs in.
Horse .... A bar or track that takes a traveller.
Hotel .... The letter H in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Hounds .... The place at which shrouds and the forestay are attached to the mast.
Horn cleat .... A cleat designed with two horns pointing in different directions upon which a rope or line can be secured.
Hove-to .... The position reached after heaving-to.
Hull speed .... The maximum speed that a non planing hull of a given length can achieve.
Humber .... The name given to a sea area situated off the Eastern Coast of England.
Hydrofoil .... A vessel that is fitted with planing surfaces that lift the hull out of the water, reducing friction and hence increasing the speed.
I
IALA .... The International Association of Lighthouse Authorities.
Inboard .... In the vessel or nearer to the center of the vessel.
India .... The letter I in the phonetic alphabet. More.
In irons .... When a vessel is sailing directly into the wind and is unable to turn either way.
Inshore .... Near to the shore.
In stays .... When a vessel is on the point of going through the eye of the wind as it tacks, it is said to be in stays.
In stays .... When a vessel is lying head to the wind without steerage way.
International 14 .... A high performance racing dinghy.
International 505 .... A high performance racing dinghy.
Irish Sea .... The name given to the sea area situated in the Irish Sea.
Isobar .... A line drawn on a weather map to link areas of equal pressure.
Isophase .... Said of a light flashing with equal periods of light and dark. More.
J
Jack stay .... A line rigged on a vessel to which a safety harness can be clipped.
Jackyard .... A yard or a pole that extends the head of a headsail above the the topmast, or the gaff of a gaff-rigged vessel.
Jamming cleat .... A cleat in which a rope can be made fast by simply jamming it into it.
Jetsam .... Anything that is thrown overboard.
Jetty .... A landing pier.
Jib .... A triangular sail set forward of the mast.
Jib fairlead .... An eye or a pulley used to change the direction of the jib sheet.
Jib sheet .... A line that is used to control the set of the jib or headsail.
Juliet .... The letter J in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Jury rig .... A temporary rig set up after damage to enable a vessel to continue to sail.
K
Katabatic wind .... Created by sinking cold air currents flowing down from coastal mountains.
Kedge .... A general term for an anchor of the fisherman type. A small anchor used for kedging. More info
Kedging .... Laying a small anchor in order to remain stationary when becalmed, or for hauling a vessel off following grounding. More info
Keel .... The lowermost part of a vessel that provides stability and also assists in preventing the sideways movement of the vessel.
Keel stepped .... A mast is said to be keel stepped when it is attached directly to the keel.
Ketch .... A vessel with two masts. The forward mast being the mainmast, the aft mast being the mizzen. The mizzen being forward of the rudder post.
Kilo .... The letter K in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Kicking strap .... A line that stops the boom from rising when the mainsail is set.
Khamsin .... A hot South or South-east wind blowing into the Mediterranean from Egypt.
Knot .... One nautical mile per hour. Equal to a speed of approximately 1.9 km./hour or 1.06 miles/hour.
Knot .... A means of fastening a line or rope.
L
Lacing .... Light line used for attaching sails to spars, awnings to frameworks, etc.
Laid rope .... Also called a three strand rope. A strong flexible rope produced by twisting three strands of twisted strands in the opposite direction.
Land breeze .... A breeze that blows from the land to the sea.
Landfall .... The first approach to land following a voyage.
Lanyard .... A short length of line used to secure an object.
Laser 5000 .... A high performance racing dinghy.
Lash .... To secure with a line.
Lashing .... A rope that is used to secure an object.
Lateral system of buoyage .... A series of buoys laid along the edges of a channel to define the limits of safe navigation. buoyage
Latitude .... The distance north or south from the equator measured in degrees.
Lay .... The direction of the twist in the strands of a rope.
Lay .... To be able to steer a straight course without diverting from the straight line.
Lay up .... To decommission or store a vessel out of the water
Lazy guy A guy rope that is not in use, one that is not under strain.
Lazyjacks .... Ropes that run from the mast to the boom, which assist to stow the sail as it is lowered.
Lead .... A lead weight attached to a line used to measure depth and to access the nature of the bottom.
Lead .... The path taken by a rope, often between a sail and a fairlead or a winch.
Leading line .... The line joining two navigational leading marks. Used when navigating a channel or entering a harbour.
Lee .... The side away from the direction of the wind.
Lee .... To be in the lee of land or another vessel etc. is to be sheltered from the wind by it.
Leeboard .... A board fitted to the side of a bunk to stop the occupant from falling out.
Leeboards .... Boards rigged on either side of a sailing vessel that act in the same way as a centreboard to prevent sideways movement.
Leech .... The after edge of a sail.
Leecloths .... A canvas cloth that is fitted along the edge of a bunk to stop the occupant from falling out.
Lee helm .... When the natural tendency of a vessel is to turn away from the wind.
Lee shore .... Shore onto which the wind blows.
Leeward .... The direction away from the wind, downwind.
Leeway .... The sideways drift of a vessel, the result of the side force of the wind.
Let fly .... To let a sheet go completely spilling the wind.
Levanter .... A strong Easterly wind blowing into the Straits of Gibraltar.
Leveche .... A hot Southerly wind blowing into the Western Mediterranean from North Africa.
Lie .... To come virtually to a halt head to the wind.
Lie off .... To stand at a distance from another ship or from the shore.
Life-buoy .... A buoyant support, usually a ring or horseshoe used to keep someone afloat in the water.
Lifeline .... A line usually attached to a buoy used for life-saving.
Life jacket, life-belt .... A jacket or belt, inflatable or made of buoyant material designed to keep someone afloat in the water.
Lift .... When the wind strikes a sail from the leeward side so that it is no longer full it is said to lift.
Lifting keel .... A keel that may be raised, to reduce draught. Thus enabling a sailing vessel to enter into shallow water.
Light house .... A tower or other structure containing a beacon, to guide or to warn vessels of hazards at sea.
Light ship .... A stationary vessel carrying a light, used as a navigational aid.
Lighter .... A flat bottomed vessel used for transferring goods from ship to ship or to the dock.
Lima .... The letter L in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Limber hole .... Holes in the frames that form a hull allowing the water to drain to the lowest part of the bilges.
Line of position .... A line drawn on a chart along which a vessel is situated.
List .... If a vessel leans to one side it is said to list. Usually the result of a shift of weight.
LOA .... Length Overall. The overall length of a vessel.
Lock .... A area of a waterway between two sets of flood gates, which can be filled or emptied to enable a vessel to be raised or lowered to a different level.
Log .... A device which measures the distance travelled through the water by a vessel.
Log .... A detailed record or diary kept of progress and all events on board a vessel.
Logbook .... The book in which a record of all happenings on board is kept.
Longitude .... The distance East or West from the Greenwich meridian, measured in degrees.
Long keel .... A keel that runs from half to three quarters the length of the hull.
Loop .... A loop is formed in a rope by making a circle without the rope crossing itself.
Loose .... To loose a sail, is to unfurl or set it. To loose a rope is to let it go.
Loose footed .... A sail is said to be loose footed when it is not attached to the boom.
Low water .... The level of the water surface when the tide is out, or at it's lowest.
Luff .... The forward edge of a sail.
Luff ....When a sail is set too close to the wind and is beginning to lift it is said to luff.
Luff up .... To come towards the wind.
Lugger .... A vessel usually two or three masted, rigged with lugsails.
Lugsail .... A four sided sail which is hoisted from a yard.
Luke .... A type of fisherman's anchor. More info
Lundy .... The name given to a sea area situated in the Bristol Channel.
LWL .... Length Waterline. The length of a vessel measured at water level.
M
Mackerel sky .... Said of a sky filled with high rounded fleecy or cirrocumulus clouds. Clouds.
Magnetic bearing .... A bearing read off a magnetic compass.
Magnetic compass .... A compass, the needle of which is attracted by magnetic north.
Magnetic course .... Course after adjustments for deviation and variation have been applied.
Magnetic meridian ....Imaginary line of longitude passing through the magnetic poles and cutting the equator at right angles.
Magnetic north .... The point to which the north seeking pole of a magnetic compass points.
Magnetic variation .... This is the difference, measured in degrees between true north and magnetic north.
Main boom .... The spar to which the foot of the main sail is attached.
Mainsail .... The sail set on the mainmast.
Mainsheet .... The sheet used to control the main sail.
Mainsheet block .... A block that redirects the mainsheet to within the helmsman's reach.
Mainsheet tackle .... A system of blocks used to give a mechanical advantage when handling the mainsheet.
Marconi .... Another name for a Bermudan rig.
Mark .... A buoy on a racing course.
Mark .... An object that is used as a navigational guide.
Mast .... A pole mounted vertically on a vessel to support the sails.
Mast gate .... The place where the mast passes through the foredeck of a dinghy.
Masthead .... The top of the mast.
Masthead rig .... A rig in which the jib or headsail is set from the top of the mast.
Mast spanner .... The means of adjusting the angle of a rotating mast on a catamaran.
Mast step .... The recess in the keel into which the base of the mast is fitted.
Mast pulpit .... A framework fitted around the base of the mast, in which a crew member may wedge himself for support whilst working.
MAYDAY .... The international distress signal, transmitted only in the direst circumstances when there is imminent danger to a vessel or person., and immediate assistance is required. Distress calls.
Measured mile .... A pre-measured nautical mile, usually identified on a chart by sets of transits. Used to check the accuracy of a vessel's log.
Meltemi .... Sometimes known as the Etesian. A North Westerly wind in the Aegean Sea.
Mercator, Gerardus .... The latinized name of the flemish geographer who invented the system of map projection.
Mercator projection .... A system of map projection that shows all lines of latitude and longitude as straight lines that cross at right angles.
Meridian .... Imaginary line of longitude passing through the true (geographic) north and south poles and cutting the equator at right angles.
MHWN .... Mean High Water Neaps, the average height of all neap high tides.
MHWS .... Mean High Water Springs, the average height of all spring high tides.
Midships .... The middle part of a vessel.
Midships spoke .... This is the central upper spoke of a ships wheel, when the rudder is positioned along the centre line of the vessel.
Mike .... The letter M in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Millibar .... A unit of barometric pressure.
Mirror .... A light general purpose dinghy, International class.
Miss stays .... When a vessel that is tacking fails to go about it is said to miss stays.
Mistral .... A cold northerly wind that blows down the Rhone valley through Southern France and into the Mediterranean.
Mizzenmast .... The after mast of a ketch or a yawl.
Mizzen staysail .... The sail set on the forestay of the mizzenmast.
MLWN .... Mean Low Water Neaps, the average height of all the neaps low tides.
MLWS .... Mean Low Water Springs, the average height of all the spring low tides.
Mono-hull .... A vessel with one hull.
Moor .... To tie up a vessel so that it cannot drift free.
Mooring .... A fixed object or a system of permanent anchors and chains to which a vessel may be moored.
Mooring buoy .... A buoy attached to a permanent anchor used as a mooring for a vessel. Buoyage
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese .... The American inventor of Morse code. More.
Morse code .... An alphabet or code in which the letters are represented by a combination of long and short light or sound signals. More.
Moulded hull .... A hull that is formed in a mould using either glass reinforced polyester or bonded layers of veneer.
Mud weight .... An weight designed to sink deep into the mud to form either a permanent or temporary anchor.
Multi-hull .... A vessel with more than one hull, i.e. Catamaran or Trimaran.
Mushroom anchor .... A mushroom shaped anchor that is used as a mud weight forming a permanent mooring. More info
N
Narrow boat .... A vessel used on the canals, usually less than seven wide.
Nautical almanac .... A reference book published annually containing navigation, tidal and astronomical data.
Nautical mile .... Distance equal to one minute of latitude, i.e. approximately 2025 yards (1852 metres)
Navigation buoy .... A buoy or more usually a series of buoys used to mark the edges of a channel. Buoyage
Navigation lights .... A system of lights displayed by all vessels during hours of darkness, that enables the identification of vessel type.
Neap range .... The height difference between MHWN and MLWN
Neap tide .... A tide with the smallest range, occurring during the first and last quarters of the moon.
Nicholson .... A type of fisherman's anchor. More info
Nimbostratus .... A low dark layer of cloud. Clouds.
Nimbus .... A rain cloud. Clouds.
No go zone .... An area into which a sailing vessel is unable to sail without tacking.
Nominal range .... The range at which a light is visible irrespective of either the height of the source or the viewing point. The measurement being made in conditions of ten miles visibility.
November .... The letter N in the phonetic alphabet. More.
North Utsire .... The name given to a sea area off the coast of Norway.
Nylon .... A material used in the production of rope.
O
Oar .... A pole with a blade which is used to propel or steer a boat.
Observed position .... The position of a vessel that is plotted on a chart using information gained from the observation of landmarks etc.
Occulting .... A light is said to be occulting when the periods of light are longer than those of dark. More.
Offing .... The more distant part of the sea which is in view.
Off the wind .... A vessel is said to be off the wind when it is not sailing close hauled.
Offshore .... Away from the land, e.g. an offshore wind.
Olympic 470 .... A high performance racing dinghy.
Olympic 49'er .... A high performance racing dinghy.
One design .... A sailing vessel that has been built to comply with a strict set of rules so that it can compete on equal terms with other similarly built vessels.
Onshore .... Towards the land, e.g. an onshore wind.
Optimist .... International class. A small light dinghy.
Oscar .... The letter O in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Outboard engine .... A engine fitted externally to the stern of a boat.
Outhaul .... A line or tackle used to pull the foot of a sail out to its fullest extent.
Outpoint .... A vessel that sails closer to the wind than its competitor is said to out point it.
Outrigger .... A small hull on one or both sides of the main hull attached by booms, to improve stability.
Overboard .... Over the side, into the water.
Overfall .... A turbulent stretch of sea, caused by the meeting of currents or by a tide or strong current over a shoal.
Over stand .... To remain too long on one tack, going beyond the intended point.
P
Paddle .... A small broad-bladed oar, which is used without a rowlock.
Painter .... A rope attached to the bow of a boat, used to tie it to the quay.
Palm .... A device used by a sail maker to protect the palm of the hand while pushing a needle through the cloth.
PAN PAN .... An urgent radio signal, only transmitted to inform of matters regarding the immediate safety of a vessel or a crew member. Distress calls.
Papa .... The letter P in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Parallel .... A line of latitude, an imaginary circle parallel to the equator.
Pay off .... When a vessel's head turns away from the wind.
Peak .... The upper corner of a four sided sail, usually a gaff sail.
Peak .... The upper part of a gaff.
Pennant .... A long triangular flag.
Phonetic alphabet .... Words which are used to represent the letters of the alphabet to avoid any misunderstanding when using similar sounding letters. Complete alphabet
Pile .... A concrete or wooden post driven into the seabed used for mooring, or as part of a dock or jetty.
Pilot .... An official who is licensed to to navigate vessels in confined waters.
Pilot .... A reference book with detailed navigational directions of an area.
Pilotage .... The navigation of a vessel in confined waters.
Pilot-house .... A wheelhouse.
Pinch .... To sail too close to the wind so that the sails start to luff.
Pintle .... A metal pin attached to the sternpost of a vessel upon which the rudder is hung by it's gudgeons.
Pitch .... The angle of the propeller blades to the drive shaft.
Pitch .... When the bow of a vessel moves violently up and down.
Pitch .... A bituminous substance produced by the distillation of tar. Used for caulking the seams of a vessel.
Pitch-pole .... Said of a vessel when it is overturned by a wave, stern over bow.
Plane .... When a vessel rises up on its own bow wave enabling it to reach speeds in excess of the normal limitations imposed by the length of the waterline.
Planking .... The covering of the frames or ribs of a vessels hull with planks.
Planing hull .... A hull designed to lift up on its own bow wave when travelling at speed.
PLB .... Personal Locator Beacon. Basically a miniature version of the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
Plot .... To record bearings, directions, positions and courses on a chart.
Plotter .... An instrument used to plot a course on a chart.
Plough, C.Q.R. .... A type of anchor. More info
Plymouth .... The name given to a sea area situated between the South West coast of England and Brittany.
Point .... Any one of the 32 principal bearings on a magnetic compass.
Point high .... To sail very close to the wind.
Points of sail .... The different directions that a vessel may sail, relative to the direction of the wind.
Polyester .... A material used for the production of both laid and braided rope.
Polypropylene .... A material used for the production of both laid and braided rope.
Pontoon .... A floating platform used for mooring.
Poop .... A raised deck on the stern area of a vessel.
Pooped .... When the stern of a vessel is overwhelmed by an overtaking wave and water is shipped.
Port .... The left-hand side of a vessel facing forward.
Port bow .... The left hand side of the bow Looking forwards.
Portland .... The name given to a sea area situated between the Western part of the South Coast of England and France.
Port tack .... When the wind comes from the port side of a vessel and the boom is on the starboard side. A vessel on the port tack should give way to a vessel on the starboard tack.
Position line .... A line plotted on a chart along which the position of the vessel lies.
Pram bow .... A square shaped bow, sometimes found on small dinghies.
Pram dinghy .... A small open dinghy with a square or pram bow.
Preventer .... A stay used to support the mast from the aft.
Promontory .... A headland, a piece of high land jutting out into the sea.
Prop walk .... The sideways effect that a propeller has on the stern of a boat, especially at slow speeds.
Protest signal .... A signal flag that is hoisted during a race when one competitor has been fouled by another.
Prow .... The forward most part or bow of a vessel.
Psychrometer .... A specialist wet and dry bulb thermometer that is used to measure atmospheric humidity.
Pulpit .... The guard rail at the bow.
Punt .... A square ended flat bottomed boat usually propelled with a pole. Normally used on inland waterways.
Pushpit .... the guard rail at the stern.
Q
Quarter .... One side or the other of the aft part of a vessel.
Quarter berth .... A bunk that is positioned under the side of the cockpit.
Quartering .... With the wind or the waves on the quarter.
Quebec .... The letter Q in the phonetic alphabet. More.
R
Race .... Turbulent water caused by a strong current.
Racks .... Frameworks used on some classes of racing dinghies to extend the position of the crew, usually on trapezes, outside the area of the hull.
RADAR .... RAdio Detection And Ranging. A devise used to detect the presence of objects at distance, and to determine their position and motion.
Rafting .... Vessels moored to and alongside each other.
Rake .... The angle at which the mast leans, fore-and-aft.
Ram's horns .... Hooks onto which the luff cringles of a sail are sometimes attached.
Range .... The difference in height between successive high and low waters.
Ratchet block .... A pulley that has a ratchet system incorporated within it.
Rating .... The handicap given to a sailing vessel to enable it to race against other types of sailing vessels by a system of time allowances.
Ratlines .... Short lengths of rope tied between the shrouds to form the steps of a ladder.
Reach .... Any point of sail between close hauled and running.
Reach .... A stretch of a river between two bends.
Reaching hook .... A hook fitted on a dinghy just behind the shrouds to take the spinnaker sheets.
Ready about .... An order given to the crew of a sailing vessel to stand by in preparation to change tack.
Reef .... To reduce the working area of a sail.
Reef cringles .... The eyes or loops on a sail used to secure the loose part of a reefed sail to the boom.
Reef pennants .... Pieces of line used to secure the loose part of a reefed sail.
Reef knot .... A knot used for tying in reef points.
Reef points .... The points on a sail at which a reef is tied in.
Reeve .... To pass a line through a cringle or block.
Relative bearing .... The angle between a vessel's heading and an object of which a bearing is taken.
Ribs .... The timbers that form the framework of a vessels hull.
Ride .... To lie at anchor.
Riding light .... An all round white light, usually hoisted on the forestay when at anchor.
Rig .... General term for spars, sails and rigging; also the way the masts and sails are arranged, i.e. ketch rig, cutter rig, etc.
Rigging .... See Running rigging, Standing rigging.
Rigging link .... A fitting used to attach the rigging to the chain plates.
Ring .... That part of an anchor to which the rode is attached. More info
Rise .... The rise of a tide, is the difference in height between the level at low water and the water surface.
Roach .... The curved part of the leech of a Bermuda sail, which is supported by the sail battens.
Rockall .... The name given to a sea area situated to the North West of Ireland.
Rodestead .... An anchorage at some distance from the shore.
Roll gybe .... A dinghy sailing technique used to increase speed when gybing in light winds.
Roll tack .... A dinghy sailing technique used to increase speed when tacking in light winds.
Roller reefing .... When a sail is reduced in area or taken in completely by rolling it around the forestay or boom.
Rolling hitch .... A knot similar to a clove hitch with an extra turn, used to make fast to a spar or rope.
Romeo .... The letter R in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Round turn .... A round turn is formed When a rope is passed around an object one and half times.
Round up .... To come head to the wind.
Rowlock .... A U-shaped fitting that is fitted into the gunwale of a rowing boat that supports the oar while allowing it to pivot.
RTE .... Radar Target Enhancer. A devise which receives an incoming radar signal, amplifies it and then retransmits it back to the source.
Rubbing strake .... A protective strip attached to the gunwale or along the sides of the hull.
Rudder .... A moveable flat plate positioned vertically below water at the stern of a vessel, used for steering.
Rudder post .... The aftermost part of a vessel on which the rudder is mounted.
Run .... The distance travelled in a determined period of time.
Runners .... Backstays that can be slackened off or taken in at will.
Running .... Sailing with the wind from the aft.
Running fix .... A method of determining position by taking two bearings of the same landmark at different times.
Running backstay .... A removable backstay.
Running rigging .... Ropes or wires that are used in setting or adjusting sails, i.e. guys, halyards, sheets, topping lifts, etc. as opposed to standing rigging.
S
Safe track .... A safe course taken through confined waters.
Safety harness .... A harness with a line, that is attached to the vessel in rough weather.
Sail panels .... The areas of cloth which when sewn together form a sail.
Sail track .... The track on a mast or boom to which the sail is attached by slides.
Sampson post .... A post situated on the foredeck used for attaching mooring lines.
Sandbar .... An underwater ridge of sand or mud often encountered at the mouth of a river or harbour.
Schooner .... A vessel with two or more masts, with the mainmast to the aft.
Scirocco .... A hot South-Easterly wind blowing into the Mediterranean from North Africa.
Scoop bailer .... A hand held scoop shaped to enable water to be bailed out from difficult areas.
Scope .... The length of chain paid out when anchored.
Scull .... To propel a small boat using one oar over the stern in a figure of eight movement.
Scuppers .... Holes in the bulwarks of a vessel which allow water to drain from the deck area.
Sea anchor .... A drogue or floating anchor which is towed from the stern of a vessel to slow it down when riding out rough weather.
Sea area .... The sea surrounding the British Isles is divided into a number of different sea areas to ease identification when forecasting the weather.
Sea breeze .... Wind that blows from the sea to the land.
Sea cock .... A valve fitted to an inlet situated below water level.
Sea mile .... A nautical mile.
Sea room .... Room to manoeuvre without danger.
Secondary port .... The name given to a port or sea area for which tidal tables are not produced. Tidal information is obtained by correcting information given for a standard port.
SECURITY .... A radio message transmitted as a safety warning, with information regarding navigational hazards, gale warnings etc. Distress calls.
Seize .... To bind firmly together with lashing.
Self bailers .... An automatic bailing system.
Self steering .... A system capable of keeping a vessel on a constant course usually incorporating a wind vane steering mechanism.
Set .... To hoist and trim a sail.
Set .... Direction of tidal current.
Sextant .... An instrument used for measuring angles.
Shackle .... A u-shaped link with a threaded cross pin.
Shackle key .... A key used to tighten or unscrew the pin or bolt of a shackle.
Shake out .... To loosen or cast off.
Shank .... The shaft or leg of an anchor. More info
Shannon .... The name given to a sea area situated off the South West coast of Ireland.
Sheer about .... To swing violently from side to side on a mooring, as the result of a combination of the effects of wind and current.
Sheave .... A pulley wheel within a block.
Sheer .... The line which the deck of a vessel presents when viewed from the side.
Shell .... The metal casing of a block.
Sheet bend .... A knot used to join two ropes of varying thickness.
Sheets .... Lines used to control the trim of the sails.
Sheet in .... To haul in the sheets.
Shelving .... The sloping of the seabed.
Shift, wind .... A change in wind direction.
Ship .... To take into or on to a vessel: e.g. ship water.
Shock cord .... A strong elasticated rope.
Shrouds .... Wire rigging that supports the mast from the sides or athwartships.
Shroud adjusters .... A metal plate fitting used to attach the shrouds to the hull that enables the length of the shroud and hence the angle of the mast to be adjusted.
Shy .... A spinnaker is said to be shy when it is set as close to the wind as possible.
Side benches .... Seats running fore-and-aft along the sides of a dinghy.
Side decks .... Covered areas along the sides of a vessel.
Side lights .... Navigation lights fitted to a vessel. Red on the port and green to starboard.
Sideways force .... That part of the force that is generated by the wind on the sails that pushes the vessel sideways.
Sierra .... The letter S in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Sights .... Angles measured with a sextant.
Simple turn .... A simple turn is formed when a rope is passed around one side of an object.
Single up .... To cast off all warps except one at each point.
Skeg .... A underwater projection from the rear of the hull, from which the rudder is hung, it also gives protection to the propeller and rudder.
Slab reefing .... When part of the sail is pulled down and secured to the boom in order to reduce the sail area.
Slack water .... The period when the tide neither ebbs or floods, just prior to a change of direction.
Slat .... A sail is said to be slat when it flaps or flogs in the wind.
Slip-line .... A mooring line which is doubled and has both ends made fast onboard, so that it may be released from onboard.
Slipway .... A ramp leading down into the water used for launching vessels.
Slot .... The gap between the jib and the mainsail through which the wind is funneled.
Sloop .... A vessel with one mast and one headsail, possibly bermudan or gaff rigged.
Snatch block .... A block into which a rope may be placed from the side without the need to thread it.
Sole .... The name given to a sea area stretching out West and South West of Lands End.
Sounding .... The depth of water taken at a specific spot.
South East Iceland .... The name given to a sea area situated to the South East of Iceland.
South Utsire .... The name given to a sea area off the south coast of Norway.
Spar .... A mast, boom, bowsprit etc.
Spill the wind.... Deliberately not make use of the wind, allowing the sails to shake.
Spinnaker .... A light weight three cornered sail that is set flying forward with the aid of a spinnaker pole when sailing downwind.
Spinnaker chute .... An opening in the deck close to the bow from which the spinnaker is hoisted.
Spinnaker pole .... A pole that is used to extend the spinnaker away from the side of the boat.
Spinnaker pouch .... A container in which the spinnaker is stowed and from which it is hoisted.
Spit .... A small projection of land or a sandbank that projects out into the sea at low water.
Splicing .... A method of joining two ropes together by weaving together the strands of the individual ropes.
Split tack .... To sail on the opposite tack to an opponent in a race.
Spoon bow .... A bow with a convex curvature.
Spreaders .... Struts attached on either side of the mast to increase the distance between the mast and the shrouds and hence increase the support given by the shrouds.
Spring .... A mooring line used to stop a vessel from moving back or forth along a quay into another vessel. Run either from the bow, aft; or from the stern, forward.
Spring range .... The height difference between MHWS and MLWS.
Spring tides .... Tides with the greatest range, usually occurring when the moon is new or full.
Sprit .... A spar that extends from the mast to the upper outer corner of the sail.
Square rig .... A rig where four sided sails supported by yards, are set across the vessel.
Stall .... A sail is said to stall when the airflow is disturbed and the sail does not act as an aerofoil ,failing to produce any lift over all or part of the surface.
Standard port .... A port or sea area for which full tidal prediction tables are produced.
Standing part .... That part of a rope that is unaffected when a knot is bring tied.
Standing rigging .... The permanent wires that support a mast.
Stanchion .... An upright support or post, a series of which are usually situated along the edge of the deck to support the guardrails.
Starboard .... The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward.
Starboard bow .... The right hand side of the bow looking forwards.
Starboard tack .... The course taken when the wind comes from the starboard side of the vessel and the boom is to the port.
Stays .... Wires that form part of the standing rigging that supports the mast in a fore-and-aft direction.
Staysail .... A triangular sail, set on a forestay.
Steerage way .... When a vessel has just enough movement through the water to enable the helmsman to steer a course.
Stem .... To hold your own against the tide.
Step .... The place in which in mast stands. To step the mast is to raise it into position.
Stern .... The rear or aft part of a vessel.
Stern line .... A mooring warp running from the stern of a vessel to a point ashore behind the vessel.
Sternpost .... The aftermost timber of a vessel.
Stern quarters .... The aft corners of a vessel.
Sternway .... The movement of a vessel backwards.
Stiff .... A yacht which is said to be stiff has a high resistance to heeling.
Stock .... The top part of the rudder to which the tiller is attached.
Stockless .... A type of anchor, usually used by large vessels.
Straight stem .... A bow that is vertical between deck and keel.
Stratocumulus .... A continuous layer of heaped up cloud with a flat base. Clouds.
Stratus A continuous sheet of flat cloud. Clouds.
Swell .... A wave motion caused by weather in a distant sea area.
Sweat .... To haul up tight.
Synoptic chart .... A weather map showing isobars, fronts and areas of high and low pressure.
T
Tabernacle .... A socket or double post to accommodate a deck stepped mast, allowing it to be hinged so that it can be lowered to negotiate bridges.
Tack .... The lower forward corner of a sail.
Tack .... To go about head to wind.
Tackle .... A line and block used to give a mechanical advantage.
Take in .... To reduce or take in sails.
Tail .... The free end of a rope.
Tail .... To pull on the free end of a sheet or halyard when winching.
Tall boy .... A long, narrow sail, set inside the spinnaker.
Thames .... The name given to a sea area situated between the coast of East Anglia and Holland.
Tang .... A metal fitting used to attach stays and shrouds to the mast.
Tango .... The letter T in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Tell-tales .... Small lengths of wool sewn through a sail near the luff and the leech to allow the airflow over the sail to be monitored.
Tender .... A yacht which is said to be tender if it has a low resistance to heeling.
Tender .... A dinghy used for ferrying between the shore and a moored vessel.
Thimble .... A metal loop around which a rope is applied to form a hard eye.
Three strand rope .... See Laid rope.
Thwart .... A seat across a dinghy.
Tidal atlas .... A book tables and charts that predict the direction and speed of tidal currents.
Tidal bore .... A large wave or bore caused by the constriction of a spring tide as it enters a long narrow shallow inlet.
Tidal drift .... The speed of the tidal stream at any point in time.
Tidal range .... The difference in height a low tide and the following high tide.
Tidal set .... The direction or the tidal stream at any point in time.
Tidal stream .... The horizontal flow of water caused by the rise and fall of the tide.
Tidal wave .... A exceptionally large wave caused by a geographical event, such as an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.
Tide .... The vertical and horizontal movement of a mass of water brought about by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
Tide-rode .... Said of a vessel when it is facing into the tidal stream while at anchor.
Tide tables .... A published record of the times and heights of high and low water for each day of the year for different sea areas.
Tideway .... An area or channel of tidal stream movement.
Tiller .... A horizontal bar fitted to the top of a vessel's rudder, used to steer with.
Tiller bar .... A bar that connects the two tillers on a catamaran.
Tiller extension .... An extension to the length of the tiller, attached by a universal joint.
Toe rail .... A low protective rail around the edge of the deck.
Toe straps .... Foot straps of webbing used to aid the crew of a dinghy to exert the maximum effort when rowing, or to brace themselves when sitting or leaning out in a sailing dinghy.
Top mark .... Markings or shapes on top of buoys indicating their purpose. Buoyage
Topper .... A light single handed dinghy. International class.
Topping lift .... A halyard used to take the weight of the main boom.
Topsides .... The area of vessel's hull between the waterline and the gunwale or rail.
Track .... The course of a vessel.
Track .... A rail along which a traveller slides.
Trafalgar .... The name given to a sea area situated off the coast of Portugal.
Training run .... Sailing downwind but just a few degrees off a true run.
Tramontana .... A cold North wind in the Adriatic sea.
Trampoline .... A area of fabric or netting stretched between the hulls of a catamaran.
Transit .... A transit is formed when two landmarks are viewed in line. Used as a navigational aid when entering confined waters.
Transom .... The aftermost part of a boat, at right angles to the centre line.
Transom flaps .... Flaps in the transom that allow water to escape but not to return.
Trapeze .... A wire that is attached to the hounds from which a crew member may suspend himself to enable him to extend his weight as far outboard as possible.
Traveller .... A fitting that slides on a track, used to alter the position from which the sheets are adjusted.
Trim .... The attitude of a vessel in the water.
Trim .... To adjust the sails to get the best performance from them.
Tri-sail .... A triangular loose footed sail which is used to replace the mainsail in heavy weather.
Tripping line .... A line attached to the flukes of an anchor to assist in retrieving it should it become fouled.
Trots .... A line of mooring buoys.
True north .... The direction of the true north pole.
True wind .... The speed and direction of the wind as felt by a stationary object.
Turtle .... A bag from which the spinnaker can be set.
Turnbuckle .... A screw device for adjusting the tension in the rigging.
Twinning line .... A small block with a light line used instead of reaching hooks when flying a spinnaker.
Twist .... The difference between the angle of a sail at the head and the foot.
Tyne .... The name given to a sea area situated off the North East coast of England.
U
Ultra 30 .... A high performance racing dinghy usually sailed with a crew of nine.
Underway .... Said of a vessel when it is moving through the water.
Uniform .... The letter U in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Universal joint .... A fitting that is used to connect two objects that allows movement in all directions.
Uphaul .... A line used to raise a spar, spinnaker etc.
Up helm .... To pull the tiller to the windward.
Upwind .... To windward, in the direction of the wind.
V
Vang .... A system used to prevent a boom rising when the sail is set. Also called a kicking strap.
Variation .... The difference measured in degrees by which the magnetic north varies from the true north. Variation varies from one position on the earths surface to another, and changes constantly with time.
Verdarro .... A cold northerly wind in the Aegean Sea.
Veer .... The wind is said to veer when it changes direction in a clockwise direction; e.g. a change from south to south west.
Vendeval .... A strong Westerly wind blowing into the Mediterranean from the Straits of Gibraltar.
Victor .... The letter V in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Viking .... The name given to a sea area situated between the Fair Isles and Norway.
W
Wake course .... The course that is actually travelled by the vessel.
Warp .... A heavy rope used for towing or mooring.
Washboard .... A board that is used to close off the companionway.
Water track .... The course taken through the water allowing for the effects of tidal stream and leeway in order to a follow the required course over the ground or ground track.
Way .... The movement of a vessel through the water.
Wayfarer .... A general purpose sailing dinghy.
Waypoint .... A chosen charted feature or position, a number of which are used to plan a route.
Weather .... The side from which the wind is coming, or to go past on obstacle or vessel on the windward side.
Weather helm .... When a vessel has a natural tendency to turn into the wind.
Weather shore .... A coastline with the wind blowing from the land..
Wheel-house .... A shelter to protect the helmsman.
Weigh anchor .... Take up the anchor.
Wet suit .... Clothing. A suit made of neoprene, which traps a thin layer of water, that quickly warms up, in between the skin and the suit.
Whip .... To bind the end of a rope to stop it fraying.
Whisker pole .... A small boom used for winging out the jib.
Whiskey .... The letter W in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Wide berth .... To keep well clear of another vessel.
Wight .... The name given to a sea area situated between the South coast of England and France.
Winch .... A devise that gives a mechanical advantage when pulling in sheets or halyards.
Wind indicator .... A device that is attached to the top of the mast, that indicates the direction of the wind, similar in appearance to a wind vane.
Windlass .... An anchor winch, a devise used to give a mechanical advantage when raising an anchor.
Wind over tide .... When the wind and tide are moving in opposite directions.
Wind-rode .... Said of a vessel when it faces into the wind on a mooring or at anchor.
Wind shadow .... The area affected by the turbulent air from a vessels sails.
Windward .... Toward the wind.
Wing and wing .... When the mainsail is set on the opposite side to the jib when running or sailing before the wind..
Working end .... That part of a rope in which a knot is being tied.
X
Xebec .... A Mediterranean vessel originally used by corsairs. A three masted vessel usually lateen-rigged, but could on occasions have a combination of square and lateen rigging.
X-ray .... The letter X in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Y
Yankee .... The letter Y in the phonetic alphabet. More.
Yard .... A spar suspended across a mast, to support a sail.
Yard-arm .... The outer extremity of a yard.
Yaw .... Said of a vessel when it swings from side to side.
Yawl .... A two masted vessel with the mizzen mast stepped far aft.
Yawl .... A ships boat usually with four or six oars.
Yawl .... A small fishing boat.
Z
Zephyr wind .... A gentle wind created by warm air over the land rising causing cooler air to drift in off the water.
Zulu .... The letter Z in the phonetic alphabet. More.
