A
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.
Adrift -
Loose, not on
moorings or towline.
Aft - Toward
the stern of the
boat.
Aground -
Touching or fast to
the bottom.
Ahead - In a
forward direction.
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.
Amidships -
In or toward the
center of the boat.
Anchorage - A
place suitable for
anchoring in
relation to the
wind, seas and
bottom.
Astern - In
back of the boat,
opposite of ahead.
Athwartships
- At right angles to
the centerline of
the boat; rowboat
seats are generally
athwart ships.
Aweigh - The
position of anchor
as it is raised
clear of the bottom.
Avast-
Command meaning
"stop what you're
doing"
B
Backstay - A
wire support for the
mast, usually
running from the
stern to the head of
the mast.
Baggywrinkle
- Clumps of frayed
rope that protect
the sails from
chafing against the
lines.
Bale - A
fitting on the end
of a spar, such as
the boom, to which a
line may be led.
Ballast Weight
- usually metal,
placed low in a boat
to provide
stability.
Barber Hauler
- A line attached to
the jib or jib
sheet, used to
adjust the angle of
sheeting by pulling
the sheet toward the
centerline of the
boat.
Batten Down -
Secure hatches and
loose objects both
within the hull and
on deck.
Battens -
Flexible strips of
wood or plastic,
most commonly used
in the mainsail to
support the
aft portion, or
roach, so that it
will not curl.
Beam - The
greatest width of
the boat.
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.
Belay- To
temporarily secure a
line to a cleat, or
as a command
"disregard the last
order"
Below -
Beneath the deck.
Bight - The
part of the rope or
line, between the
end and the standing
part, on which a
knot is formed.
Bilge - A
rounding of the hull
along the length of
the boat where the
bottom meets the
side.
Bilge Boards
- Similar to
centerboards, and
used to prevent lee
way.
Bilgeboards -
are on either side
of the centerline at
the bilges.
Binnacle - A
support for the
compass, raising it
to a convenient
position.
Bitter End -
The last part of a
rope or chain. The
inboard end of the
anchor rode.
Board boat -
A small boat,
usually mono rig.
May have a shallow
cockpit well.
Typically has almost
no freeboard.
Boat - A
fairly indefinite
term. A waterborne
vehicle smaller than
a ship. One
definition is a
small craft carried
aboard a ship. A
submarine
Boat Hook - A
short shaft with a
fitting at one end
shaped to facilitate
use in putting a
line over a piling,
recovering an object
dropped overboard,
or in pushing or
fending off.
Bobstay -
Wire Stay underneath
the bowsprit; helps
to counteract the
upward pull exerted
by the forestay.
Boom Crutch -
Support for the
boom, holding it up
and out of the way
when the boat is
anchored or moored.
Unlike a gallows
frame, a crutch is
stowed when boat is
sailing.
Boom - free
swinging spar
attached to the foot
of the sail with
forward end pivoting
on the mast.
Boom Crutch -
Support for the
boom, holding it up
and out of the way
when the boat is
anchored or moored.
Unlike a gallows
frame, a crutch is
stowed when boat is
sailing.
Boom Vang -
A system used to
hold the boom down,
particularly when
boat is sailing
downwind, so that
the mainsail area
facing the wind is
kept to a maximum.
Frequently extends
from the boom to a
location near the
base of the mast.
Usually tackle- or
lever-operated.
Boomkin (bumpkin)-
Short spar extending
aft from the
transom. Used to
anchor the backstay
or the sheets from
the mizzen on a yawl
or ketch.
Boot Top - A
painted stripe that
indicates the
waterline.
Bow - The
forward part of a
boat.
Bowline -
Knot used to form a
temporary loop in a
line
Bow Line - A
docking line leading
from the bow.
Bowsprit - A
short spar extending
forward from the
bow. Normally used
to anchor the
forestay.
Brale -
Partially furling
sails to lessen wind
resistance or
partially unfurling
sails to make them
ready for instant
use. On a square
sail this is
accomplished with
leech and clew
lines. See
"Scandalize"
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 Deck -
The transverse
partition between
the cockpit and the
cabin.
Bridle - A
short length of wire
with a line attached
at the midpoint. A
bridle is used to
distribute the load
of the attached
line. Often used as
boom travelers and
for spinnaker down
hauls.
Brightwork -
Varnished woodwork
and/or polished
metal.
Bulkhead - An
interior partition
commonly used to
stiffen the hull.
May be watertight.
Bullseye - A
round eye through
which a line is led,
usually in order to
change the direction
of pull.
Bulwark - A
vertical extension
above deck level
designed to keep
water out of and
sailors in the boat
Bunk -
Sleeping Berth
Buoy - An
anchored float used
for marking a
position on the
water or a hazard or
a shoal and for
mooring.
Burdened Vessel
- That vessel which,
according to the
applicable
Navigation Rules,
must give way to the
privileged vessel.
The term has been
superseded by the
term "give-way".
C
Cabin - A
compartment for
passengers or crew.
Cap - A
piece of trim,
usually wood, used
to cover and often
decorate a portion
of the boat, i.e.,
caprail.
Capsize - To
turn over.
Capstan -
drum like part of
the windlass used
for winding in rope,
cables, or chain
connected to cargo
or anchors
Cast Off - To
let go.
Catamaran - A
twin-hulled boat,
with hulls side by
side.
Centerboard -
A board lowered
through a slot in
the centerline of he
hull to reduce
sideways skidding or
leeway. Unlike a
daggerboard, which
lifts vertically, a
centerboard pivots
around a pin,
usually located in
the forward top
corner, and swings
up and aft.
Chafing Gear
- Tubing or cloth
wrapping used to
protect a line from
chafing on a rough
surface.
Chain plate -
The fitting used to
attach stays to the
hull.
Charley Noble
- Galley stove pipe
Chart - A map
for use by
navigators.
Chine - The
intersection of the
bottom and sides of
a flat or v-bottomed
boat.
Chine- A
line, running along
the side of the
boat, where the
bottom forms an
angle to the side.
Not found on
round-bottom boats.
Chock - A
fitting through
which anchor or
mooring lines are
led. Usually
U-shaped to reduce
chafe.
Cleat - A
fitting to which
lines are made fast.
The classic cleat to
which lines are
belayed is
approximately
anvil-shaped.
Clew - For a
triangular sail, the
aftmost corner.
Clove Hitch -
A knot for
temporarily
fastening a line to
a spar or piling.
Coach Roof -
Also trunk. The
cabin roof, raised
above the deck to
provide headroom in
the cabin.
Coaming - A
vertical extension
above the deck to
prevent water from
entering the
cockpit. May be
broadened to provide
a base for winches.
Cockpit - An
opening in the deck
from which the boat
is handled.
Coil - To lay
a line down in
circular turns.
Companionway
- The main entrance
to the cabin,
usually including
the steps down into
the cabin.
Counter - At
the stern of the
boat, that portion
of the hull emerging
from below the
water, and extending
to the transom. Apr
to be long in older
designs, and short
in more recent
boats.
Course - The
direction in which a
boat is steered.
Coxswain -
Sailor in charge of
and steering a small
boat
Crosstrees -
Horizontal members
attached to the mast
acting as spreaders
for the shrouds
Cuddy - A
small shelter cabin
in a boat.
Cunningham -
A mainsail control
device, using a line
to pull down the
mainsail a short
distance from the
luff to the tack.
Flattens the sail.
Current - The
horizontal movement
of water.
D
Daggerboard -
A board dropped
vertically through
the hull to prevent
leeway. May be
completely removed
for beaching or for
sailing downwind.
Danger Zone -
The area encompassed
from dead ahead of
your boat to just
abaft your starboard
beam. You must stand
clear of any boat in
the "danger zone".
Davits -
Small cranes used to
raise or lower small
boats and light
items from deck to
water level.
Dead Ahead -
Directly ahead.
Dead Astern -
Directly aft.
Dead-Eyes -
Blocks in the shroud
rigging used to
adjust tension
Deadlight -
Either a cover
clamped over a
porthole to protect
it in heavy weather
or a fixed light set
into the deck or
cabin roof to
provide light below.
Dead Reckoning
- also Ded
Reckoning.
Sometimes believed
to be an
abbreviation of
Deduced Reckoning
Deck - A
permanent covering
over a compartment,
hull or any part
thereof.
Dinghy - A
small open boat. A
dinghy is often used
as a tender for a
larger craft.
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 -
Small bag used for
carrying and stowing
small personal items
or kits
Dock - A
protected water area
in which vessels are
moored.The term is
often used to denote
a pier or a wharf.
Dolphin - A
group of piles
driven close
together and bound
with wire cables
into a single
structure.
Dodger - A
screen, usually
fabric, erected to
protect the cockpit
from spray and wind.
Downhaul - A
line used to pull a
spar, such as the
spinnaker pole, or a
sail, particularly
the mainsail, down.
Draft - The
depth of water a
boat draws.
Dry Sailing
- When boats,
especially smaller
racers, are kept on
shore instead of
being left anchored
or moored, they are
dry sailed. The
practice prevents
marine growth
on the hull and the
absorption of
moisture into it.
E
Ebb - A
receding current.
F
Fairlead - A
fitting used to
alter the direction
of a working line,
such as a bullseye,
turning block, or
anchor chock.
Fathom - Six
feet.
Fender - A
cushion, placed
between boats, or
between a boat and a
pier, to prevent
damage.
Fid - Tool
used by riggers in
splicing line
Figure Eight Knot
- A knot in the form
of a figure eight,
placed in the end of
a line to prevent
the line from
passing through a
grommet or a block.
Flare - The
outward curve of a
vessel's sides near
the bow. Or
A distress signal.
Flood - A
incoming current.
Fluke - The
palm of an anchor.
Fo'c'sle An
abbreviation of
forecastle. Refers
to that portion of
the cabin which is
farthest forward. In
square-riggers often
used as quarters for
the crew.
Following Sea
- An overtaking sea
that comes from
astern.
Foot - For a
triangular sail, the
bottom edge.
Fore And Aft
- In a line parallel
to the keel.
Foremast -
vertical spar most
forward
Forepeak -
The compartment
farthest forward in
the bow of the boat.
Often used for
anchor or sail
stowage. In larger
ships the crews
quarters
Foresail -
lowest square sail
on the foremast
Forestay -
Wire, sometimes rod,
support for the
mast, running from
the bowsprit or
foredeck to a point
at or near the top
of the mast.
Foretriangle
The triangle formed
by the forestay,
mast, and fore deck.
Forward -
Toward the bow of
the boat.
Fouled - Any
piece of equipment
that is jammed or
entangled, or
dirtied.
Fractional Rig
- A design in which
the forestay does
not go to the very
top of the mast, but
instead to a point
3/4~ 7/8's, etc., of
the way up the mast.
Frames - Ribs
that form the shape
of the hull
Freeboard -
The distance between
the deck and the
waterline. Most
often it will vary
along the length of
the boat. (see:
Shear)
G
Gaff - a free
swinging spar
attached to the top
edge of a sail
Galley - The
kitchen area of a
boat.
Gangway - The
area of a ship's
side where people
board and disembark.
Garboard -
Used in conjunction
with strake. Refers
to the planks, or
strakes, on either
side of and adjacent
to the keel.
Give-Way Vessel
- A term used to
describe the vessel
which must yield in
meeting, crossing,
or overtaking
situations.
Give Way Together
- Command used by
Coxswain in larger
rowing boats
Gollywobbler
- A full,
quadrilateral sail
used in light air on
schooners. It is
flown high, between
the fore and main
mast, and is also
known as a
fisherman's
staysail.
Gooseneck -
The fitting that
connects the boom to
the mast.
Grab Rails -
Hand-hold fittings
mounted on cabin
tops and sides for
personal safety when
moving around the
boat.
Ground Tackle
- A collective term
for the anchor and
its associated gear.
Gunter Rig -
Similar to a gaff
rig, except that the
spar forming the
"gaff" is hoisted to
an almost vertical
position, extending
well above the mast.
Gunwale -
Most generally, the
upper edge of the
side of a boat.
Guy - A line
used to control the
end of a spar. A
spinnaker pole, for
example, has one end
attached to the
mast, while the free
end is moved back
and forth with a
guy.
H
Halyards -
Lines used to hoist
or lower sails or
flags.
Halyards -
lines used to haul
up the sail and the
wooden spars (boom
and gaff) that hold
the sails in place.
Hard Chine -
An abrupt
intersection between
the hull side and
the hull bottom of a
boat so constructed.
Hatch - an
opening in the deck
for entering below.
Head - For a
triangular sail, the
top corner. Also a
marine toilet.
Headfoil - a
grooved rod fitted
over the forestay to
provide support for
luff of the sail or
help support the
forestay
Head Knocker
- A block with a jam
cleat, located on
the boom and used to
control the main
sheet on small
boats.
Heading - The
direction in which a
vessel's bow points
at any given time.
Headsails -
Any sail forward of
the foremast.
Headway -
Forward motion of
boat opposite to
sternway
Helm - The
wheel or tiller
controlling the
rudder.
Helmsman -
Sailor who steers
the boat.
Hiking Stick
- An extension of
the tiller that
enables the helms
man to sit at a
distance from it.
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 vessel,
used solely for
carrying cargo.
Hull - The
main body of a
vessel.
I
Inboard -
More toward the
center of a vessel;
inside; an engine
fitted inside a
boat.
Inspection port
- A watertight
covering, usually
small, that may be
removed so the
interior of the hull
can be inspected or
water removed.
J
Jacobs Ladder
- A rope ladder,
lowered from the
deck, as when pilots
or passengers come
aboard.
Jetty - A
structure, usually
masonry, projecting
out from the shore;
a jetty may protect
a harbor entrance.
Jettison -
To throw overboard.
Jib - A
triangular foresail
in front of the
foremast.
Jiffy reefing
- A fast method of
reefing. Lines pull
down the luff and
the leech of the
sail, reducing its
area.
Jumper Stay -
A short stay
supporting the top
forward portion of
the mast. The stay
runs from the top of
the mast forward
over a short jumper
strut, then down to
the mast, usually at
the level of the
spreaders.
Jumbo - The
larger of the
headsails.
K
Keel
-the timber at the
very bottom of the
hull to which frames
are attached.
Keelson - A
structural member
above and parallel
to the keel.
Kick-up-
Describes a rudder
or centerboard that
rotates back and up
when an obstacle is
encountered. Useful
when a boat is to be
beached.
Knockabout -
A type of schooner
without a bowsprit.
Knot - A
measure of speed
equal to one
nautical mile (6076
feet) 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
Lapper - A
foresail which
extends back of and
overlapping the
mast, such as a 110%
genoa jib.
Latitude -
The distance north
or south of the
equator measured and
expressed in
degrees.
Lazarette - A
storage space in a
boat's stern area.
Lazy Jack -
Light lines from the
topping lift to the
boom, forming a
cradle into which
the mainsail may be
lowered.
Lead - Refers
to the direction in
which a line goes. A
boom vang, for
example, may "lead
to the cockpit."
Leech - The
aft edge of a
triangular sail.
Leech Line -
A line running
through the leech of
the sail, used to
tighten it.
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.
Lee Boards -
Pivoting boards on
either side of a
boat which serve the
same function as a
centerboard. The
board to leeward is
dropped, the board
to windward is kept
up.
Lines - Rope
or cordage used for
various purposes
aboard a boat.
Log - A
record of courses or
operation. Also, a
device to measure
speed.
Longitude -
The distance in
degrees east or west
of the meridian at
Loose-Footed
- Describes a
mainsail attached to
the boom at the tack
and clew, but not
along the length of
it's foot.
Lubber 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
triangular sail. In
a mainsail the luff
is that portion that
is closest to the
mast.
Luff or Luffing
- when the vessel
is brought too far
into the wind the
trailing edge or
Leech of the sail
begins to shiver or
shake.
M
Mainmast -
the tallest mast of
the ship; on a
schooner, the mast
furthest aft.
Mainsail -
The lowest square
sail on the
mainmast.
Marline - A
light twine size
line which has been
tarred.
Marline Selling
- A tool for opening
the strands of a
rope while splicing.
Mast - Main
vertical spar used
to support sails and
their running
rigging and in turn
is supported by
standing rigging
Mast Step -
Fitting or
construction into
which the base of
the mast is placed.
Masthead Rig
- A design in which
the forestay runs to
the peak of the
mast.
Mechanical
advantage (or
purchase) - A
mechanical method of
increasing an
applied force.
Disregarding the
effects of friction,
if a force of 100
pounds applied to a
tackle is magnified
to a force of 400
pounds, the purchase
or mechanical
advantage is said to
be
four to one, or 4:
1.
Midship -
Approximately in the
location equally
distant from the bow
and stern.
Mizzen - A
fore and aft sail
flown on the
mizzenmast.
Monkey Deck -
A false deck built
over a permanent
deck. Often used in
the bow of larger
sailing ships,
forward of the
anchor windlass and
provides a working
platform around the
portion of the
bowsprit as it
attaches to the
ship.
Mooring - An
arrangement for
securing a boat to a
mooring buoy or a
pier.
N
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
Regulations (or
COLREGS) - The
regulations
governing the
movement of vessels
in relation to each
other, generally
called steering and
sailing rules.
O
Oar - Device
used to propel small
boats by rowing
Outboard -
Toward or beyond the
boat's sides. A
detachable engine
mounted on a boat's
stern.
Outhaul -
Usually a line or
tackle, an outhaul
is used to pull the
clew of the mainsail
towards the end of
the boom, thus
tightening the foot
of the sail.
Overhaul -
Straightening out
misaligned or
partially fouled
sails and rigging
Overboard -
Over the side or out
of the boat.
P
Pay Out: -
to feed line over
the side of the
boat, hand over
hand.
Pedestal - A
vertical post in the
cockpit used to
elevate the steering
wheel into a
convenient position
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)
Pilothouse -
a small cabin on the
deck of the ship
that protects the
steering wheel and
the crewman
steering.
Planking -
wood boards that
cover the frames
outside the hull.
Piloting -
Navigation by use of
visible references,
the depth of the
water, etc.
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.
Port - The
left side of a boat
looking forward. A
harbor.
Priveledged
Vessel - A
vessel which,
according to the
applicable
Navigation Rule, has
right-of-way (this
term has been
superseded by the
term "stand-on").
Pulpit - A
metal framework on
deck at the bow or
stern. Provides a
safety railing and
serves as an
attachment for the
lifelines.
Pushpit -
pulpit located on
the stern.
Q
Quarter - The
sides of a boat aft
of amidships.
Quartering Sea
- Sea coming on a
boat's quarter.
Queen topsail
- small stay sail
located between the
foremast and
mainmast.
R
Rake - The
fore or aft angle of
the mast. Can be
deliberately induced
(by adjustment of
the standing
rigging) to flatten
sails, balance
steering, etc.
Normally slightly
aft.
Reef points -
A horizontal line of
light lines on a
sail which may be
tied to the boom,
reducing the area of
the sail during
heavy winds.
Rigging: -
the lines that hold
up the masts and
move the sails
(standing and
running rigging).
Roach - The
curved portion of a
sail extending past
a straight line
drawn between two
corners. In a
mainsail, the roach
extends past the
line of the leech
between
the head and the
clew and is often
supported by
battens.
Rocker - The
upward curvature of
the keel towards the
bow and stern.
Rode - The
anchor line and/or
chain.
Rope - In
general, cordage as
it is purchased at
the store. When it
comes aboard a
vessel and is put to
use it becomes line.
Roller reefing
- Reduces the area
of a sail by rolling
it around a stay,
the mast, or the
boom. Most common
on headsails.
Rub-rail -
Also rubbing strake
or rub strake. An
applied or thickened
member at the rail,
running the length
of the boat; serves
to protect the hull
when alongside a
pier or another
boat.
Rudder - A
vertical plate or
board for steering a
boat.
Run - To
allow a line to feed
freely.
Running Backstay:
Also runner, or
preventive backstay.
A stay that supports
the mast from aft,
usually from the
quarter rather than
the stern. When the
boat is sailing
downwind, the runner
on the leeward side
of the mainsail must
be released so as
not to interfere
with the sail.
Running rigging
-The adjustable
portion of the
rigging, used to
control sails and
equipment.
Running Lights
- Lights required to
be shown on boats
underway between
sundown and sunup.
S
Sail - a
piece of cloth that
catches or directs
the wind and so
powers a vessel.
Sailing Rig -
the equipment used
to sail a bost,
including sails,
booms and gaffs,
lines and blocks.
Scandalize -
On a gaff rig the
sail is made loose
footed, the clew is
brought forward
along the boom and
the sail cloth is
drawn up in folds
along the gaff and
mast. From this
position the sail is
instantly available
for use.
Schooner -
Sailing ships with
at least 2 masts
(foremast and
mainmast) with the
mainmast being the
taller. Word derives
from the term "schoon/scoon"
meaning to move
smoothly and
quickly. ( a
3-masted vessel is
called a "tern").
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.
Scupper -
Drain in cockpit,
coaming, or toe-rail
allowing water to
drain out and
overboard. When in
toe rail, properly
known as "freeing
port"
Scuttle- A
round window in the
side or deck of a
boat that may be
opened to admit
light and air, and
closed tightly when
required.
Seat Locker -
A storage locker
located under a
cockpit seat.
Sea Cock - A
through hull valve,
a shut off on a
plumbing or drain
pipe between the
vessel's interior
and the sea.
Seat locker -
A storage locker
located under a
cockpit seat.
Self-bailing
cockpit - A
watertight cockpit
with scuppers,
drains, or bailers
that remove water.
Self-tacking
- Normally applied
to a sail that
requires no
adjustment other
than sheeting when
boat is tacked
Seamanship -
All the arts and
skills of boat
handling, ranging
from maintenance and
repairs to piloting,
sail handling,
marlinespike 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 -
Direction toward
which the current is
flowing.
Sheer The line
of the upper
deck when viewed
from the side.
Normal sheer curves
up towards the bow
and stern, Reverse
sheer curves down
towards the bow and
stern. Compound
sheer, curving up at
the front of the
boat and down at the
stern, and straight
sheer are uncommon.
Sheer Strake
- The topmost
planking in the
sides, often thicker
than other planking.
Sheets:
-Lines used to
control the position
of a sail.
Shrouds
Lateral supports for
the mast, usually of
wire or metal rod.
Ship - A
larger vessel
usually thought of
as being used for
ocean travel. A
vessel able to carry
a "boat" on board.
Shroud: - a
line or wire running
from the top of the
mast to the
spreaders, then
attatching to the
side of the vessel.
Skeg: For
sailboats, usually
refers to a
structural support
to which the rudder
is fastened.
Slab Reefing
- Also points
reefing, and
sometimes jiffy
reefing. Reduces the
area of the mainsail
by partially
lowering the sail
and resecuring the
new foot by tying
it to the boom with
points, or light
lines attached to
the sail.
Slack - Not
fastened; loose.
Also, to loosen.
Sole - The
floor of the cockpit
or cabin.
Sounding - A
measurement of the
depth of water.
Spar - a pole
or a beam.
Spar Poles -
most often of wood,
aluminum or carbon
fiber, used as
supports, such as
the mast, boom, or
spinnaker pole.
Spinnaker - A
large, triangular
sail, most often
symmetrical, flown
from the mast in
front of all other
sails and the
forestay. Used
sailing downwind.
Spirit - The
spar that supports
the peak of a
spritsail.
Splashboard -
A raised portion of
the hull forward of
the cockpit intended
to prevent water
entering.
Spreaders -
Also crosstrees.
Short horizontal
struts extending
from the mast to the
sides of the boat,
changing the upward
angle of the
shrouds.
Spring Line -
A pivot line used in
docking, undocking,
or to prevent the
boat from moving
forward or astern
while made fast to a
dock.
Spritsail -
A four-sided fore
and aft sail set on
the mast, and
supported by a spar
from the mast
diagonally to the
peak of the sail.
Standing rigging
- Permanent rigging
used to support the
spars. May be
adjusted during
racing, in some
classes.
Stay - a line
or wire from the
mast to the bow or
stern of a ship, for
support of the mast
(fore, back,
running, and triadic
stays).
Staysail - A
sail that is set on
a stay, and not on a
yard or a mast.
Stem - the
timber at the very
front of the bow.
Strake - On
wooden boats, a line
of planking running
from the bow to the
stern along the
hull.
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.
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.
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.
Stem - The
most forward
vertical structural
member in the bow.
Stern - The
after part of the
boat.
Stern Line -
A docking line
leading from the
stern.
Stow - To put
an item in its
proper place.
Strake: On
wooden boats, a line
of planking running
from the bow to the
stern along the
hull.
Swamp - To
fill with water, but
not settle to the
bottom.
Sweat And Tail
- Sweat is the act
of hauling a halyard
to raise a sail or
spar done by pulling
all slack outward
and then downward.
Tail is controlling,
coiling, and
securing the
runnning end of the
halyard.
T
Tabernacle -
A hinged mast step
located on deck.
Since it is hinged,
the mast may be
lowered easily.
Tack - On a
triangular sail, the
bottom forward
corner. Also, to
turn the bow of the
boat through the
wind so the wind
exerts pressure on
the opposite side of
the
sail.
Taffrail -
The rail at the
stern of the boat.
Tang - A
fitting, often of
sheet metal, used to
attach standing
rigging to a spar,
or to the hull.
Thwart - A
transverse
structural member in
the cockpit. In
small boats, often
used as a seat.
Thwartships -
At right angles to
the centerline of
the boat.
Tide - The
periodic rise and
fall of water level
in the oceans.
Tiller - A
bar or handle for
turning a boat's
rudder or an
outboard motor.
Toe-rail - A
low rail, often
slotted, along the
side of the boat.
Slots allow drainage
and the attachment
of blocks.
Topmast - a
second spar carried
at the top of the
fore or main mast,
used to fly more
sail.
Topping lift
- A line or wire
rope used to support
the boom when a boat
is anchored or
moored.
Topsides -
The sides of a
vessel between the
waterline and the
deck; sometimes
referring to onto or
above the deck.
Trampoline -
The fabric support
that serves for
searing between the
hulls of a
catamaran.
Transom -
The flat, or
sometimes curved
terminating
structure of the
hull at the stern of
a boat.
Trapeze -
Wire gear enabling a
crewmember to place
all of his weight
outboard of the
hull, thus helping
to keep the boat
level.
Traveler -
A fitting across the
boat to which sheets
are led. In many
boats the traveler
may be adjusted from
side to side so that
the angle of the
sheets can be
changed to suit
conditions.
Trim - Fore
and aft balance of a
boat.
Twing -
Similar to a Barber
hauler, a twing
adjusts the angle of
sheeting.
U
Underway -
Vessel in motion,
not moored or
aground
V
Vang - A
device, usually with
mechanical
advantage, used to
pull the boom down,
flattening the sail.
Ventilator -
Construction
designed to lead air
below decks. May
have a cowl, which
can be angled into
or away from the
wind; and may be
constructed with
baffles, so that
water is not allowed
below, as in Dorade
ventilator.
V bottom - A
hull with the bottom
section in the shape
of a "V".
W
Wake - Moving
waves, track or path
that a boat leaves
behind it, when
moving across the
waters.
Warp -
Heavier lines (rope
or wire) used for
mooring, anchoring
and towing. May
also be used to
indicate moving
(warping) a boat
into position by
pulling on a warp.
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.
Wheel -
device used for
steering a boat.
Widow-maker -
a term for the
bowsprit (many
sailors lost their
lives falling off
the bowsprit while
tending sails).
Whisker Pole
- A short spar,
normally kept
stowed, which may be
used to push the
clew of a jib away
from the boat when
the boat is running
downwind.
Window - A
transparent portion
of a jib or
mainsail.
Windward -
Toward the direction
from which the wind
is coming.
Wishbone - A
boom composed of two
separate curved
pieces, one on
either side of the
sail. With this
rig, sails are
usually self tending
and loose-footed.
Y
Yacht - A
pleasure vessel, a
pleasure boat; in
American usage the
idea of size and
luxury is conveyed,
either sail or
power.
Yankee - a
fore-sail flying
above and forward of
the jib, usually
seen on bowsprit
vessels.
Yaw - To
swing or steer off
course, as when
running with a
quartering sea.
Yawl - Boat:
smaller powered boat
used to provide
steerage-way when
not under sail.
Rig: two masts, aft
one is smaller
(shorter) and
located astern of
rudder post.
