Abeam - At right angles to the fore-and-aft line
Aft - Towards the stern of the boat
Astern - To travel backwards, or behind the stern
Backstay - Part of the rigging that supports the mast (the wire runs from the top of the mast to the stern)
Bearing - Direction according to a compass
Beaufort Scale - Scale describing wind force. Winds are graded by the effect of their force
Bilge - An area at the bottom of a boat where water collects (so that it may be pumped out)
Bilge Pump - Pump used to remove water from the bilge
Bow - Front of a boat
Buoy - anchored float which marks a position on the water
Capsize - To overturn a boat
Catamaran - Twin-hulled boat
Cleat - Fitting for securing ropes to
Coaming - Raised structure around a hatch, devised to prevent water entering
Dinghy - Small open boat, such as a small sailing or rowing boat
Downwind - To move in the same direction as the wind
Draught - The minimum water depth required for a vessel to float (ie the depth of a vessel below the waterline)
Ebb Tide - Lowering water level after high water
Fathom - Nautical depth measurement equivalent to six feet
Flood Tide - Climbing water level after low water
Foot - The lower edge of the sail
GPS - Acronym for Global Positioning System (uses satellites in fixed orbit to pinpoint your location)
Headsail - A sail attached ahead of the mast
Helm - The wheel used to steer a boat
Knot - i) A nautical unit of speed; ii) A fastening made by interweaving rope
Latitude - Distance north or south from the equator (which is 0), measured in degrees
Lee - The side of a vessel sheltered from the wind
Leeward - Downwind
Longitude - Distance east or west of the meridian, displayed in degrees
Mast - Vertical structure holding the sails
Nautical Mile - unit of distance at sea, one minute of latitude (or 6076 feet)
Offshore Wind - wind blowing away from the land
Onshore Wind - wind blowing towards the land
Port - When looking forwards, the left side of a boat
Painter - A rope attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing or mooring
Quarter - End of the side of a boat nearest the stern
Reef - To shorten sail area (usually by rolling up and securing the bottom) when wind speed increases
Sheet - A rope which controls the movement of a sail
Spinnaker - A lightweight sail, attached in front of the mast, used in downward sailing
Starboard - When facing front, the right side of the boat
Stern - The rear of a boat
Trim - Adjusting the sails
Transom - Flat stern on the hull of a boat
Windward - Towards the wind
Yacht - Small sailing ship (generally used for racing and recreation)
|
|
|
