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 - A term referring to an object in 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 line- A mooring line at the bow.
Bow Pulpit - A guardrail around the bow of the vessel
Bow - The front, or forward end of a 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 - Six feet.
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 Cock - A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea. (Through hull fitting)
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.
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 - A term referring to an object in 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 line- A mooring line at the bow.
Bow Pulpit - A guardrail around the bow of the vessel
Bow - The front, or forward end of a 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 - Six feet.
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 Cock - A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea. (Through hull fitting)
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.
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
A Abaft, Abeam, Adrift, Aft, Aground, Ahead, Ahull, Alee, All Hands, Aloft, Alongside, Amidship, Anemometer, Angle of heel, Apparent wind, Astern, Athwart, Athwartships,
Auxiliary, Aweigh, Aye-Aye, B Back, Backstay, Ballast, Bare poles, Batten Down, Batten, Beacon, Beam, Bearing, Beat, Beaufort scale, Before the wind, Bell bouy, Below,
Bight, Bilge, Binnacle, Bitter end, Bollard, Bolt rope, Boom, Boom Topping Lift, Boom Vang, Boot Stripe, Bow, Bow line, Bow Pulpit, Bowline, Bowspirit, Bridle, Brightwork, Bring about, Broach, Broad Reach, Bulkhead, Burdened Vessel, C Cabin Trunk, Cam cleat, Capsize, Catamaran, Centerboard, Chafing Gear, Chain Plate, Chart, Chock, Cleat,
Cleat Hitch, Clew, Close, Clove Hitch, Coaming, Cockpit, Come About, Companionway, Control Lines, Cringle, Cuddy, Cunningham, Cutter, D Davits, Day Sailer, Dead ahead,
Deck, Deck Cleat, Deviation, Dinghy, Displacement, Displacement Hull, Dolphin, Double, Downwind, Draft, E Ease, Ebb, Ensign, F Fairlead, Falloff, Fathom, Fathom, Fender,Flood, Fluke, Following sea, Foot, Fore, Foredeck, Forepeak, Foresail, Forestay, Forward, Fouled, Fractional Rig, Freeboard, Furl, G Galley, Gear, Genoa, Gimbal, Give, Gooseneck, Ground Tackle, Gunwale, H Halyards, Hank, Hatch, Head, Head Down, Head Up, Heading, Headsail, Headstay, Heave to, Heel, Helm, Hiking Stick, Hitch, Hoist, Hull, I In Irons, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), J Jettison, Jetty, Jib, Jib halyard, Jib sheet, Jibe, K Keel, Keel Depth, Ketch, Knot, L Latitude, Lazarette, Lee, Leech, Leeward, Lifeline, Line, List, LOA, Logbook, Longitude, Loose, Luff, Luffing, LWL, M Mainsail, Mainsheet, Marlinspike, Mast, Masthead, Mayday, Mean High Water (MHW), Mean Low Water (MLW), Midship, Mile, Mizzen, Mooring, Motor sailer, N Nautical Mile, Navigation lights,
Neap tide, Nun, O Outhaul, Overboard, Overtaking, P Padeye, Painter, Parachute, Parallel rules, Passage, Passageway, Pier, Pile, Piling, Pitch, Planing Hull, Port, Port tack, Prevailing winds, Privileged vessel, Pulpit, R Reach, Reef, Reefing Line, Rigging, Roach, Rode, Roller Furling, Rope Clutch, Rudder, Rules of the Road, Run,
Running Lights, Running rigging, S Safety Line & Harness, Sail Slides, Schooner, Screw, Scupper, Sea Cock, Sea dog, Seacock, Seaworthy, Secure, Sextant, Sheet,
Shell back, Ship, Shoal, Shorten, Shrouds, Single, Slack, Slip, Sloop, Sole, Sounding, Soundings, Spar, Spinnaker, Spinnaker Pole, Splashboard, Splice, Spreader, Spring lines,
Squall, Stanchion, Stand, Standing Rigging, Starboard, Starboard Bow, Starboard Tack, Stay, Staysail, Stern, Stern Pulpit, Storm Jib, Stow, Swamp, T Tack, Telltale,
Tiller, Toe Rail, Topside, Transom, Traveler, Trim, Turnbuckle, U Under bare poles, Underway, Union Jack, VVane, Vang, Veer, Vessel, W Wake, Waterline, Weather Helm, Wheel, Whisker Pole, Winch, Windward, Wing and Wing, Working Jib, Working Sails, Y Yacht, Yardarm, Yaw, Yawl, Z
Auxiliary, Aweigh, Aye-Aye, B Back, Backstay, Ballast, Bare poles, Batten Down, Batten, Beacon, Beam, Bearing, Beat, Beaufort scale, Before the wind, Bell bouy, Below,
Bight, Bilge, Binnacle, Bitter end, Bollard, Bolt rope, Boom, Boom Topping Lift, Boom Vang, Boot Stripe, Bow, Bow line, Bow Pulpit, Bowline, Bowspirit, Bridle, Brightwork, Bring about, Broach, Broad Reach, Bulkhead, Burdened Vessel, C Cabin Trunk, Cam cleat, Capsize, Catamaran, Centerboard, Chafing Gear, Chain Plate, Chart, Chock, Cleat,
Cleat Hitch, Clew, Close, Clove Hitch, Coaming, Cockpit, Come About, Companionway, Control Lines, Cringle, Cuddy, Cunningham, Cutter, D Davits, Day Sailer, Dead ahead,
Deck, Deck Cleat, Deviation, Dinghy, Displacement, Displacement Hull, Dolphin, Double, Downwind, Draft, E Ease, Ebb, Ensign, F Fairlead, Falloff, Fathom, Fathom, Fender,Flood, Fluke, Following sea, Foot, Fore, Foredeck, Forepeak, Foresail, Forestay, Forward, Fouled, Fractional Rig, Freeboard, Furl, G Galley, Gear, Genoa, Gimbal, Give, Gooseneck, Ground Tackle, Gunwale, H Halyards, Hank, Hatch, Head, Head Down, Head Up, Heading, Headsail, Headstay, Heave to, Heel, Helm, Hiking Stick, Hitch, Hoist, Hull, I In Irons, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), J Jettison, Jetty, Jib, Jib halyard, Jib sheet, Jibe, K Keel, Keel Depth, Ketch, Knot, L Latitude, Lazarette, Lee, Leech, Leeward, Lifeline, Line, List, LOA, Logbook, Longitude, Loose, Luff, Luffing, LWL, M Mainsail, Mainsheet, Marlinspike, Mast, Masthead, Mayday, Mean High Water (MHW), Mean Low Water (MLW), Midship, Mile, Mizzen, Mooring, Motor sailer, N Nautical Mile, Navigation lights,
Neap tide, Nun, O Outhaul, Overboard, Overtaking, P Padeye, Painter, Parachute, Parallel rules, Passage, Passageway, Pier, Pile, Piling, Pitch, Planing Hull, Port, Port tack, Prevailing winds, Privileged vessel, Pulpit, R Reach, Reef, Reefing Line, Rigging, Roach, Rode, Roller Furling, Rope Clutch, Rudder, Rules of the Road, Run,
Running Lights, Running rigging, S Safety Line & Harness, Sail Slides, Schooner, Screw, Scupper, Sea Cock, Sea dog, Seacock, Seaworthy, Secure, Sextant, Sheet,
Shell back, Ship, Shoal, Shorten, Shrouds, Single, Slack, Slip, Sloop, Sole, Sounding, Soundings, Spar, Spinnaker, Spinnaker Pole, Splashboard, Splice, Spreader, Spring lines,
Squall, Stanchion, Stand, Standing Rigging, Starboard, Starboard Bow, Starboard Tack, Stay, Staysail, Stern, Stern Pulpit, Storm Jib, Stow, Swamp, T Tack, Telltale,
Tiller, Toe Rail, Topside, Transom, Traveler, Trim, Turnbuckle, U Under bare poles, Underway, Union Jack, VVane, Vang, Veer, Vessel, W Wake, Waterline, Weather Helm, Wheel, Whisker Pole, Winch, Windward, Wing and Wing, Working Jib, Working Sails, Y Yacht, Yardarm, Yaw, Yawl, Z