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Glossary of Sailing Terms |
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ABACK - Said of a sail which is deliberately set with the wind on the wrong side or is accidentally ‘taken aback’ by a shift of wind or movement of the helm
ABAFT THE BEAM - The sector on both sides of the boat from abeam to astern
ABATE - The true wind abates or moderates when it blows less strongly than before
ABEAM - To the side, more or less at right angles to the fore and aft line of the vessel
ADRIFT - Not attached to the sea bed
AFLOAT - Floating; At sea
AFT - Towards the stern of the vessel
AGROUND - Onto or on a shore, reef, or the bottom of a body of water “they felt a jolt as the ship ran aground"
AHEAD - Directly in front of your vessel
AHOY! - Shout to attract the attention of another vessel
ALMANAC - An annual publication containing information on, for example, buoyage, tides, signals, glossaries, and positions of heavenly bodies
ALEE - To leeward
ALOFT - Up the mast or in the rigging
AMIDSHIPS - The centre part of the vessel
ANCHOR AWEIGH - The anchor is said be aweigh at the point when it breaks out (broken out) of the sea bed when it is being hauled in
ANCHOR BUOY - A small buoy attached by a light line to the anchor which enables you to see where your anchor is lying
ANCHOR CABLE - Chain or rope connection between a vessel and her anchor
ANCHOR LIGHT - An all-round white light to indicate a vessel is at anchor
ANCHOR LOCKER - A locker where the anchor and anchor chain are kept
ANCHOR ROLLER - A roller at the bow of the vessel which the cable is passed over when at anchor
APPARENT WIND - The wind felt by the crew in a boat that is moving over the ground
ASHORE - On the land; or aground
ASTERN - Directly behind your vessel; or a movement through the water in that direction
AUTOPILOT - Equipment that allows the boat to follow automatically a compass course or a course relative to wind direction
AUXILIARY - A term for a sailing boat that has auxiliary power, i.e. an engine
AWASH - Level with the surface of the water which just washes over an object
BABY STAY - An inner forestay
BACK - Of Wind: it backs when it shifts to blow from a direction that is further anticlockwise i.e. from Northerly to North Westerley
Of Sail: To back a sail: it is sheeted or held to windward so that the wind strikes it on the side which is normally to leeward (see aback)
BACK STAY - A stay that supports the mast from aft
BAIL - To remove water from the bilges or cockpit
BAILER - A utensil used to bail water out of a boat
BALL - A black signal shape displayed when a vessel is at anchor by day
BALLAST - Additional weight placed low in the hull to improve stability
BAR - A shallow area (shoal) close by a river mouth or harbour entrance
A measure of barometric pressure usually noted as 1000 millibars
BARE POLES - No sails are set and boat is driven by the force of the wind on the spars and rigging
BATTEN - A flexible strip of wood or plastic used to stiffen the leech of a mainsail
BATTEN POCKET - A pocket on the leech of a mainsail to contain the batten
BEACH - To run a vessel ashore deliberately
BEACON - A mark erected on land or in shallow water to guide or warn shipping
BEAM - The breadth of the vessel
BEAM REACH - A point of sailing with the wind roughly at right angles to the fore and aft line
BEAR AWAY - To alter course away from the wind
BEARING - The direction of an object from an observer
BEARINGS - (3 figure notation) Bearings and courses are given in a 3 figure notation i.e. 180°
BEATING - Sailing towards the wind with the sails hauled in tight
BEAUFORT SCALE - A scale of measurement of the force of the wind
BELOW DECK - Beneath the deck
BERTH - A place where a vessel can be tied up; A sleeping place on a vessel; To give an obstruction a wide berth by keeping well clear
BILGES - The lowest part inside the hull below the cabin sole (floor) where bilge water collects
BINNACLE - Strong housing to protect the steering compass
BLOCK - A pulley made of wood, metal or plastic
BOAT HOOK - A pole, generally made of wood or light alloy, with a hook at one end, used for picking up moorings and buoys
BOLLARD - Strong fitting, firmly bolted to the deck, to which mooring lines are made fast. Large bollards are on quays, piers and pontoons
BOOM - Spar that supports the foot of a sail
BOOM OUT - On a run to thrust the genoa out to windward so that it fills with wind
BOW - The forward part of a boat. A direction 45° either side of right ahead
BOWLINE - A knot tied in the end of a line to make a loop that will neither slip nor jam
BOW SPRING
BREAKWATER - A structure to protect a harbour or beach from the force of the sea
BROACH/ING - When running before a strong wind to be suddenly brought broadside on
BROAD REACH - Sailing with the wind on the quarter
BULKHEAD - A vertical partition below decks
BUNK - A built-in sleeping place
BUOY - A floating object used to indicate the position of a channel, wreck, danger, etc., or the position of an object on the seabed
BUOYANCY AID - A life-preserver to help a person float if he falls in, less effective than a lifejacket
BURGEE - A triangular flag worn at the masthead
CABIN - The sheltered area in which the crew live and sleep
CABLE - Chain or rope that is made fast to the anchor; A measure of distance equivalent to one tenth of a nautical mile
CAPSIZE - The boat overturns
CAST OFF - To let go a rope or line
CHAIN PLATE - A fitting which is bolted to the hull, to which the shrouds are attached
CHANDLER - A shop which sells nautical gear
CHANNEL - A waterway through shoals, rivers or harbours
CHART - Printed map giving many details about the area covered by water and details about the adjacent land
CHART DATUM - Reference level on charts and for use in tidal predictions
CLEAR - To disentangle a line; To avoid a danger or obstruction; Improved weather
CLEAT - A fitting with two horns round which a rope is secured
CLEW - The after lower corner of a sail to which sheets are fitted
CLEW OUTHAUL - The line which tensions the foot of the sail
CLOSE HAULED - Sailing as near into the wind as possible without the sails flapping.
COACHROOF - The part of the cabin that is raised above the deck to provide height in the cabin
COASTGUARD - The organisation responsible for search and rescue operations in UK waters
COCKED HAT - In navigation the triangle formed when three position lines fail to meet at a single point
COCKPIT - A space lower than deck level in which the crew can sit or stand
COLLISION COURSE - The course of a vessel which, if maintained relative to that of another would result in a collision
COMPASS ROSE - A circle printed on a chart representing the true compass and graduated clockwise from 000° to 360°
COURSE - The direction in which the vessel is being, or is to be, steered
COURTESY ENSIGN - The national flag of a country being visited by a foreign boat, it should be flown in the starboard spreader
CQR ANCHOR - A patented anchor (Coastal Quick Release) with good holding power
DANBUOY - A temporary mark to indicate position or a man overboard. A flag flies from a spar passing through a float weighted at the bottom
DECK LOG - A book in which all matters concerning navigation are entered
DEPTH SOUNDER - See Echo Sounder
DEVIATION - The deflection of the needle of a magnetic compass caused by the proximity of ferrous metals, electrical circuits or electronic equipment
DIAPHONE - A powerful two-tone fog signal with a grunt at the end.
DIP THE ENSIGN - To lower the ensign briefly as a salute. It is not rehoisted until the vessel saluted has dipped and rehoisted hers in acknowledgement.
DISPLACEMENT - The weight of a vessel defined as the weight of water displaced by that vessel
DISTANCE MADE GOOD - The distance covered over the ground having made allowance for tidal stream and leeway.
DIVIDERS - Navigational instrument for measuring distance on charts
DODGER - Screen fitted to give the crew protection from wind and spray
DOLPHIN - A mooring post or group of piles
DOUBLE UP - To put out extra mooring lines when a storm is expected
DOUSE - To lower a sail; Extinguish a light quickly
DOWNHAUL - A rope or line with which an object such as a spar or sail is pulled down
DOWNSTREAM - The direction towards which the stream flows
DOWNWIND - Direction to leeward
DRAG - The anchor drags when it fails to hold and slides over the seabed
DRAUGHT - The vertical distance from the lowest part of the keel to the waterline
DREDGER - A vessel for dredging a channel
DRIFT - To be carried by the tidal stream; The distance that a boat is carried by the tidal stream in a given time
EASE OUT - To let a rope out gradually
EBB - The period when the tidal level is falling
ECHO SOUNDER - An electronic depth-finding instrument
ENSIGN - The national flag worn at or near the stern of a vessel to indicate her nationality
EPIRB - Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon that transmits a distinctive signal on a distress frequency
EVEN KEEL - A vessel floating so that her mast is more or less vertically upright
FAIR - Advantageous or favourable, as of wind or tidal stream; In weather meaning no significant precipitation
FAIRLEAD - The lead through which a working line is passed in order to alter the direction of pull
FAIRWAY - The main channel in a body of water such as an estuary or river
FENDER - Any device hung outboard to absorb the shock when coming alongside and to protect the hull when moored alongside
FETCH - The distance travelled by the wind when crossing open water. The height of the waves is proportional to the fetch and strength of the wind
FIX - The position of a vessel as plotted on the chart from position lines obtained by compass bearings, direction finder, echo sounder etc.
FLASHING LIGHT - A light where there is more darkness than light
FLOOD - The period when the tidal level is rising
FLUKE - The shovel-shaped part of an anchor that digs into the ground
FLYING OUT - A sail is flying out in a breeze when it has no tension in the sheets
FOCSLE (FORECASTLE) - The part of the accommodation below the foredeck and forward of the mast
FOG - Visibility reduced to less than 1000 metres (approximately 0.5 nautical miles)
FOGHORN - A horn with which fog signals are made
FOLLOWING SEA - Seas that are moving in the same direction as the vessel is heading
FOOT - The lower edge of the sail
FORE-AND-AFT - Parallel line between the stem and stern
FOREDECK - The part of the deck that is forward of the mast and coachroof
FOREHATCH - A hatch forward, usually in the foredeck
FOREPEAK - The most forward compartment in the bows of the vessel
FORESAIL - The headsail set on the forestay
FORESTAY - The stay from high on the mast to the stemhead providing fore-and-aft support for the mast
FOUL - The opposite of clear; Adverse (wind or tide); Unsuitable
FOUL ANCHOR - An anchor whose flukes are caught on an obstruction on the seabed or tangled with the cable
FORWARD - Toward the bow of the vessel (pronounced “forrard”)
FREEBOARD - The vertical distance between the waterline and the top of the deck
FULL RUDDER - The maximum angle to which the rudder can be turned
FURLING - Rolling up or gathering and lashing a lowered sail using sail ties or shock-cord to prevent it blowing out
GALE - In the Beaufort Scale, wind force 8, 34 to 40 knots. Severe gale, force 9 is 41 to 47 knots
GALLEY - An area where food is prepared and cooked
GELCOAT - The outer unreinforced layer of resin in a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) hull
GENOA - A large overlapping headsail set in light breezes
GIVE WAY - To alter course in order to concede passage to another vessel
GIVE WAY VESSEL - The vessel whose duty it is to keep clear of another, she should take early and substantial action to avoid a collision
GO ABOUT - To change tack by altering course to bring the wind on the other side
GOOSENECK - Fitting which attaches the boom to the mast
GOOSE WINGING - To set the mainsail on one side of the vessel and the headsail on the other when running
GRAB RAIL - Rails fitted above and below decks to grab at when the vessel heels
GROUND TACKLE - A general term for the anchors, cables and all the gear required when anchoring
GUARD RAIL - Safety line fitted round the vessel to prevent the crew falling overboard
GUNWALE - The upper edge of the side of a vessel
GUY - A line attached to the end of a spar to keep it in position
GYBE - To change from one tack to another by turning the stern through the wind
GYBE-OH! - The call to indicate that the helm is being put across to gybe
HALYARD - A line or rope with which a sail, spar or flag is hoisted up a mast
HAND-BEARING COMPASS - Portable magnetic compass with which visual bearings are taken.
HANDRAIL - A wooden or metal rail on the coachroof or below deck which can be grabbed to steady a person
HARDEN IN - To haul in the sheets to bring the sail closer to the centreline; the opposite of ease out
HATCH - An opening in the deck that allows access to the accommodation
HAUL IN - To pull in
HEAD - The bow or forward part of the vessel; The upper corner of a triangular sail
HEAD TO WIND - To point the stem of the vessel into the wind
HEADING - The direction in which the vessel’s head is pointing
HEADLAND - A fairly high and steep part of the land that projects into the sea
HEADS - The lavatory on a vessel
HEADSAIL - Any sail set forward of the mast or of the foremast if there is more than one mast
HEADWAY - Movement through the water stem first
HEAVE TO - To stop or slow the vessel by coming head to wind, and laying with the headsail aback and the helm to leeward.
HEEL - To lean over to one side
HEIGHT OF TIDE - The vertical distance at any instant between sea level and chart datum
HELMSMAN - The member of the crew who steers the vessel
HOIST - To raise an object vertically with a halyard
HULL - The body of a vessel excluding masts, rigging and rudder
HURRICANE - In the Beaufort scale, wind of force 12, 64 knots or above
HYDROFOIL - A vessel with hydofoils to lift the wetted surface of her hull clear of the water at speed
HYDROGRAPHY - The science of surveying the waters of the earth and adjacent land area, and publishing the results in charts, pilots, etc, for example Admiralty charts
IALA - International Association of Lighthouse Authorities which is responsible for he International buoyage system
IMPELLER - Screw-like device which is rotated by water flowing past: used for measuring boat speed and distance travelled through the water
IN IRONS - When the vessel is caught in stays and refuses to pay off on either tack
INSHORE - Near to or towards or in the direction of the shore
IN STAYS - When the bow points directly into the wind with the sails flapping during the process of going about
ISOBAR - On a synoptic chart, a line joining points of equal pressure
ISOPHASE - A light where the duration of light and darkness are equal
JACKSTAY - A wire secured between two points on deck which allows crew to move along the deck whilst remaining clipped on
JIB - Triangular headsail set on a stay forward of the mast
JURY RIG - A temporary but effective device that replaces lost or damaged gear
KEDGE ANCHOR - A lightweight anchor used to move a boat or anchor temporarily in fine weather
KEEL
KICKING STRAP - Line or tackle to pull the boom down to keep it horizontal
KNOT - The unit of speed at sea; nautical miles per hour; A series of loops in a line or rope
LANDFALL - Land first sighted after a long voyage at sea
LANYARD - A short length of line used to secure an object such as a knife
LASH DOWN - To secure firmly with a rope or line
LEAD LINE - A line marked with knots at regular intervals and attached to a heavy weight; used to determine the depth of water
LEE - The direction towards which the wind blow
LEECH - The trailing edge of a triangular sail
LEE-OH! - The action of putting the helm across to go about
LEESHORE - A coastline towards which the onshore wind blows; the shore to leeward of a boat
LEEWARD - The opposite direction to windward; downwind, away from the wind
LEEWAY - The angular difference between the water track and the vessel’s heading. The effect of wind moving the boat bodily to leeward
LINE - Alternative name for a small rope or for a rope used for mooring a vessel
LIST - A permanent lean to one side or the other
LOA - Length Overall
LOCK - A chamber with gates at each end in which the water level can be raised or lowered
LOCKER - An enclosed stowage anywhere on board
LOG - A devise to measure a vessel’s speed or distance travelled through the water
LOG READING - The reading of distance travelled through the water usually taken every hour from the log and recorded in the deck log
LOOK-OUT - Visual watch; Member of the crew responsible for keeping it
LOP - Short choppy seas
LOSE WAY - A vessel loses way when she slows down and stops in the water
LUBBER LINE - The marker in the compass which is aligned with the fore-and-aft line of the boat against which the course can be read off on the compass card
LUFF - The leading edge of a sail
LULL - A temporary drop in wind speed
MAINSAIL - The principal sail
MAINSHEET TRAVELLER - The athwartships slider to which the mainsheet tackle is made
MAKE FAST - To secure the vessel with mooring lines to the jetty or to tie up to a buoy
MAKE SAIL - To hoist the sails and get under way
MAKING WAY - A vessel that is being propelled through the water
MARINA - Artificial boat harbour usually consisting of pontoons
MARK - An object that marks a position
MAST - The most important vertical spar without which no sail can be set
MAST STEP - Fitting into which the mast heel fits
MASTHEAD LIGHT - A white light exhibiting near the masthead by a power driven underway
MAYDAY - The internationally recognised radio telephone distress signal
MHWS - Mean High Water Springs: The average level of all high waters at spring tides throughout the year; used as the datum level for heights of features on charts
MIST - Visibility reduced to between 0.5 and 2 nautical miles due to suspension of water particles in the air
MOLE - A breakwater made of stone or concrete
MONOHULL - A vessel with a single hull
MOORING - The ground tackle attached to a mooring buoy
MOORING BUOY - A non-navigational buoy to which a vessel can moor
MOORING RING - A ring on a mooring buoy
NAUTICAL ALMANAC - Official publication giving positions of heavenly bodies and other information to enable a vessel’s position to be established
NAUTICAL MILE - Unit of distance at sea based on the length of one minute of latitude
NAVIGATION LIGHTS - Lights exhibited by all vessels between sunset and sunrise
NEAP TIDE - Tides where the range is least and the tidal streams run least strongly
NEAR GALE - Wind of Beaufort force 7, 28 to 33 knots
NOTICE TO MARINERS - Official notices issued weekly or at other times detailing corrections to charts and hydrographic publications
OCCULTING LIGHT - A light eclipsing at regular intervals so that the duration of light is greater than the duration of dark
OILSKINS - Waterproof clothing worn in foul weather
ON THE PORT (OR STARBOARD) BOW - Ahead of your vessel at an angle to the bows, but forward of the beam
ON THE PORT (OR STARBOARD) QUARTER - At an angle to the stern of your vessel, but abaft the beam
OUTHAUL - A line with which the mainsail is hauled out along the boom
OVERFALLS - Turbulent waters where is a sudden change in depth or where two tidal streams meet
PAINTER - The line at the bow of a dinghy
PAN PAN - The internationally recognised radio telephone urgency signal which has priority over all calls except Mayday
PARALLEL RULES - Navigational instrument used in conjunction with the compass rose on the chart to transfer bearings and courses to plot a vessel’s position
PAY OFF - Let the sails fill and sail away on a new tack.
PAY OUT - To let out a line or rope gradually
PILE - A stout timber or metal post driven vertically into the a river or seabed
PILOT - An expert in local waters who assists vessels entering or leaving harbour; An official publication listing details of, for example, local coasts, dangers and harbours
PINCH - To sail too close to the wind so that the sails lose driving power
PITCH - The up and down motion of the bow and stern of a vessel
PLOT - To find a vessels position by laying off bearings on a chart
PORT - The left hand side of the vessel looking forward
PORT TACK - Sailing with the wind on the port side and the sails set on the starboard side
PREVAILING WIND - The wind direction that occurs most frequently at a place over a certain period
PREVENTER - A line rigged from the end of the boom to the bow in heavy weather to prevent an accidental gybe
PULPIT - Stainless steel frame at the bow encircling the forestay to which the guardrails are attached
PUSHPIT - Colloquial term for the stern pulpit
PYROTECHNIC - Any type of rocket or flare used for signalling
RACE - A strong tidal stream
RADAR REFLECTOR - A device hoisted or fitted up the mast to enhance the reflection of radar energy
RAFT OF BOATS - Two or more vessels tied up alongside each other
RANGE OF TIDE - The difference between sea level at high water and sea level at the preceding or following low water
RATE - The speed of a tidal stream or current given in knots and tenths of a knot
REACH - A vessel is on a reach when she is either close-hauled or running. It is her fastest point of sail
READY ABOUT - The helmsman’s shout tat he intends to go about shortly
REEF - To reduce the area of sail, particularly the mainsail
RESTRICTED VISIBILITY - Visibility restricted by rain, drizzle, fog, etc., during which vessels are required to proceed at a safe speed and to navigate with extreme caution
RHUMB LINE - A line on the surface of the earth that cuts all meridians at the same angle. On a standard Mercator chart the rhumb line appears as a straight line
RIDING TURN - On a winch the situation where an earlier turn rides over a later turn and jams
RIGGING - All ropes, lines, wires and gear used to support the masts and to control the spars and sails
RISK OF COLLISION - A possibility that a collision may occur; usually established by taking a compass bearing of an approaching vessel
ROLLER REEF - A method of reefing where the sail area is reduced by rolling part of the sail around the boom
ROUND UP - To head up into the wind
ROVING FENDER - A spare fender held ready by a crew member in case of emergencies
RUDDER - A control surface in the water at or near the stern, used for altering course
RUN/RUNNING - To sail with the wind dead astern
RUNNING FIX - A navigational fix when only a single landmark is available. Two bearings are taken and plotted at different times, making allowance for distance travelled
RUNNING RIGGING - All rigging that moves and is not part of the standing rigging
SACRIFICIAL ANODE - A zinc plate fastened to the hull to prevent corrosion of metal fittings on the hull
SAIL LOCKER - Place where sails are stowed
SAIL TIES - Light lines used to lash a lowered sail to the boom or guardrails to prevent it blowing about
SALOON - The main cabin
SAR - Search and Rescue
SCEND - Vertical movement of waves or swell against, for example, a harbour wall
SCUPPER - Drain hole in the toe-rail
SEA ANCHOR - A device, such as a conical canvas bag open at both ends, streamed from bow to stern to hold a boat bow or stern onto the wind or sea
SEA BREEZE - A daytime wind blowing across a coastline from the sea caused by the rising air from land heated by the sun
SEALEGS - The ability to keep one’s feet in spite of the motion of the boat
SEACOCK - A stop-cock next to the hull to prevent accidental entry of water
SECURITE - An internationally recognised safety signal used on the radio telephone preceding an important navigational or meteorological warning
SET (SAILS) - To hoist a sail
SET (TIDAL STREAM) - The direction to which a tidal stream or current flows
SET SAIL - To start out on a voyage
SHACKLE - A metal link for connecting ropes, wires or chains to sails, anchors, etc.
To shackle on is to connect using a shackle
SHAPE - A ball, cone or diamond shaped object, normally black, hoisted by day in a vessel to indicate a special state or occupation
SHEET/S - Rope or line fastened to the clew of a sail or the end of the boom supporting it. Named after the sail to which it is attached
SHIPPING FORECAST - Weather forecast broadcast four times each day by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the benefit of those at sea
SHIPPING LANE - A busy track across the sea or ocean
SHIPSHAPE - Neat and efficient
SHOAL - An area offshore where the water is to shallow that a vessel might run aground. To shoal is to become shallow
SHOCK CORD - Elastic rubber bands enclosed in a sheath of fibres, very useful for lashing
SHORTEN SAIL - To reduce the amount of sail set either by reefing or changing to make a smaller sail
SHROUD/S - Parts of the standing rigging that supports the mast laterally
SIDE DECK - The deck alongside the coachroof
SILL - A wall which acts as a dam, to keep water in a marina
SLAB REEF - A method of reefing a boomed sail where the sail is flaked down on top of the boom
SLACK OFF - To ease or pay out a line
SLACK WATER - In tidal waters, the period of time when the tidal stream is non-existent or negligible
SLAM - The underpart of the forward part of the hull hitting the water when pitching in heavy seas
SLIDE - A metal or plastic fitting on the luff or foot of a sail running in a track on the mast or boom
SLIP - To let go quickly
SLIPWAY - An inclined ramp leading into the sea
SNATCH - Jerk caused by too short an anchor cable in a seaway; To take a turn quickly around a cleat, bollard or Samson post
SNUG DOWN - To prepare for heavy weather by securing all loose gear
SOLDIERS WIND - A wind that enables a sailing vessel to sail to her destination and return without beating
SOLE - The floor of a cabin or cockpit
SOS - International distress signal made by light, sound or radio
SOUND - To measure the depth of water
SOUNDING - The depth of water below chart datum
SOU’WESTER - A waterproof oilskin hat with a broad brim
SPAR - General term for all poles used on board such as a mast, boom and yard
SPEED MADE GOOD - The speed made good over the ground; that is , the boat speed corrected for tidal stream and leeway
SPILL WIND - To ease the sheets so that the sail is only partly filled by the wind, the rest being spilt
SPINNAKER - A large symmetrical balloon shaped sail used when running or reaching
SPINNAKER POLE - A spar which is used to hold the spinnaker out
SPIT - A projecting shoal or strip of land connected to the shore
SPRAY HOOD - A folding canvas cover over the entrance to the cabin
SPREADERS - Metal struts fitted either side of the mast to spread the shrouds out sideways
SPRING TIDE - The tides at which the range is greatest: the height of high water is greater and that for low water is less than those for neap tides
SPRINGS - Mooring lines fastened to prevent a boat moving forwards or backwards relative to the quay or other boats alongside
SQUALL - A sudden increase of wind speed often associated with a line of low dark clouds representing an advancing cold front
STANCHIONS - Metal posts supporting the guardrails
STAND BY TO GYBE - A warning, given by the helmsman, that he is about to gybe
STAND OFF - To head away from shore
STAND ON - To maintain course and speed of your vessel because you have right of way
STANDING RIGGING - Wire rope or solid rods that support masts and fixed spars but do not control the sails
STARBOARD - The right hand side of the vessel looking forward
STARBOARD TACK - Sailing with the wind on the starboard side and the sails set to the port side
STAY - Part of the standing rigging which provides support fore-and-aft
STEADY - Order to the helmsman to keep the boat on her present course
STEAMING LIGHT - Alternative name for a masthead light
STEERING COMPASS - The compass permanently mounted adjacent to the helmsman which he uses as a reference to keep the boat on a given course
STEM - The forewardmost part of the hull
STERN - The afterpart of the boat
STERN LIGHT - A white light exhibited from the stern
STORM - Wind or Beaufort force 10, 48 to 55 knots:
STORM JIB - Small heavy jib set in strong winds
STOW - Put away in a proper place. Stowed for sea implies that all gear and loose equipment has also been lashed down
SWASHWAY - A narrow channel between shoals
SWINGING ROOM -The area encompassed by the swing that excludes any risk of collision or grounding
SYNOPTIC CHART - A weather chart covering a large area on which is plotted information giving an overall view of the weather at a particular moment
TACKING - The process by which a sailing vessel can go to windward, making a series of zig-zag ‘tacks’ at an angle to the wind
TAKE IN - Lower a sail
TAKE THE HELM - Steer the vessel
TELL TALES - Lengths of wool or ribbon attached to a sail or shroud to indicate the airflow or apparent wind direction
TIDAL STREAM - The horizontal movement of water cause by the tides
TIDAL STREAM ATLAS - An official publication showing the direction and rate of the tidal streams for a particular area
TIDE - The vertical rise and fall of the waters in the oceans in response to the gravitational forces of the sun and moon
TIDE TABLES - Official annual publication which gives the times and heights of high and low water for standard ports
TILLER - A lever attached to the rudder head by which the helmsman moves the rudder
TOE RAIL - A low strip of wood or light alloy that runs round the edge of the deck
TOPPING LIFT - A line from the base of the mast passing around a sheave at the top thence to the end of the boom to take the weight of the boom when lowering the sail
TOPSIDES - The part of the vessel which lies above the waterline when she is not heeled
TO LUFF - To steer to close to the wind, causing the sails to flap. Often done to relieve the wind pressure on the sails while they are adjusted
TRAFFIC SEPERATION SCHEME - In areas of heavy traffic, a system of one-way lanes were special regulations apply to shipping in this area
TRANSIT - Two fixed objects are in transit when they are in line
TRANSOM - The flat transverse structure across the stern of the hull
TRIM - To adjust the sails by easing or hardening in the sheets to obtain maximum driving force
UNDER WAY - Commonly describes any vessel moving through the water ie by tide, but not under propulsion. Strictly speaking it refers to any vessel not actually anchored or tied up
VHF - Very High Frequency – usually taken as meaning the VHF radio telephone
WARP - Heavy lines used for mooring, kedging or towing, and to move a vessel by hauling on warps secured to a bollard or buoy
WASH - The turbulent water left astern by a moving vessel
WASH BOARDS - Removable planks fitted in the cabin entrance to prevent water getting in
WEATHER HELM - The tendency of the vessel to turn her bow to windward making it necessary to turn the rudder to maintain a straight heading
WHIPPING - Twine bound round the ends of a rope to keep it from fraying
WHISKER POLE - Light spar to hold out the clew of a headsail when running, particularly when goosewinged
WHITE HORSES - Breaking waves with foamy crest. Not surf breaking on the shore
WINCH - A fitting designed to assist the crew hauling on a rope or line
WINCH HANDLE - A removable handle used for operating a winch
WINDLASS - The winch used for lifting the anchor
WINDWARD - The direction from which the wind is coming
YARD - A long spar on which a square sail is set
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