Comprehensive Sailing Terms Glossary

Toward the stern of the boat and behind the midline.

At right angles to the ship’s length.

Toward the back (stern) of the boat.

A heavy object used to moor a vessel to the seabed.

The wind experienced on a moving boat, a combination of true wind and the wind created by the boat’s motion.

A maneuver using tide advantages when the wind is unfavorable.

A wire or rod that supports the mast from the stern, helping to stabilize the rigging.

A soft covering made from old rope, used to prevent sail chafing.

The widest part of a boat.

The lowest part of a boat’s interior, where water typically collects.

A horizontal pole extending from the mast to hold the bottom of a sail.

The front of the boat.

A spar extending forward from the bow to support sails.

A structural partition dividing a ship’s interior for stability.

A fitting used to secure ropes.

An area in a boat’s deck where it’s controlled or steered.

An instrument used to determine direction.

The direction in which a boat is traveling.

A navigation method using speed and direction over time.

The horizontal surface on top of a boat.

A small boat used for short trips or as a tender.

A protective covering over the cockpit area to shield from wind and spray.

To let out or slacken a line or sail.

A cushion placed between the boat and a dock or another boat to prevent damage.

A sail located at the front of a sailboat, often a jib or genoa.

A shaped surface like a keel, rudder, daggerboard, or hydrofoil, designed to produce lift and enhance performance by reducing drag.

To roll or wrap a sail around a boom or mast.

A large jib sail that overlaps the mainsail.

Changing the boat’s direction by turning the stern through the wind.

The upper edge or side of a boat’s hull, where the deck meets the hull. It provides structural integrity and is often used for attaching lines or equipment.

A line used to raise or lower sails.

The wheel or tiller used to steer the boat.

Inside of the rail of the boat.

A triangular sail set forward of the mainsail.

The line used to control the trim of the jib or genoa, adjusting its angle to the wind.

A structure along the bottom of the hull that provides stability.

The side sheltered from the wind.

The primary sail on a boat; its shape is typically triangular or square-topped, crucial for forward propulsion.

The line used to control the angle of the mainsail, affecting its trim and power.

The smaller mast located behind the mainmast on a ketch or yawl and the sail hoisted on this mast, used for balance and improved handling.

A distance unit equivalent to one minute of latitude (1.852 km).

The left side of the boat when facing forward.

The metal guardrail at the bow of the boat, providing safety and a place to attach the forestay.

The metal guardrail at the stern of the boat, often used for mounting equipment like life rings, outboard engines, and other safety gear.

A flat piece at the stern used for steering.

A line used to control the angle of a sail.

A large, often colorful sail used for sailing downwind.

The line used to control the trim of the spinnaker, adjusting its position relative to the wind.

Vertical posts that support the lifelines around the deck to prevent crew from falling overboard.

The right side of the boat when facing forward.

A lever used to steer the boat.

A track and car system that allows adjustment of the mainsheet angle relative to the boom, used to fine-tune sail trim.

A rope or tackle used to control the boom’s angle.

A mechanical device used to pull in or let out ropes.

The side facing into the wind.