A
Abaft - Toward the rear (stern) of the vessel. Behind..
Abeam - At right angle to the centerline of the vessel
Adrift - Loose from mooring or out of place
Aft - Toward the back of the vessel; behind the mast.
Aground - When the hull or keel touches bottom.
Ahead- The front of the vessel; Toward the front of the vessel.
Ahull - Lying adrift in heavy seas without power or sail set.
Alee - Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.
All Hands - Entire vessel's crew
Aloft - Above, overhead, or at the mast-head
Alongside - On side a pier or berth
Amidship - The middle portion of the vessel
Anemometer - An instrument that measures the velocity of the wind.
Angle of heel - The angle of a vessel from the vertical, when sailing.
Apparent wind- The direction of the wind as it appears when the vessel is moving.
Astern - In back of the vessel, opposite of ahead.
Athwart - Across or at right angles to the fore-and aft line.
Athwartships - At right angles to the centerline of the vessel
Auxiliary- An engine used as a secondary source of propelsion.
Aweigh - The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.
Aye-Aye- a reply to an order to indicate that it is understood and will be carried out
B
Back - To force a sail against the wind.
Backstay - Wires that lead from the top of the mast to the stern of a vessel.
Ballast - Heavy material placed in the bottom of a vessel to give stability.
Bare poles - Having no sail raised.
Batten Down - Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
Batten - A thin strip of wood or metal placed on a pocket on the leech of a sail.
Beacon - A light used to warn vessels of danger or obstruction.
Beam - The width of a vessel at its widest point.
Bearing - To pinpoint the position of a vessel on a chart, or in relationship to points on land.
Beat - To sail closely toward the direction of the wind
Beaufort scale - A table of wind velocity based on observed sea conditions
Before the wind - Sailing with the wind coming from behind the vessel Also called running.
Bell bouy - A buoy with a bell. The bell sounds when the buoy is moved by the waves.
Below - Part of the vessel that is under the deck.
Bight -
A loop in a rope
A bend on a coastline
Bilge - The lowest area in the hull, just above the keel.
Binnacle - Originally the housing for the compass. On modern sailboats this is also the support post for the wheel, and a number of gauges
Bitter end - The end of a line or a rope.
Bollard - Wooden or iron post on a pier or wharf for securing mooring lines
Bolt rope - The line sewn into the Luff and or Foot edge of a sail for reinforcement. In some cases Sail Slides are attached to the Boltrope, allowing the sail to slide into tracks on the Mast and Boom
Boom - A pivoting horizontal pole (spar) that extends aft from the mast. The foot of the sail attaches the top of the Boom
Boom Topping Lift - A line that supports the boom when the mainsail is taken down..
Boom Vang - A line that places downward tension on the boom.
Boot Stripe - A stripe of paint applied to the hull at the waterline.
Bow - The front, or forward end of a vessel
Bow line- A mooring line at the bow.
Bow Pulpit - A guardrail around the bow of the vessel
Bowline - A knot that forms a loop at the end of a rope
Bowspirit - A spar, projecting from the bow, to which the jib stays are attached
Bridle - A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points
Brightwork - Varnished woodwork and/or polished metal
Bring about- To come around, to reverse direction
Broach - To swing broadside to the wind when sailing downwind
Broad Reach - Sailing downwind with the wind coming over the aft corner of the vessel. Sailing Between a Beam Reach and Running
Bulkhead - An interior partition commonly used to stiffen the hull, and divided areas of the vessel
Burdened Vessel - This term has been replaced by the term Give-Way Vessel. The vessel which must "give way" to the Stand-on Vessel.
C
Cabin Trunk - The roof and sides of the boat that rise from the deck and provide standing room in the cabin
Cam cleat: A hardware device used to hold a line. Two spring loaded cams come together to clamp their teeth on the line and prevent the line from slipping
Capsize - To turn over.
Catamaran - A twin-hulled vessel, with hulls side by side.
Centerboard - A swinging keel that pivots into the trunk of the cockpit, salon, or upper area of the keel.
Chafing Gear - Material used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.
Chain Plate - Metal plates attached to the side of the hull. Chain plates are the anchor point for the rigging shrouds.
Chart - A nautical map, typically showing navigation markers and water depth.
Chock - A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led.
Cleat - A small deck or dock fittings with horns used for securing lines
Cleat Hitch - A knot used with a cleat
Clew - The corner of the sail where the foot meets the leech.
Close-haul- To sail as close to the direction of the wind as possible.
Clove Hitch - A knot for temporarily fastening a line
Coaming - A vertical lip around the edge of a cockpit, hatch, etc. to prevent water from entering
Cockpit - The lower area in which the steering and sail controls are located
Come About - To bring the sail from one side of the vessel to the other, when sailing into the wind
Companionway - The entrance to the cabin, usually including the steps down
Control Lines - Lines leading back to the cockpit to improve the ease of single handled sailing
Cringle - A grommet or metal ring in a sail that a line is usually attached.
Cuddy - A small shelter cabin in a vessel.
Cunningham - Used to control the tension along the sail's forward edge in order to maintain the shape of the sail
Cutter- A sailboat with a single mast placed in the middle of the vessel.
D
Davits - A structure that typically projects over the rear of a vessel used for raising and lowering a dinghy
Day Sailer - A vessel that is not fitted for cruising over night
Dead ahead - Directly ahead of the vessel's bow
Deck - Top of the vessel which covers the hull.
Deck Cleat - Horn shaped hardware attached to deck used to secure a line
Deviation - A compass error caused by local magnetic attraction.
Dinghy- A small vessel fitted with oars and sometimes sails.
Displacement - The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel. (Archimedes' Principle means this is the vessels weight as well)
Displacement Hull - A type of hull that plows through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.
Dolphin - A group of piles at the corner or edge of a pier, fastened together to form one.
Double-ender - A vessel that is pointed at both bow and stern.
Downwind - Sailing the same direction as the wind
Draft - The depth of a vessel from waterline to keel.
E
Ease - To loosen. To let out the sheet of a sail.
Ebb - A receding current.
Ensign - A flag identifying the nationality of a vessel.
F
Fall off - To head a vessel away from the direction of the wind.
Fairlead: Describes a variety of fittings (rings, eyes, or loops) which improve the angle and guide a line, rope, cable, or chain in a different direction
Fathom- A measurement of depth: Six (6) feet = 1 Fathom
Fender - Any material or cushion placed between two vessels, or between a vessel and a pier, to prevent damage.
Flood - An incoming current
Fluke - The palm of an anchor.
Following sea- Waves that approach from the rear of a moving vessel.
Foot - The bottom edge of a sail.
Fore - Toward the front of a vessel.
Forward - Toward the bow
Foredeck - The part of the deck of a vessel that is toward the front.
Forepeak - A compartment in the bow of a small vessel.
Foresail - The Jib and Genoa
Forestay - A wire or cable that runs from the bow to the mast of a vessel.
Fouled - Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled
Fractional Rig - The Mainsail goes to the top of the mast, but the Jib stops short of the top of the mast.
Freeboard - The height of vessel's side from the waterline to the deck
Furl - To securely roll up a sail.
G
Galley- The vessel's kitchen
Gear - A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
Genoa - A large jib sail that overlaps the mainsail.
Gimbal- A pivot device used to suspend stove, or other objects, so that it remains level at all times.
Give-Way Vessel - A NAV Rules term used to describe the vessel that must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
Gooseneck - A swivel connecting the boom to the mast. It allows the boom to move side to side as well as up and down.
Ground Tackle - A collective term for the anchor, chain, etc. that prevents a vessel from moving.
Gunwale - The upper edge of a vessel's sides.
H
Halyards - Lines used to hoist (raise) or lower a sail or flag
Hank - A method of attaching a jib, using mechanical fasteners, to the forestay
Hatch - An opening in the deck for entering below.
Head - Two Definitions:
1) The top corner of the sail.
2) A marine toilet.
Head Down - Change the vessel's course away from the wind.
Head Up - Change the vessel's course toward the wind.
Heading - Direction in which a vessel's bow is pointing.
Headsail - Any sail set forward of the mainmast.
1) Jib
2) Genoa
Headstay - A line or cable which supports the mast from the bow of the vessel.
Heave to- To turn the bow of the vessel into the wind and keep it there, so that the vessel lies almost still.
Heel - The tilting of a vessel due to wind, sometimes to waves, measured in degrees
Helm - The wheel or tiller used to steer a vessel
Hiking Stick - An extension of the tiller that enabling the helmsmen to sit at a distance from the tiller.
Hitch - A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope
Hoist - To raise the sail.
Hull - The body of the vessel.
I
In Irons- The bow of the vessel is directly in the wind and all forward motion has stopped
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) - The waterway consists of two non-contiguous segments, which are part canal, and part natural waterway. They allow a vessel travel without going into the ocean
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway -1090 mile channel, runs from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL.
Gulf Intercoastal Waterway - 1050 mile channel, runs from Brownsville, TX to Carrabelle, FL
J
Jettison - To throw overboard.
Jetty - A structure, usually masonry, projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbor entrance.
Jib - A triangular sail that is in front of the mast, that does not overlap the mainsail.
Jib halyard - The line that raises and lowers the jib.
Jib sheet - The line that controls the jib.
a) The working (leeward) sheet
b) The lazy (windward) sheet
Jibe- To change direction in such a way that the wind passes behind the vessel.
K
Keel- A weighted, projecting fin on the bottom of a vessel, for stability.
Keel Depth - The measurement from the waterline to the bottom of the keel
Ketch - A two-masted vessel, the smaller of the masts aft of the larger, and in front of the stern post.
Knot - A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.
L
Latitude- Position, in degrees, north and south of the Equator.
Lazarette- A small compartment for storing equipment, typically in the stern area
Lee - The side sheltered from the wind.
Leech - The back edge of a sail.
Leeward - Away from the wind
Lifeline - Lines, wires or cables on stanchions around the deck of a vessel.
(Never attach a safety line to a lifeline.)
Line - Any rope used on a vessel.
List - Leaning to one side because of improperly balanced loads.
LOA - Length of a vessel at the longest measurement. (Length Over All)
Logbook - A vessel's record of activity.
Longitude - Position, in degrees, east and west of Greenwich, England.
Loose-footed - Describing a mainsail or headsail that is not attached to a boom.
Luff - The leading, or forward, edge of a sail.
Luffing - The flapping of the whole sail
LWL - Length of the vessel at the waterline.
M
Mainsail - The sail that is attached to largest mast of a vessel.
Mainsheet - The line attached to the main boom that controls the mainsail.
Marlinspike - A pointed tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.
Mast - The vertical spar or pole supporting the boom and sails.
Masthead - The top of the mast
Mayday - A distress signal.
Mean High Water (MHW) - The depth of the water at average high tide.
Mean Low Water (MLW)- The depth of the water at average low tide.
Midship - Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.
Mile - A nautical mile is 6,080 feet.
Mizzen - A shorter after mast on a vessel.
Mooring -
1) Ground tackle fixed to a buoy or float that a vessel can tie up to
2) The means of tying a vessel to a pier, dock buoy or other vessel
Motor sailer- A vessel that is designed to use both sail and engine.
N
Nautical Mile - One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - (A statute mile is 5280 feet).
Navigation lights - The combination of lights that identify a vessel, as set out by NAV Rules
Neap tide - The lowest tide in the lunar month.
Nun - A red, cone shaped, navigation buoy
O
Outhaul - A line that places backward tension on the mainsail, allowing the lower one-third of the mainsail to be flattened or filled
Overboard - Over the side or out of the vessel.
Overtaking - Passing
P
Padeye - Metal fitting that are used as attachment points for lines and blocks (pulleys)
Painter - A line at the bow of a dingy or small boat for mooring.
Parachute- Balloon spinnaker.
Parallel rules- Two rulers, hinged together, that can be adjusted in distance while remaining parallel.
Passage - A route between points or ports.
Passageway- corridor
Pier - A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
Pile - A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. It may be used to support a pier or a float.
Piling - Support, protection for wharves, piers etc.; constructed of piles
Pitch - The rhythmic bow- to-stern movement of the vessel, due to waves.
Planing Hull - A hull that raises the vessel out of the water.ie speedboats
Port - The left side of a vessel, looking toward the bow.
Port tack - When the wind comes over the port side of a vessel, and the boom is on the starboard side.
Prevailing winds- Average wind direction for season and area.
Privileged vessel - A vessel that has the right of way. (Now called Stand-on Vessel)
Pulpit- A guard rail at the bow of a vessel.
R
Reach - Any point of sailing between close- hauled and running.
Reef- To reduce the working area of a sail by lowering it part way.
Reefing Line - A line used to shorten the sail.
Rigging- All lines, shrouds and stays on a vessel that pertain to the sail and masts.
Roach - The curved portion of the leech edge of a sail
Rode - The line (or the amount of line) that is attached to an anchor when the anchor is lowered.
Roller Furling - A method of reducing the jibsail's exposure to the wind by furling (wrapping) it around the forestay.
Rope Clutch - A device that works similar to a cam cleat, only with a lever which allows the locking or quick release of lines
Rudder - A flat movable fin that deflects that water and steers the boat. It is attached to the stern and controlled by tiller or wheel.
Rules of the Road - International regulations for vessels.
Run - To allow a line to feed freely.
Running Lights - Lights required to be shown on vessels underway between sundown and sunup.
Running rigging - All lines, halyards and sheets used in controlling sails and spars.
S
Sail Slides - Allows the sail to slide into the mast or boom
Safety Line & Harness - A line, approximately 6 feet long, which attaches a crew's safety harness to the vessel.
Schooner - Sailing vessels with at least 2 masts (foremast and mainmast) The mainmast is taller.
Screw - A vessel's propeller.
Scupper- A drain hole in a rail or toe-rail or gunwale, allowing water to run off.
Sea dog- an old sailor
Seacock - A valve at a through-hull fitting, to allow intake of drainage of water.
Seaworthy - A vessel or a vessel's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions.
Secure - To tie or make fast
Sextant - An navigation instrument used to determine the altitude of the sun and stars above the horizon
Sheet - The line used to adjust a sail
The mainsail has one sheet: Mainsheet
The jib has two
a) The working (leeward) sheet
b) The lazy (windward) sheet
Shell back - A person who has cross the equator and has been initiated
Ship - A larger vessel
Ship-shape - Neat and orderly condition
Shoal - Shallow water.
Shorten- To reef a sail, or drop a sail. To reduce sail area on a vessel.
Shrouds- A wire or cable used support the mast from the side.
Single-handed - To sail alone without crew
Slack - Not fastened, loose.
Slip - A mooring or dock.
Sloop- a vessel with a single mast set forward.
Sole - The floor of the cockpit or cabin.
Sounding - A measurement of the depth of water.
Soundings- Depths as they appear on charts.
Spar - A pole or a beam.
Spinnaker - A large, light triangular sail used in light airs.
Spinnaker Pole A spar or pole used to hold the spinnaker away from the mast.
Splashboard - A raised portion of the hull forward of the cockpit intended to prevent water entering.
Splice- To join two ropes or to make a permanent loop in a rope.
Spreader - Horizontal spar on the mast which holds the shrouds.
Spring lines- Mooring lines used to keep a vessel from moving forward and back in slip.
Squall - A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
Stanchion- A post or upright support for guard rail and lifelines.
Standing Rigging - Supports the mast and includes the Backstay, Headstay, Shrouds.
Stand-On Vessel - That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation. It does not change course or speed unless a collision is eminent
Starboard - The right side of a vessel when facing the bow.
Starboard Bow- bearing 45 degrees relative to the bow
Starboard Tack - Sailing with the wind coming from the starboard side. The boom is on the port side.
Stay - Cable or wire running from the mast to the bow or stern. Ie backstay forestay
Staysail - A triangular sail set on a stay that runs behind the forestay.
Stern - The back part or end of the vessel.
Stern Pulpit.- Railing around the aft portion of the vessel
Storm Jib - A small strong jib sail used in stormy weather and gales.
Stow - To put an item in its proper place.
Swamp - To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
T
Tack - 1) The front lower corner of the sail.
2) A direction of sail - i.e. a starboard tack.
3) To sail to windward by alternating courses, staying as close to the wind as possible.
Telltale - Any lightweight ribbon or string attached to mast or shrouds to indicate apparent wind.
Tiller - A bar or handle for turning a vessel's rudder or an outboard motor.
Toe Rail - An elevated rail or lip which runs around the perimeter of the deck.
Topside - The measurement from the waterline to the deck. Same as Freeboard
Transom - The flat area of the hull, at the stern of a vessel.
Traveler - A sliding athwartships track connected to the mainsheet. Used to adjust the shape of the sail.
Trim - To adjust a sail by using the sheets
Turnbuckle - A device for adjusting the tension on the shrouds and stays.
U
Under bare poles - To have no sails up.
Underway - Vessel in motion, not moored or aground
Union Jack - A small flag representing the nationality of the vessel.
V
Vane - A wind direction indicator.
Vang - A line used to stabilize the boom.ie Boom Vang
Veer - To change directions suddenly.
Vessel - Every description of water craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water
W
Wake - Moving waves or path that a vessel leaves behind it.
Waterline - The line around the vessel where the hull meets the water when the boat is on an even keel
Weather Helm - A tendency to head into the wind.
Wheel - A steering wheel use to turn the vessel.
Whisker Pole - A pole attached to the mast, booming out the jib.
Winch - A device for hauling or tightening the lines.
Windward - Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.
Windward - Toward the wind
Wing and Wing - Having sails set on both sides of a vessel.
Working Jib - A smaller jib between the mast and headstay.
Working Sails - The sails used on a vessel under ordinary conditions.
Y
Yacht - A pleasure vessel
Yardarm - A spar or pole attached to the of a mast running athwartship
Yaw - To swing or steer off course
Yawl - a two-masted vessel, with the smaller, after mast stepped behind the stern post.
Z
Abaft - Toward the rear (stern) of the vessel. Behind..
Abeam - At right angle to the centerline of the vessel
Adrift - Loose from mooring or out of place
Aft - Toward the back of the vessel; behind the mast.
Aground - When the hull or keel touches bottom.
Ahead- The front of the vessel; Toward the front of the vessel.
Ahull - Lying adrift in heavy seas without power or sail set.
Alee - Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.
All Hands - Entire vessel's crew
Aloft - Above, overhead, or at the mast-head
Alongside - On side a pier or berth
Amidship - The middle portion of the vessel
Anemometer - An instrument that measures the velocity of the wind.
Angle of heel - The angle of a vessel from the vertical, when sailing.
Apparent wind- The direction of the wind as it appears when the vessel is moving.
Astern - In back of the vessel, opposite of ahead.
Athwart - Across or at right angles to the fore-and aft line.
Athwartships - At right angles to the centerline of the vessel
Auxiliary- An engine used as a secondary source of propelsion.
Aweigh - The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.
Aye-Aye- a reply to an order to indicate that it is understood and will be carried out
B
Back - To force a sail against the wind.
Backstay - Wires that lead from the top of the mast to the stern of a vessel.
Ballast - Heavy material placed in the bottom of a vessel to give stability.
Bare poles - Having no sail raised.
Batten Down - Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
Batten - A thin strip of wood or metal placed on a pocket on the leech of a sail.
Beacon - A light used to warn vessels of danger or obstruction.
Beam - The width of a vessel at its widest point.
Bearing - To pinpoint the position of a vessel on a chart, or in relationship to points on land.
Beat - To sail closely toward the direction of the wind
Beaufort scale - A table of wind velocity based on observed sea conditions
Before the wind - Sailing with the wind coming from behind the vessel Also called running.
Bell bouy - A buoy with a bell. The bell sounds when the buoy is moved by the waves.
Below - Part of the vessel that is under the deck.
Bight -
A loop in a rope
A bend on a coastline
Bilge - The lowest area in the hull, just above the keel.
Binnacle - Originally the housing for the compass. On modern sailboats this is also the support post for the wheel, and a number of gauges
Bitter end - The end of a line or a rope.
Bollard - Wooden or iron post on a pier or wharf for securing mooring lines
Bolt rope - The line sewn into the Luff and or Foot edge of a sail for reinforcement. In some cases Sail Slides are attached to the Boltrope, allowing the sail to slide into tracks on the Mast and Boom
Boom - A pivoting horizontal pole (spar) that extends aft from the mast. The foot of the sail attaches the top of the Boom
Boom Topping Lift - A line that supports the boom when the mainsail is taken down..
Boom Vang - A line that places downward tension on the boom.
Boot Stripe - A stripe of paint applied to the hull at the waterline.
Bow - The front, or forward end of a vessel
Bow line- A mooring line at the bow.
Bow Pulpit - A guardrail around the bow of the vessel
Bowline - A knot that forms a loop at the end of a rope
Bowspirit - A spar, projecting from the bow, to which the jib stays are attached
Bridle - A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points
Brightwork - Varnished woodwork and/or polished metal
Bring about- To come around, to reverse direction
Broach - To swing broadside to the wind when sailing downwind
Broad Reach - Sailing downwind with the wind coming over the aft corner of the vessel. Sailing Between a Beam Reach and Running
Bulkhead - An interior partition commonly used to stiffen the hull, and divided areas of the vessel
Burdened Vessel - This term has been replaced by the term Give-Way Vessel. The vessel which must "give way" to the Stand-on Vessel.
C
Cabin Trunk - The roof and sides of the boat that rise from the deck and provide standing room in the cabin
Cam cleat: A hardware device used to hold a line. Two spring loaded cams come together to clamp their teeth on the line and prevent the line from slipping
Capsize - To turn over.
Catamaran - A twin-hulled vessel, with hulls side by side.
Centerboard - A swinging keel that pivots into the trunk of the cockpit, salon, or upper area of the keel.
Chafing Gear - Material used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.
Chain Plate - Metal plates attached to the side of the hull. Chain plates are the anchor point for the rigging shrouds.
Chart - A nautical map, typically showing navigation markers and water depth.
Chock - A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led.
Cleat - A small deck or dock fittings with horns used for securing lines
Cleat Hitch - A knot used with a cleat
Clew - The corner of the sail where the foot meets the leech.
Close-haul- To sail as close to the direction of the wind as possible.
Clove Hitch - A knot for temporarily fastening a line
Coaming - A vertical lip around the edge of a cockpit, hatch, etc. to prevent water from entering
Cockpit - The lower area in which the steering and sail controls are located
Come About - To bring the sail from one side of the vessel to the other, when sailing into the wind
Companionway - The entrance to the cabin, usually including the steps down
Control Lines - Lines leading back to the cockpit to improve the ease of single handled sailing
Cringle - A grommet or metal ring in a sail that a line is usually attached.
Cuddy - A small shelter cabin in a vessel.
Cunningham - Used to control the tension along the sail's forward edge in order to maintain the shape of the sail
Cutter- A sailboat with a single mast placed in the middle of the vessel.
D
Davits - A structure that typically projects over the rear of a vessel used for raising and lowering a dinghy
Day Sailer - A vessel that is not fitted for cruising over night
Dead ahead - Directly ahead of the vessel's bow
Deck - Top of the vessel which covers the hull.
Deck Cleat - Horn shaped hardware attached to deck used to secure a line
Deviation - A compass error caused by local magnetic attraction.
Dinghy- A small vessel fitted with oars and sometimes sails.
Displacement - The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel. (Archimedes' Principle means this is the vessels weight as well)
Displacement Hull - A type of hull that plows through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added.
Dolphin - A group of piles at the corner or edge of a pier, fastened together to form one.
Double-ender - A vessel that is pointed at both bow and stern.
Downwind - Sailing the same direction as the wind
Draft - The depth of a vessel from waterline to keel.
E
Ease - To loosen. To let out the sheet of a sail.
Ebb - A receding current.
Ensign - A flag identifying the nationality of a vessel.
F
Fall off - To head a vessel away from the direction of the wind.
Fairlead: Describes a variety of fittings (rings, eyes, or loops) which improve the angle and guide a line, rope, cable, or chain in a different direction
Fathom- A measurement of depth: Six (6) feet = 1 Fathom
Fender - Any material or cushion placed between two vessels, or between a vessel and a pier, to prevent damage.
Flood - An incoming current
Fluke - The palm of an anchor.
Following sea- Waves that approach from the rear of a moving vessel.
Foot - The bottom edge of a sail.
Fore - Toward the front of a vessel.
Forward - Toward the bow
Foredeck - The part of the deck of a vessel that is toward the front.
Forepeak - A compartment in the bow of a small vessel.
Foresail - The Jib and Genoa
Forestay - A wire or cable that runs from the bow to the mast of a vessel.
Fouled - Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled
Fractional Rig - The Mainsail goes to the top of the mast, but the Jib stops short of the top of the mast.
Freeboard - The height of vessel's side from the waterline to the deck
Furl - To securely roll up a sail.
G
Galley- The vessel's kitchen
Gear - A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
Genoa - A large jib sail that overlaps the mainsail.
Gimbal- A pivot device used to suspend stove, or other objects, so that it remains level at all times.
Give-Way Vessel - A NAV Rules term used to describe the vessel that must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
Gooseneck - A swivel connecting the boom to the mast. It allows the boom to move side to side as well as up and down.
Ground Tackle - A collective term for the anchor, chain, etc. that prevents a vessel from moving.
Gunwale - The upper edge of a vessel's sides.
H
Halyards - Lines used to hoist (raise) or lower a sail or flag
Hank - A method of attaching a jib, using mechanical fasteners, to the forestay
Hatch - An opening in the deck for entering below.
Head - Two Definitions:
1) The top corner of the sail.
2) A marine toilet.
Head Down - Change the vessel's course away from the wind.
Head Up - Change the vessel's course toward the wind.
Heading - Direction in which a vessel's bow is pointing.
Headsail - Any sail set forward of the mainmast.
1) Jib
2) Genoa
Headstay - A line or cable which supports the mast from the bow of the vessel.
Heave to- To turn the bow of the vessel into the wind and keep it there, so that the vessel lies almost still.
Heel - The tilting of a vessel due to wind, sometimes to waves, measured in degrees
Helm - The wheel or tiller used to steer a vessel
Hiking Stick - An extension of the tiller that enabling the helmsmen to sit at a distance from the tiller.
Hitch - A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope
Hoist - To raise the sail.
Hull - The body of the vessel.
I
In Irons- The bow of the vessel is directly in the wind and all forward motion has stopped
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) - The waterway consists of two non-contiguous segments, which are part canal, and part natural waterway. They allow a vessel travel without going into the ocean
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway -1090 mile channel, runs from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL.
Gulf Intercoastal Waterway - 1050 mile channel, runs from Brownsville, TX to Carrabelle, FL
J
Jettison - To throw overboard.
Jetty - A structure, usually masonry, projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbor entrance.
Jib - A triangular sail that is in front of the mast, that does not overlap the mainsail.
Jib halyard - The line that raises and lowers the jib.
Jib sheet - The line that controls the jib.
a) The working (leeward) sheet
b) The lazy (windward) sheet
Jibe- To change direction in such a way that the wind passes behind the vessel.
K
Keel- A weighted, projecting fin on the bottom of a vessel, for stability.
Keel Depth - The measurement from the waterline to the bottom of the keel
Ketch - A two-masted vessel, the smaller of the masts aft of the larger, and in front of the stern post.
Knot - A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.
L
Latitude- Position, in degrees, north and south of the Equator.
Lazarette- A small compartment for storing equipment, typically in the stern area
Lee - The side sheltered from the wind.
Leech - The back edge of a sail.
Leeward - Away from the wind
Lifeline - Lines, wires or cables on stanchions around the deck of a vessel.
(Never attach a safety line to a lifeline.)
Line - Any rope used on a vessel.
List - Leaning to one side because of improperly balanced loads.
LOA - Length of a vessel at the longest measurement. (Length Over All)
Logbook - A vessel's record of activity.
Longitude - Position, in degrees, east and west of Greenwich, England.
Loose-footed - Describing a mainsail or headsail that is not attached to a boom.
Luff - The leading, or forward, edge of a sail.
Luffing - The flapping of the whole sail
LWL - Length of the vessel at the waterline.
M
Mainsail - The sail that is attached to largest mast of a vessel.
Mainsheet - The line attached to the main boom that controls the mainsail.
Marlinspike - A pointed tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.
Mast - The vertical spar or pole supporting the boom and sails.
Masthead - The top of the mast
Mayday - A distress signal.
Mean High Water (MHW) - The depth of the water at average high tide.
Mean Low Water (MLW)- The depth of the water at average low tide.
Midship - Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.
Mile - A nautical mile is 6,080 feet.
Mizzen - A shorter after mast on a vessel.
Mooring -
1) Ground tackle fixed to a buoy or float that a vessel can tie up to
2) The means of tying a vessel to a pier, dock buoy or other vessel
Motor sailer- A vessel that is designed to use both sail and engine.
N
Nautical Mile - One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - (A statute mile is 5280 feet).
Navigation lights - The combination of lights that identify a vessel, as set out by NAV Rules
Neap tide - The lowest tide in the lunar month.
Nun - A red, cone shaped, navigation buoy
O
Outhaul - A line that places backward tension on the mainsail, allowing the lower one-third of the mainsail to be flattened or filled
Overboard - Over the side or out of the vessel.
Overtaking - Passing
P
Padeye - Metal fitting that are used as attachment points for lines and blocks (pulleys)
Painter - A line at the bow of a dingy or small boat for mooring.
Parachute- Balloon spinnaker.
Parallel rules- Two rulers, hinged together, that can be adjusted in distance while remaining parallel.
Passage - A route between points or ports.
Passageway- corridor
Pier - A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
Pile - A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. It may be used to support a pier or a float.
Piling - Support, protection for wharves, piers etc.; constructed of piles
Pitch - The rhythmic bow- to-stern movement of the vessel, due to waves.
Planing Hull - A hull that raises the vessel out of the water.ie speedboats
Port - The left side of a vessel, looking toward the bow.
Port tack - When the wind comes over the port side of a vessel, and the boom is on the starboard side.
Prevailing winds- Average wind direction for season and area.
Privileged vessel - A vessel that has the right of way. (Now called Stand-on Vessel)
Pulpit- A guard rail at the bow of a vessel.
R
Reach - Any point of sailing between close- hauled and running.
Reef- To reduce the working area of a sail by lowering it part way.
Reefing Line - A line used to shorten the sail.
Rigging- All lines, shrouds and stays on a vessel that pertain to the sail and masts.
Roach - The curved portion of the leech edge of a sail
Rode - The line (or the amount of line) that is attached to an anchor when the anchor is lowered.
Roller Furling - A method of reducing the jibsail's exposure to the wind by furling (wrapping) it around the forestay.
Rope Clutch - A device that works similar to a cam cleat, only with a lever which allows the locking or quick release of lines
Rudder - A flat movable fin that deflects that water and steers the boat. It is attached to the stern and controlled by tiller or wheel.
Rules of the Road - International regulations for vessels.
Run - To allow a line to feed freely.
Running Lights - Lights required to be shown on vessels underway between sundown and sunup.
Running rigging - All lines, halyards and sheets used in controlling sails and spars.
S
Sail Slides - Allows the sail to slide into the mast or boom
Safety Line & Harness - A line, approximately 6 feet long, which attaches a crew's safety harness to the vessel.
Schooner - Sailing vessels with at least 2 masts (foremast and mainmast) The mainmast is taller.
Screw - A vessel's propeller.
Scupper- A drain hole in a rail or toe-rail or gunwale, allowing water to run off.
Sea dog- an old sailor
Seacock - A valve at a through-hull fitting, to allow intake of drainage of water.
Seaworthy - A vessel or a vessel's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions.
Secure - To tie or make fast
Sextant - An navigation instrument used to determine the altitude of the sun and stars above the horizon
Sheet - The line used to adjust a sail
The mainsail has one sheet: Mainsheet
The jib has two
a) The working (leeward) sheet
b) The lazy (windward) sheet
Shell back - A person who has cross the equator and has been initiated
Ship - A larger vessel
Ship-shape - Neat and orderly condition
Shoal - Shallow water.
Shorten- To reef a sail, or drop a sail. To reduce sail area on a vessel.
Shrouds- A wire or cable used support the mast from the side.
Single-handed - To sail alone without crew
Slack - Not fastened, loose.
Slip - A mooring or dock.
Sloop- a vessel with a single mast set forward.
Sole - The floor of the cockpit or cabin.
Sounding - A measurement of the depth of water.
Soundings- Depths as they appear on charts.
Spar - A pole or a beam.
Spinnaker - A large, light triangular sail used in light airs.
Spinnaker Pole A spar or pole used to hold the spinnaker away from the mast.
Splashboard - A raised portion of the hull forward of the cockpit intended to prevent water entering.
Splice- To join two ropes or to make a permanent loop in a rope.
Spreader - Horizontal spar on the mast which holds the shrouds.
Spring lines- Mooring lines used to keep a vessel from moving forward and back in slip.
Squall - A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
Stanchion- A post or upright support for guard rail and lifelines.
Standing Rigging - Supports the mast and includes the Backstay, Headstay, Shrouds.
Stand-On Vessel - That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation. It does not change course or speed unless a collision is eminent
Starboard - The right side of a vessel when facing the bow.
Starboard Bow- bearing 45 degrees relative to the bow
Starboard Tack - Sailing with the wind coming from the starboard side. The boom is on the port side.
Stay - Cable or wire running from the mast to the bow or stern. Ie backstay forestay
Staysail - A triangular sail set on a stay that runs behind the forestay.
Stern - The back part or end of the vessel.
Stern Pulpit.- Railing around the aft portion of the vessel
Storm Jib - A small strong jib sail used in stormy weather and gales.
Stow - To put an item in its proper place.
Swamp - To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
T
Tack - 1) The front lower corner of the sail.
2) A direction of sail - i.e. a starboard tack.
3) To sail to windward by alternating courses, staying as close to the wind as possible.
Telltale - Any lightweight ribbon or string attached to mast or shrouds to indicate apparent wind.
Tiller - A bar or handle for turning a vessel's rudder or an outboard motor.
Toe Rail - An elevated rail or lip which runs around the perimeter of the deck.
Topside - The measurement from the waterline to the deck. Same as Freeboard
Transom - The flat area of the hull, at the stern of a vessel.
Traveler - A sliding athwartships track connected to the mainsheet. Used to adjust the shape of the sail.
Trim - To adjust a sail by using the sheets
Turnbuckle - A device for adjusting the tension on the shrouds and stays.
U
Under bare poles - To have no sails up.
Underway - Vessel in motion, not moored or aground
Union Jack - A small flag representing the nationality of the vessel.
V
Vane - A wind direction indicator.
Vang - A line used to stabilize the boom.ie Boom Vang
Veer - To change directions suddenly.
Vessel - Every description of water craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water
W
Wake - Moving waves or path that a vessel leaves behind it.
Waterline - The line around the vessel where the hull meets the water when the boat is on an even keel
Weather Helm - A tendency to head into the wind.
Wheel - A steering wheel use to turn the vessel.
Whisker Pole - A pole attached to the mast, booming out the jib.
Winch - A device for hauling or tightening the lines.
Windward - Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.
Windward - Toward the wind
Wing and Wing - Having sails set on both sides of a vessel.
Working Jib - A smaller jib between the mast and headstay.
Working Sails - The sails used on a vessel under ordinary conditions.
Y
Yacht - A pleasure vessel
Yardarm - A spar or pole attached to the of a mast running athwartship
Yaw - To swing or steer off course
Yawl - a two-masted vessel, with the smaller, after mast stepped behind the stern post.
Z
