GLOSSARY OF
BASIC NAUTICAL TERMS
(July, 2018)
Boating and boat ownership continues
to increase in popularity. Agents and underwriters of personal lines insurance
are often asked to place or underwrite boats and boating equipment; however,
they are frequently quite unfamiliar with terms that are common to this
recreational activity.
A lack of knowledge is a substantial
and unnecessary obstacle to successfully meeting the needs of insurance
consumers. In the hope of closing this special knowledge gap, we offer the
following, brief glossary of nautical terms.
-A-
aback–A sail
with a windward clew that is pressed back towards the mast (typically caused by
a sudden change of wind).
abaft–Toward the rear (stern) of the boat.
Behind.
abeam–At right angles to the keel of the
boat, but not on the boat.
aboard–On or within the boat.
above deck–On the deck (not over it). See Aloft.
abreast–Side by side; by the side of.
accommodation–Refers to a vessel’s cabin.
acker–A tide formed and traveling
immediately behind another tide.
adrift–Loose, not on moorings or towline.
Also refers to free floating object or boat that cannot move by its own power.
affreightment–Securing a vessel’s use by hiring it.
aft–Toward the stern of the boat.
aft cabin–A beneath-deck sleeping area located at the
rear of a vessel.
after body–Parts of a vessel located behind its
midsection.
afterdeck–Portion of a deck located behind the
bridge of a ship.
afterguard–Sailors assigned to sails on a ship’s
quarterdeck and poopdeck.
against the sun–Coiling a rope from right to left.
aground–Touching or fast to the bottom.
ahead–In a forward direction.
ahull–A boat
lies ahull when it is drifting with no sails set.
aids to navigation–Artificial objects to supplement
natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters.
alee–Away from the direction of the wind.
Opposite of windward.
aloft–Above the deck of the boat
(overhead).
amidships–The middle portion of a
vessel.
anemometer–An instrument for measuring wind speed.
apparent
wind–The wind that flows over a moving
boat.
amidships–In or toward the center of the boat.
anchor–A heavy weight, usually with a
special design to temporarily hold a boat’s position.
anchorage–A place suitable for anchoring in
relation to the wind, seas and bottom.
anchor
light–See riding light.
anchor
rode–The length or rope, chain (or
combination) connecting the bow to the anchor when the anchor has been dropped.
anchor
rode markers–Labeled strips attached to the anchor
line that indicate the length of the line that has been let out when deploying
an anchor.
anchor
watch–The state of watching an anchor and
handling problems while a vessel is temporarily moored.
anchorage–A place suitable for
anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom.
anti-fouling–A
special type of paint that minimizes various materials from adhering to a
boat’s submerged hull.
astern–In back of the boat; opposite of
ahead.
athwartships–Any item or structure located at a right
angle to a boat’s centerline.
aweigh–The position of the anchor as it is
raised clear of the bottom.
-B-
backing
a sail–To push a sail out so that the wind
fills the opposite side.
backing
down–Moving a craft in reverse to land a large fish.
backstay–A stay used to halt any forward movement of a ship’s mast.
baffling
wind–A wind that constantly shifts
direction.
baggywrinkle–Frayed rope clumps that are used to protect sails from
chafing against lines.
bait station–The area of any craft that is used,
specifically, to prepare bait.
ballast–Weight, usually metal, placed low in the boat.
bare
poles (to sail under)–Sailing without any
sails set.
barge–A
boat having a flat bottom, designed to transport freight on canals and rivers.
Barge
master–Refers to any person who owns a barge.
bass boat–A low-profiled, outboard motorboat that
includes pedestal seats, livewells and casting decks.
batten–Light wood or plastic inserted into a sail’s pocket for
support (prevents curling).
batten down–Secure hatches and loose objects both
within the hull and on deck.
beam–The greatest width of the boat.
bear away (or
off)–To alter course away from the wind.
bearing–The direction of an object expressed
either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the
heading of the boat.
beating–See close hauled.
becket–A loop
at a rope’s end.
belay–To secure or fasten down a line.
below–Beneath
the deck.
Bermuda
rig–A vessel equipped with large,
triangular mainsail. The design, first popularized in ships developed for
operation around
bight–The
part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a
knot is formed.
bilge–The
interior of the hull below the floor boards.
bimini–A canvas canopy that covers and shields the bridge and/or
control console from sun and rain.
binnacle–A
case for storing a ship’s compass.
bitts–Small posts fixed through the vessel’s foredeck.
bitter
end–The last part of a rope or chain. The
inboard end of the anchor rode.
block–A pulley.
boat–A indefinite term. A
waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship. One definition is a small craft carried
aboard a ship or a small, open craft (without a deck).
boat hook–A short
shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over
a piling, recovering an object dropped
overboard, or in pushing or fending off.
boatswain–Any member of a ship’s crew assigned
to handle ship equipment and maintenance.
bobstay–A stay from the bow of the boat to the end of the bowspirt.
bollard–A
post located on either a pier or vessel which is used to attach docking lines.
bolt
rope–Rope sown into the edge of the sail as
reinforcement.
boom–A spar for extending the foot of the sail.
boom
vang–A
tackle attached to a boom to prevent it from lifting.
boot top–A painted line that indicates the designed waterline.
bosun–See boatswain.
bosun’s
chair –A canvas seat used to hoist a person
up a mast.
bow–The forward part of a boat.
bow line–A docking line leading from the bow.
bowline–A knot used to form a temporary loop
in the end of a line.
bowrider–A small, lightweight, open-bow seating
craft used for daylight, pleasure (as opposed to commercial) activities.
bowspirt–A
spar that projects from the bow, allowing the head sails to be secured further
forward.
bream–Burning seaweed off the bottom of a
ship.
bridge–The location from which a vessel is steered,
and its speed controlled. "Control Station" is really a more
appropriate term for small craft.
bridge clearance–The distance measured from waterline to
a vessel’s highest point.
bridle–A line or wire secured at both ends to
distribute a strain between two points.
brightwork–Varnished woodwork and/or polished
metal.
bring
about–To change direction.
broach–When a vessel that is running before a sea turns
inadvertently and is hit broadside by oncoming waves.
bulkhead–A vertical partition separating
compartments that is designed to reinforce a hull.
bulwark–A vertical extension above a deck’s
perimeter to help keep water out of a boat as well as keep loose items on a
boat.
bunk–A sleeping berth.
bunt lines–Ropes attached to sails to
raise/lower them.
buoy–An anchored float used for marking a
position on the water, or a hazard or a shoal for mooring.
buoyancy–This is a vessel's ability to stay afloat.
burdened vessel–See give-way vessel.
by the board–To fall off a vessel (person) or a structure that breaks
and falls from a vessel.
by the wind–See close-hauled.
-C-
cabin–A compartment for passengers or crew.
cabin motorboat–A motorboat that includes a
compartment that can be closed with a door or hatch.
cable–A nautical measurement equaling one tenth of a nautical
mile.
caboose–A kitchen or galley.
cabotage–Either sailing or shipping between points of a single
country.
calm–A
still, or smooth water surface (no wind activity).
cambered–A vessel with a keel that is lower than its midsection.
can buoy–Cylinder-shaped,
floating marker that is used for navigation.
capsize–To turn over.
careen–Turning a boat on its side to
facilitate cleaning and/or repairs.
capstan–An upright device that is used to
wind up, store and release ropes or cables.
cast off–To let go.
catamaran–A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side
by side.
catenary–The curve formed by a dropped anchor
line.
cat rig–A type of sailboat, characterized by a large, single,
forward positioned sail. The design allows for easier control for less-skilled
operators.
cavel–See kevel.
center-line–An imaginary line running down the middle of the ship from
the bow to the stern.
centerboard–A pivoting or sliding plate that extends the keel.
center of effort–Refers to a point on a vessel’s sails where all
pressures acting on those sails are concentrated.
chafing gear–Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from
chafing on a rough surface.
chain plate–Metal fittings located on the side of a boat where the
ends of shrouds and stays are attached.
chart–A map for use by navigators.
chart plotter–An electronic screen
that display charts upon which courses can be marked (plotted).
chine–The intersection of the bottom and
sides of a flat or “V” bottomed boat.
chock–A fitting through which an anchor or
mooring lines are led. Usually U-shaped to reduce chafe.
chum–Fish or fish parts that are used as
bait.
chumming–Placing fish or fish
parts in water to attract fish.
chute–A deck opening near the bow from which a spinnaker is
hoisted.
class–A category of vessels having a similar design.
claw
ring–A 'C'-shaped fitting that slips over a
boom.
cleat–A fitting to which lines are made
fast. The classic cleat to which lines are belayed is approximately
anvil-shaped.
clew–The lower aft corner of a fore and aft sail.
close
hauled–A vessel with its sheets pulled in for
sailing as close to the wind as possible.
clove hitch–A knot for temporarily fastening a
line to a spar or piling.
coaming–A vertical piece around the edge of a
cockpit, hatch, etc., to prevent water on deck from running below.
cockpit–An opening in the deck from which the
boat is operated.
C.O.E.–See
center of effort
coffee
grinder–A large, powerful winch for handling
sails.
coil–To lay a line down in circular turns.
come
about–Switching from one tack to another
when sailing into the wind.
companionway–The entry area between
a deck to a vessel’s below deck cabin
Coordinated
Universal Time–A replacement of
Greenwich Mean Time. It is time standard that is unaffected by seasons and time
zones.
corinthian–An
inexperienced yachtowner or yacht user.
counter rotation–A single shaft with two
propellers operating in different directions.
course–The direction in which a boat is
steered.
cringle–Loop located at the corner of a sail
where lines are attached.
crosstrees–Horizontal pieces used to support a
ship’s mast.
cruiser–A boat equipped with
overnight accommodations.
cuddy–A small shelter cabin in a boat.
current–The horizontal movement of water.
cutter–A single mast fore-and-aft sailing boat with an outer jib
as well as an inner staysail.
-D-
daggerboard–A
centerboard that may be raised and lowered straight up and down.
darning
the water–Where a vessel sails back and forth as
it awaits a decision to be made about travel or to approach a dock or pier.
davit–A small crane for lifting small craft or
objects.
day
sailor–An open boat used for daytime sailing.
dead ahead–Directly ahead.
dead astern–Directly aft (behind)
deck–A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any
part thereof.
demurrage–A delay, either in a vessel’s scheduled departure or in its
loading with cargo.
derelict–An abandoned vessel.
dinghy–A small open boat that is usually
used as a tender (ferry) for a larger craft.
dinghy-man–A person whose duty is to man and
control a yacht dinghy that is used for running errands (on shore).
direct drive–An engine with a
driveshaft that runs directly through a hull’s bottom.
dismantled–A sailing vessel stripped of its
sails and spars.
displacement–The weight of water displaced by a
floating vessel; thus, a boat's weight.
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.
ditty bag–A small bag used for stowing personal
belongings.
dock–A protected water area in which vessels are moored. The
term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.
documented yacht–A
dodger–Screen of cloth or other material fitted to protect
passengers from the wind and water spray.
dolphin–A group of piles driven close
together and bound with wire cables into a single structure.
double
ender–Any vessel with a pointed bow and
stern.
downhaul–Tackle used for pulling down (or tying down) the tack.
draft–The depth of water a boat draws.
draught–The depth of water required to float a vessel.
draw–A wind-filled sail.
drogue–Object towed over the stern to slow a boat and to keep it
pointed downwind.
dry weight–A vessel’s weight, net
of the weight of fuel and fresh water.
-E-
earings–Upper
corners of sails.
ease–Letting out a sail or line
gradually.
ebb–A receding (falling) current.
eddy–Circular
movement of air or water currents.
ensign–Refers to a country’s national flag that is flown at the
stern.
entrance–Another term for a vessel’s bow or a strong, cutting
movement into water.
EPIRB–An emergency radio that transmits a
signal to a GPS network used by the U.S. Coast Guard for rescues (emergency
positioning indicating radio beacon).
eyelet
holes–The holes made in sails to facilitate
lacing.
eye
of the wind–Point from where a true wind blows.
eye
splice–When the end of a rope is arranged to
form an eye-shape.
-F-
fair
wind–A wind that allows a vessel to proceed
without having to tack (zig-zag).
fairlead–Any device that guides a rope.
fall–The part of the tackle which is hauled upon.
fall off–To drop off away from the wind.
fashion timbers–Timbers that form a vessel’s stern.
fathom–Six feet.
feathering–The practice of turning over an oar’s
blade as it’s lifted out of the water.
feathering propeller–A propeller with blades that stay opened for operation
and then which are spun by the action of water passage when not in use.
Compared to fixed props, they create less drag. Compared to folding props, they
operate with less wear and vibration, but they have disadvantages of possible
jamming and entanglement.
fender–A cushion, placed between boats, or
between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
fetch–The distance a wind must travel over open water.
fetch away–Any sudden, unintended vessel movement.
fighting chair–An anchored chair,
equipped with a harness used to assist with landing large gamefish.
figure eight knot–A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end
of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.
fin
keel–A single weighted keel that is
centrally attached to a vessel’s bottom (for stability).
fitted out–A ship with a rigging ready to set out.
fix–A vessel’s position as recorded in either
map coordinates or bearings.
fixed
propeller–A propeller that
remains in an open position and, while efficient during forward operation, is
less efficient in reverse and causes drag and tangling problems when not in
use.
flare–1. The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. 2.
A distress signal.
flatten in sheets–The act of hauling in sales.
flood–An incoming current.
floorboards–The surface of the
cockpit on which the crew stands.
flotsam–Vessel contents or equipment that have been washed overboard.
fluke–The points of an anchor which dig into the soil of the
bottom.
flying bridge–A secondary helm
station located above a vessel’s primary helm.
folding
propeller–A propeller with
blades that are opened for operation and then are folded backward by the action
of water passage when not in use. Compared to fixed props, they create less
drag, but tend to be less powerful/efficient and operate with more vibration
and may jam during blade movement.
following sea–An overtaking sea that comes from
astern.
foot–A triangle-shaped sail’s lower edge.
fore–Towards, near or at the bow.
fore-and-aft–In a line parallel to the keel.
forecabin–Cabin located in the front portion of
a ship.
forecastle–Raised deck located at the fore of a
ship.
forepeak–A space in the bows of a vessel.
foresail–Fore and aft sails set on a fore mast.
forestay–A stay leading from the mast to the foredeck that is used
to hoist staysails and to stabilize the mast.
forestaysail–A triangular sail set forward of the mast on the forestay.
forward–Toward the bow of the boat.
foul–To entangle or obstruct.
foul
anchor–An anchor that is tangled-up or
dirtied.
founder–To sink.
fractional
sloop rig–A sail configuration that pairs a
significantly larger mainsail with a small jib.
freeboard–The minimum vertical distance from
the surface of the water to the gunwale (upper edge of the sides of a vessel).
furl–Folding and securing a sail to its boom or spar.
futtock–The rib of a vessel.
-G-
gaff–A spar that extends the head of a fore-and-aft mainsail.
galley–The kitchen area of a boat.
gangway–The area of a ship's side where
people board and disembark.
garnet–Tackle used for removing items from
ship holds and for hoisting square-shaped sails.
gather way–The beginning movement of a vessel,
either due to sail or steam power.
gear–A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other
equipment.
genoa
jib–A headsail that extends from bow to
behind the mast.
gig–An oar-powered boat that is an
accessory to a yacht (reserved for the owner’s use).
gimbals–A system by which an object is suspended so that it remains
horizontal as the boat heels.
give-way vessel–A term used to describe the vessel
which must yield in meeting, crossing or overtaking situations.
gooseneck–The fitting on a mast where a boom is attached.
go
about–To prepare to tack a sailing vessel.
grab rails–Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin
tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
grapnel–A small anchor designed for dragging
waters or for grappling items from the water.
graving–To clean the bottom of a vessel.
green
horn–A derogatory reference for a person who
is unable to learn seamanship.
grommet–A ring of rope or metal fastened in a sail awning.
ground tackle–A collective term for the anchor and
its associated gear.
gudgeon–A part of the rudder assembly which permits the rudder to
pivot.
gunwale–The upper edge of a boat's sides.
guy–Rope
used to steady a boat’s rigging.
gybe–See jibe.
-H-
halyard–A line used to
hoist sails.
hand–A ship’s
crewmember.
handing a sail–Refers to
hauling in and or storing (stowing) a sail.
hanks–Rings or hooks for
attaching sails to stays.
hard chine–An abrupt intersection between the
hull side and the hull bottom of a boat so constructed.
hatch–An opening in a boat's deck fitted
with a watertight cover.
hawser–Rope that is used for mooring or
towing ships.
head–A marine toilet. Also, the upper corner of a triangular
sail.
heading–The direction in which a vessel's bow
points at any given time.
headsail–A sail set forward of the main mast on the headstay.
headstay–A stay that leads from the mast to the bow.
headrope–The rope that is attached to the head (top) of a sail.
headway–The forward motion of a boat.
Opposite of sternway.
heave-to–To rig a boat so that it lies to the wind and sea with as little
movement as possible.
heel–The tilt of a boat caused by the wind’s action on its
sails.
heeling
error–An inaccurate
compass reading due to interference from a boat’s heel.
helm–The wheel or tiller controlling the
rudder.
helmperson–The person who steers the boat.
hitch–A knot used to secure a rope to
another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.
hold–A compartment below deck in a large
vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.
holding on–Continuing on the same course without
making a change in direction.
holystone–Sandstone that is used for scraping
decks.
housing a mast–The portion of a mast located beneath
a deck.
hulk–A vessel that may be suitable for storage
but is not seaworthy.
hull–The main (outer) body of a vessel.
hull speed–The maximum speed a hull can achieve
without planing.
-I-
ice breaker–A ship equipped with enhanced propulsion and heavily reinforced
bow and underside that facilitate easy movement through ice covered waters.
ice fog–A fog that forms in cold weather and
consisting of frozen water particles
ice boat–A type
of light-framed sailboat that is equipped with skates for traveling the
surfaces of frozen waterways.
ICW–See Intracoastal Waterway
impeller–A rotor or blade housed within either
a pump or turbine engine.
inboard–A location that is more toward the
center of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat.
inboard-outboard–A powerboat driven by an inboard engine that is connected to
an outdrive instead of a propeller shaft.
in irons–A
vessel that has stopped head to wind.
inches of mercury–A device used to
measure local barometric (atmospheric) pressure.
Intracoastal
Waterway–Bays, rivers,
and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and
-J-
jack–National flag mounted on the front of a boat or ship.
jackstay–Rigged line to which safety harnesses may be clipped.
Jacob’s ladder–A rope ladder, lowered from the deck,
used when pilots or passengers come aboard.
jam
cleat–A cleat that allows a line to be
fastened quickly by jamming it down.
jetsam–Anything thrown overboard to lighten a ship’s load.
jet ski–A popular, personal watercraft that is propelled
via a powerful water stream.
jettison–The act of discarding items from a vessel.
jetty–A structure, usually masonry,
projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbor entrance.
jib–A vessel’s foremost sail.
jibboom–A spar that extends for a bowsprit.
jib
sheet–A line of rigging used to control a jib.
jibe–Swinging a fore and aft sail sideways when running before
the wind.
jibstay–See headstay.
john
boat–A flat-bottomed boat that is propelled by long poles.
jolly
boat–An oar-powered boat that is larger
than a dinghy, but shorter than a longboat.
jury
rig–A temporary replacement of any part of
any broken rigging.
-K-
kedge–A small auxiliary anchor.
kedge,
to–Moving a vessel by setting out a kedge
and hauling the boat forward by taking up the anchor rode.
keel–The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the
backbone of a vessel.
keelson–A beam mounted on top (across) a wooden
deck as reinforcement.
kellet–A lead weight attached anywhere along
a rode (dropped anchor line) to improve its ability
to absorb shocks and stabilize an anchored boat.
kentledge–Pig iron kept in a ship’s hold and
used as ballast.
ketch–A two-masted fore-and-aft rigged
boat with the forward mast also serving as the main mast.
kevel–Solid lengths of wood attached horizontally to bitts to
facilitate attaching (belaying) ropes.
king post–A vertical post used as a support.
knocked down–A boat that has been knocked on its
side or completely rolled over.
knot–A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet
or 1.85 km) per hour.
knot–A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a
stopper; to enclose or bind an object; to form a loop or a noose; to tie a
small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together.
-L-
labour–Refers
to a vessel that severely pitches and rolls in the water.
lacing–A length of line or thin rope.
lagan–Jettisoned cargo that are marked by buoys, so it can be
recovered later.
lanyard–A short line used to attach one thing to another.
landsman–A person joining a crew to be trained for seamanship.
lapper–A large foresail which extends aft behind the mast.
larboard–Left side of a ship.
lashing–A rope used for securing any movable object in place.
latitude–The distance north or south of the
equator measured and expressed in degrees.
lateen–Triangle-shaped sail that is mounted
on a ship’s spar.
laveer–Sailing against the wind.
lay
up–To store a yacht away for the winter.
lazarette–A storage space in a boat's stern
area.
lead–A lead weight which is attached to the line to find out how
much water is below the boat.
leeboards–Boards attached vertically to a vessel to prevent leeway.
leech–The aftermost edge of a fore and-aft sail.
lee–The side sheltered from the wind.
leeward–The direction away from the wind.
Opposite of windward.
leeway–The sideways movement of the boat
caused by either wind or current.
l
line–Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.
liner–A large passenger ship.
lightship–A stationary vessel that carries a navigational light.
livewell–A compartment that permits storage of
live bait and/or fish.
log–A permanent record of daily progress and operations.
Also, a device to measure speed.
longitude–The distance in degrees east or west
of the meridian at
loran–A system of long range radio navigation used to find
position.
lubber’s line–A mark or permanent line on a compass
indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed.
luff–The forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
luff
up–Turning a vessel’s head directly into an oncoming wind.
lug
or lugsail–A four-sided sail bent onto a yard.
lugger–A boat
rigged with lugsails.
-M-
mainmast–A
boat’s principal mast.
mainsail–A
sail positioned aft of a mainmast
manrope–Roping attached to a ship and used as a handrail.
mansard–Refers to 1. A booby hatch 2. A raised deck.
make
fast–Fasten (attach) a line.
Marconi
Rig–Another name for Bermuda Rig.
mark–An object used as a reference point while navigating.
marlinspike–A tool for opening the strands of a
rope while splicing.
mast–A pole or spar placed vertically for hoisting sails.
masthead–The top of a mast.
masthead
sloop–A sloop with a headstay that reaches
the masthead.
mast
step–A recess or fitting in a vessel's keel
where the base of the mast is set.
master–A ship’s captain.
may day–International call of distress, a
request for immediate help
mess–Group of officers or crew eating together.
midship–Approximately in the location equally
distant from the bow and stern.
millibar–A unit of barometric pressure.
mizzen (or mizzen mast)–The aftermost mast of a ketch or yawl.
moonraker–A
ship’s topmost sail.
moor–To fasten a vessel to a mooring.
mooring–An arrangement for securing a boat to
a mooring buoy or a pier.
-N-
narrows–Small passages.
Nautical Almanac–An annually published book filled with astronomical and
tidal information.
nautical mile–One minute of latitude; approximately
6076 feet–about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.
navigation–The art and science of conducting a
boat safely from one point to another.
navigation rules–The regulations governing the
movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and
sailing rules.
neep
tides–Tides with smaller range than spring
tides two days after the first and last quarters of the moon.
no go zone–An area that cannot be entered by a boat without tacking.
notices
to mariners–Official
notices to navigators reporting changes to navigational charts.
numbered vessel–A vessel with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, state-issued
I.D. number, not a S.S. Coast Guard document.
-O-
oarlock–See row lock.
occulting lights– A navigational light that flashes off
in between longer “on” periods.
offwind–Any point of sailing away from the wind.
oilskins–clothing
that’s treated for wearing in wet conditions (waterproofed).
one-design–Any
boat built to conform to a rule so that it is identical to all other boats.
open-boat–Any, small boat without a deck.
outboard–Toward or beyond a boat's sides. Also,
a detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.
outhaul–A rope
which hauls aft on the clew of the main sail.
out point–To sail
closer to the wind than another boat.
outrigger–Spars
located on the sides of a ship that are used to secure its mast.
orlop–A
ship’s lowest deck when such a ship has a minimum of four decks.
overboard–Over the side or out of the boat.
overfall–A wave that breaks sharply over a shoal or a point where
currents meet.
overwhelm–Capsizing caused by rough sea
activity.
owner’s flag–A boat owner’s personal flag, as opposed
to a signal flag.
-P-
painter–A rope
attached to the bow of a small boat.
pallograph–An instrument that measures a ship’s
level of vibration.
pan pan–A distress message involving the
reporting of threatened persons or property, but the category of urgency is
less than a situation calling for a May Day signal.
partners–The
deck opening through which the mast passes.
peak–The upper corner of
a four-sided sail.
pedestal seat–A padded seat atop a column-style
support that facilitates fishing with large rods.
pennant–A long
triangular flag.
pier–A loading platform extending at an
angle from the shore.
pile–A wood, metal or concrete pole driven
into the bottom. Craft may be made fast to a pile; it may be used to support a
pier (see piling) or a float.
piling–Support, protection for wharves,
piers etc.; constructed of piles (see PILE).
piloting–Navigation by use of visible
references: the depth of the water, etc.
pinch–To sail
too close to the wind.
planing–A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the
water rather than through the water.
planing
hull–A type of hull
shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
planking–The
covering of a vessel’s ribs.
point high–To sail
very close to the wind.
poop–A raised deck on
the after part of the ship.
port–The left
side of a boat looking forward. A harbor.
position line or "line of position"–A position line is a line along which the boat is
positioned.
preventer–An extra
stay line used to prevent jibing booms.
priviliged
vessel–See sand-on vessel.
prop walk–The
sideways effect of the propeller on the stern.
prow–The bow
and fore part of a vessel.
pulpit–An
elevated guardrail on a vessel’s bow or stern.
punt–Flat-bottomed boat
that is square at either end.
-Q-
quadrant–A device located on a
ship’s rudder and to which steering cables are attached.
quarter–The sides of a boat aft of amidships
(midway between the beam and stern).
quarter berth–A bunk
which runs under the cockpit.
quartermaster–A naval
officer responsible for handling ship signaling duties and who cares for a
ship’s steering equipment.
quartering sea–Sea coming on a boat's quarter (at an
angle to boat’s stern).
quay–See wharf.
quick flashing light–A device that flashes
rapidly and is used to assist navigation.
-R-
race–A strong, confused
tide or current.
rackered–A vessel with a keel that is higher than its midsection.
rating–A method
of measuring certain dimensions of yachts.
ratlines–Small
lines that form steps to function as a ladder to climb the rigging.
reach–To sail
with the wind.
ready about–An order to prepare a crew to set a
vessel about (coming about).
reef–To reduce the
sailing area by folding or rolling.
reeve–To pass
something through a hole.
ribs–The wood
that forms the boat's frame.
ride–To lie at anchor.
riding light–An all around white light.
rig–The arrangement of
a vessel’s spars and sails.
rigging–A
vessel’s wiring and rope system.
roach–The
curved leech of a sail.
rode–The anchor line and/or chain.
rope–In general, cordage as originally
purchased. When it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use
it becomes line.
rowlock–A space
in the gunwale for an oar.
rudder–A vertical plate or board for
steering a boat.
rudder post–A
boat’s aftermost timber.
run–To allow a line to feed freely.
running backstay–A
movable backstay.
running lights–Lights required to be shown on boats
underway between sundown and sunup.
running rigging–A
generic term for sheets and halyards.
-S-
safety
harness–A harness worn by crew and tethered to
a boat, preventing the crew from falling overboard.
sampson post–A
strong vertical post where lines are attached.
satellite navigation–A form of position finding using
radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic
equipment.
schooner–A boat with two or more masts.
scope–Technically, the ratio of length of
anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the
bottom of the water. Usually six to seven to one for calm weather and more
scope in storm conditions.
screw–A boat's propeller.
scuppers–Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail,
or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself.
sea
anchor–A drogue or drag device to slow down a
boat.
sea cock–A through hull valve, a shut off on a
plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea.
seakindly–Capable of being comfortable while
experiencing rough seas.
seamanship–All the arts and skills of boat
handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling,
marlinspike work and rigging.
sea room–A safe distance from the shore or
other hazards.
seaworthy–A boat or a boat's gear able to meet
the usual sea conditions.
secure–To make fast.
set–To hoist the sails
into sailing position.
sextant–A
navigational instrument for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies.
shank–An
anchor’s main shaft.
sheave–The
pulley wheel in a block.
sheer–The
straight or curved portion of a deck line.
sheet–A rope
attached to a sail’s clew.
shell–The
metal casing of a block which holds a pin.
ship–A larger vessel typically meant for
ocean travel. A vessel able to carry a "boat" on board.
shrouds–Stays
that provide mast support.
side lights–Navigation
lights; green is to starboard, red to port.
single up–To cast
off all but one remaining line.
skeg–Projecting
portion of the underwater part of a vessel.
slack–Not fastened; loose. Also, to loosen.
slip–To let go
purposely.
sloop–A
single-masted vessel.
snatch block–A block
into which a line can be placed without being threaded.
S.O.G–Speed
Over Ground, speed relative to bottom.
sole–Cabin or saloon floor. Timber
extensions on the bottom of the rudder. Also, the molded fiberglass deck of a
cockpit.
sounding–A measurement of the depth of water.
spar–Another term for
mast.
spill–To
shake the wind out of a sail.
spinnaker–A
lightweight, three-cornered sail.
splicing–A
method of joining ropes without the use of knots.
spreader–A spar that is attached horizontally to a mast. Used to
extend shrouds and stays to create mast support.
spring line–A pivot line used in docking,
undocking or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast
to a dock.
squall–A sudden, violent wind often
accompanied by rain.
square knot–A knot used to join two lines of
similar size. Also called a reef knot.
stanchion–A post
used to support guardrails and lifelines.
standing part–That part of a line which is made
fast. The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.
standing rigging–The
shroud and stays that provide mast support.
stand-on vessel–That vessel which has right-of-way
during a meeting, crossing or overtaking situation.
starboard–The right side of a boat when looking
forward.
stays–The
part of the standing rigging which supports the mast in fore and aft direction.
staysail–A
triangular headsail that is hanked to a forestay.
steel hull–A hull composed of either sheet steel
or steel alloy.
steerage way–Sufficient
movement through the water to allow the boat to be steered by the rudder.
stem–The forward most part of the bow.
step–A recess into the
keel in which the mast is placed.
stern–The after part of the boat.
stern line–A docking line leading from the
stern.
stern rail–An
elevated guardrail at a vessel’s rear.
stops–Small
lines used to tie the sails when furled.
stow–To put an item in its proper place.
swamp–To fill with water, but not settle to
the bottom.
sweat–To haul
up tight.
-T-
tack–The forward lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
tacking–A zig-zag course that is used to make
progress against the wind.
tackle–A system using ropes and blocks.
tang–A metal fitting that attaches stays to the mast.
tell
tales–Small lengths of wool sewn on the
sail.
tender–A small boat used to ferry passengers to shore from a
larger vessel.
thwartships–At right angles to the centerline of
the boat.
thimble–A metal loop for forming a hard eye.
thwart–A seat running across a dinghy.
tidal
current–The horizontal movement of the water
due to tide.
tide–The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
tideway–Part of a channel where the tide is the strongest.
tiller–A bar or handle for turning a boat's
rudder or an outboard motor.
topping
lift–A tackle or rope used to support a
boom.
topsides–The sides of a vessel between the
waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.
track–Prospective course for a boat to follow.
transom–The stern cross-section of a square, stern
boat.
traveler–A slide which travels on a track.
trim–Fore and aft balance of a boat.
trolling–Fishing with light baited lines.
true
wind–The speed and direction of the wind
from the vantage point of a stationary object.
trysail–A triangular loose-footed sail fitted aft of the mast.
turnbuckle–A device used to maintain the proper
tension on standing rigging.
-U-
unbend–To release (unfurl) a sail.
underway–Vessel in motion; i.e., when not
moored, at anchor, or aground.
under bare poles–A vessel that is being
propelled by very strong winds, so all sails are stowed.
under deck –Below a vessel’s deck.
under the lee–A vessel that is shielded from the
wind.
unreeve–To pull a rope from an opening.
unweigh–Raising an anchor.
usages of the sea–Legal customs related to commercial
marine operations.
-V-
vang–See boom vang.
variable pitch–An adjustable,
multi-blade type propeller that assists with reducing drag experienced while
sailing.
V bottom–A hull with the bottom section in the
shape of a "V."
vector–A drawn line that indicates the
direction and force or winds and/or currents.
velocity made good–Vessel speed that has
been adjusted to account for action of currents and winds.
veer and haul–To alternately slacken up and then haul on a rope.
victuals–Vessel provisions.
VMG–See velocity made
good.
-W-
wake–Moving waves, track or path that a
boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters.
warp–To warp is to move a vessel by lines.
washboards–Boards used to close a companionway.
waterline–A line painted on a hull which shows
the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed. See boot top.
way–Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway,
sternway or leeway.
waypoint–A charted feature or chosen position on a chart.
weigh
anchor–To raise the anchor from the bottom.
whipping–Method of binding ropes.
whisker
pole–A pole used to boom out of the jib
when running wing and wing.
windward–Toward the direction from which the
wind is coming.
-X-
x–(frivolous) On a
pirate’s chart, this mark indicates the location of treasure.
xebec–A three-masted sailing ship
used in the Mediterranean.
-Y-
yacht–A pleasure vessel, a pleasure boat; in American usage,
the idea of size and luxury is conveyed, either sail or power.
yacht
basin–A waterway
located next to a yacht club or marina which is designed for recreationally
used vessels.
yard–A spar from which a square sail is hung.
yard arm–The end of a yard.
yaw–To swing or steer off course, as when running with a
quartering sea.
yawl–Two-masted fore and aft rigged
vessel.
-Z-
zabra–(Spanish) small
sailing vessel.
zenith–The highest point of
the vertical path of a celestial object.
zephyr–A gentle breeze; the slightest
movement of air.
zulu–See Coordinated
Universal Time.