VOCABULARY

SAILING LINGO

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS SECTION?

I organised all the sailing terms into different topics/categories for easier learning and quicker searching if you want to look up a term later.

These categories are:

Parts/areas of boats
Rigging – standing rigging and running rigging
Sails – sail types, parts of sails
The bow (front of the boat)
The deck
Cockpit
Stern (rear of the boat)
The Hull
Down Below / Inside
Manoeuvres (their meaning not how to do)
Other sailing terms – Theoretical terms not actual objects e.g. points of sail, MOB etc.

Categories

5.8 – Figure 8

5.9 – Rolling hitch

Parts/Areas of Boats

Hull - Sides and underbody of the boat
Bow - Front of the boat
Deck - The "roof" of the hull
Cockpit - Controls area
Stern - The rear of the boat
Rigging - Structures holding the sails
Sails - The "engine" of a sailboat

Rigging

The word rigging refers to all ropes, cables or chains that either support the mast or adjust the position of the sails on a boat.

It is also divided in 2 subcategories:

Standing rigging – ropes, cables that support the mast (stationary)
Running rigging – ropes that are used to adjust the position of sails (moving)

Standing Rigging

Standing Rigging

All ropes & cables that support the mast (stationary)

Running Rigging

Running Rigging

All ropes that are used to adjust the position of sails (moving ropes)

Rigging Types

Cat-rigged

A boat or yacht that is Cat-rigged has a single mast, stepped well forward, carrying a single fore and aft sail, behind the mast. A boat that is cat-rigged can also be described as having a Una rig. Laser dinghies are cat-rigged, as are Finn dinghies, Optimists, many Freedom Yachts and many traditional fishing vessels.

Sloop

A sloop is a sailboat with a single mast typically having only one headsail in front of the mast and one mainsail aft of (behind) the mast. Such an arrangement is called a fore-and-aft rig.

Cutter

If the vessel has two or more headsails, the term cutter may be used especially if the mast is stepped further towards the back of the boat.

Ketch

A ketch is a two-masted sailboat whose mainmast is taller than the mizzen mast (or aft-mast), and whose mizzen mast is stepped forward of the rudder post. The mizzen mast stepped forward of the rudder post is what distinguishes the ketch from a yawl, which has its mizzen mast stepped aft of its rudder post.

Standing Rigging

Mast

The "Tall Pole" that carries the sails on a boat/ship. On boats with 2 or more masts the smaller mast aft of the main mast is called the Mizzenmast, while the one in front of the main is called the Foremast.

Shroud

The rope/cable that holds the mast up from side to side. They are used in pairs (one on each side)

Spreader

A spreader is a spar on a sailing boat used to deflect the shrouds to allow them to better support the mast.

Stays

Stays are ropes or cables that run from the top of the mast down towards the deck of the vessel. They run in the center line to both the front (Forestay) and the back (Backstay) of the boat.

Boom

The boom is a horizontal pole extending from the base of the mast. Typically used for mainsails. It supports the foot of the sail and can be moved from side to side and it allows for precise control of the angle and shape of the sail.

Gooseneck

The gooseneck is the swivel connection on a sailboat by which the boom attaches to the mast. The boom moves from side to side and up and down by swiveling on the gooseneck.

Spinnaker Pole

The spinnaker pole is very similar to the boom but it is used for the different headsails (front sails), mainly for the spinnaker. It can be removed from the mast easily when not in use.

Running Rigging

Line or Rope?

Line is a nautical term used to describe a length of rope used for marine and boating purposes. When a rope is coiled up and not in use it is called ROPE. When we assign a specific task to that rope it becomes a LINE. Each line has its specific name referring to its actual role.

Block

In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. There are various types of blocks that are used in sailing. Some blocks are used to increase mechanical advantage and others are used simply to change the direction of a line.

Halyard

The halyard is used to pull the sail up towards the top of the mast. It is attached to the head of the sail running to the top of the mast then turning back down ending either at the bottom of the mast or at the cockpit where it can be controlled.

Sheet line

The sheet controls the sideways position of a sail. Each sheet will refer to the sail that it controls (eg. Main Sheet, Jib Sheet etc.) It is either attached to the clew of the sail or the boom. In some cases it is also used to haul out the sail (usually head sails).

Boom or Topping Lift

Topping lifts are primarily used to hold a boom up when the sail is lowered. This line would run from near the free end of the boom(s) forward to the top of the mast. The line may be run over a block at the top of the mast and down to the deck to allow it to be adjusted.

Boom Vang / Kicker

Boom vang is a line or piston system on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. The vang typically runs from the base of the mast to the boom. Due to the great force necessary to change the height of the boom while a boat is under sail, a line-based boom vang usually includes some sort of a pulley system.

Furling Line

A furling line is used to roll up a sail. It runs from a drum attached to the base of the sail towards the cockpit. By pulling this line you rotate the drum which furls up the sail.

Outhaul

An outhaul is used to attach the mainsail clew to the boom and tensions the foot of the sail. The draft of the sail can be adjusted with this line. With in-mast furling type sails it is also used to pull out the sail.

Reefing lines

Reefing lines are used to reduce the area of the mainsail by establishing a new tack and clew.

Lazy Jacks

Lazy Jacks are a network of lines on both sides of the mainsail running from several point on the boom or sail cover up to a point on the mast. Their purpose is to hold the mainsail on top of the boom when it is lowered.

Main Traveller

A traveller in modern yachts usually consists of a "car" and a "rail". The main traveller creates a moving attachment point (sideways) for the main sheet allowing for more sophisticated sail trimming. Self-tacking jibs also have a traveller placed sideways.

Jib/Genoa Car

The Jib/genoa car changes the shape of the headsail by altering the direction of tension (horizontal or vertical) created by the sheet line.

Sails

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Sail Parts

Sail Edges

Luff - Front edge of sail,
Leech - Rear edge of sail,
Foot - Bottom edge of sail

Corners of Sails

In a triangular sail, the highest point is called the head. The halyard, the line which raises the sail, is attached to the head. The lower two corners of the sail, on either end of the foot are called the tack (forward) and clew (aft).

Reefing Points

A reefing point is a set of cringles (rings) installed in the main sail running in a horizontal line. Pulling these points down to the boom forms a new tack and clew, reducing the sail's area.

Battens

A sail batten is a flexible insert in a sail, parallel to the direction of wind flow, that helps shape its qualities as an airfoil.

Tell-tales

A tell-tale is a piece of yarn or fabric attached typically to a sail. They are used as a guide for trimming (adjusting) a sail.

Draft of Sail

The draft or draught of a sail is a degree of curvature in a horizontal cross-section. The word "belly" is also used in reference to the draft of a sail.

Sail Types

Fore / Head Sails

The head sail is the sail ahead of the mast, often called either a jib or genoa. It is a JIB if the entire head sail is placed in front of the mast. If the clew of the head sail reaches behind the mast, meaning the main and head sails overlap, it is called a GENOA.

Main Sail

The Main Sail is rigged aft (behind) of the main mast. The sail's foot is normally attached to a boom.
The sail rigged aft of the mizzenmast is call the Mizzen Sail.

Spinnaker

The Spinnaker is a symmetrical full sail for use in light airs. It is used with the Spinnaker Pole. They are constructed of lightweight fabric, usually nylon, and are often brightly coloured. Its optimal performance is when sailing on courses between a broad reach (wind at 120° to the course) to downwind (course in the same direction as the wind).

Gennaker

A gennaker is a sail that is a cross between a genoa and a spinnaker. It is also called an asymmetrical spinnaker. It is also a light-wind sail, and it can be used at sharper wind angles than a spinnaker - around 90-150 degrees. A Code D sail is pretty similar to a Gennaker.

Reacher / Code 0 (zero)

Reacher, Screecher, Code 0 - similar sails with minor differences, all are light-wind sails rigged in front of the mast. They perform well in a sharp angle of attack - close reach to beam reach - due to their flatter shape than a gennaker.

Bow

Bow

The bow is the forward part of the hull of a ship or boat, the point that is usually most forward when the vessel is underway.

Anchor

An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, used to secure a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current.

Anchor Locker

The Anchor Locker is a designated storage compartment for the anchor, anchor chain and related equipment.

Anchor/bow roller

A device consisting of a wheel within a framework that is designed to guide an anchor and its chain/rope when it is being lowered or raised.

Windlass

An anchor windlass is a machine that restrains and manipulates the anchor chain on a boat, allowing the anchor to be raised and lowered by means of chain cable. A notched wheel engages the links of the chain or the rope.

Cleat

A cleat is a device for securing a rope. When we say cleat in sailing we refer to the device appropriately called the Horn Cleat.

Fairlead

A fairlead is a device to guide a line, rope or cable on a sailboat. Typically a fairlead will be a ring or hook or a strip of plank with holes

Pulpit

The railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck.

Furling Drum / Furler

To furl the sail you simply pull on a line that leads from a drum at the base of the jib aft to a winch near the cockpit, which rotates the whole headstay, rolling up the jib.

Deck

Deck

The deck is the boat's outer surface, the one we walk on when we are outside. It covers the hull from the top.

Guard rail / Life line

Lifelines which are sometimes referred to as guardrails line the perimeter of the boat. They are designed to absorb and dissipate energy into the deck following the impact of a high dynamic load e.g. the weight of a crew member.

Stanchion

Stanchions are vertical poles located around the perimeter of a sailboat and are used for installing lifelines around the boat's deck to keep people safe.

Grabrail

Hand-hold fittings mounted on the deck for personal safety when moving around the boat.

Toerail

A toerail is a narrow strip which runs along the edges of a boat's deck. Its primary function is to prevent feet or tools from sliding overboard.

Jackline

A jackline is a rope, wire or webbing strung from a ship's bow to stern to which a safety harness can be tethered, allowing a crewmember to move about the deck safely when there is risk of falling or being swept overboard.

Boat hook

A boat hook is a pole with a hook at the end and is used to fetch mooring lines or other objects beyond arm reach.

Hatch

A boat hatch is the covering/portal through which the storage, cargo or living spaces within a boat can be accessed from your boat deck (similar to a window). It can also serve as a barrier to protect mechanical equipment from damage from water or other contaminants.

Fenders

In boating, a fender is a bumper used to absorb the kinetic energy of a boat or vessel berthing against a jetty, quay wall or other vessel. They are made in different shapes and from different materials.

Life raft

On sailboats a life raft is a small inflatable boat carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard the boat.

Dinghy

A small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or a lifeboat. Mainly used to get ashore or moving around the boat when anchoring.

Cockpit

Cockpit

A cockpit is a name for the location of controls of a vessel; while traditionally an open well in the deck of a boat outside any deckhouse or cabin, in modern boats they may refer to an enclosed area.

Helm Station

The helm station is the place where all the controls and equippment are located needed to navigate the boat. It includes the helm, sailing instruments, engine controls etc.

Compass

A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation.

Helm

A tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat.

Engine Instruments

Ignition key
Fuel gauge
Engine Rpm etc.

Throttle & Gear Lever

2 controls in 1 handle - throttle and gear. By turning the lever to either direction you adjust the power output of the engine (revs) and the direction in which you turn changes between forward and reverse gears.

Bow Thruster Control

Used to activate the bowthrusters in the desired direction

Chartplotter

A Chartplotter is a device used in marine navigation that integrates GPS data with an electronic navigational chart (ENC).

Wind instrument

Wind instruments display wind speed and direction based on data received from transducers.

Depth Meter/Sounder

A depth meter or depth sounder displays the depth of the water at your current location.

Autopilot Instrument

Autopilots are self-steering devices for power or sailboats. They can hold your vessel on a pre-set compass course (even the most basic pilots do this) and sophisticated pilots that connect to GPS receivers or gather data from your boat's instruments can handle a lot more advanced tasks.

Winch

A sailboat winch is a mechanical winding device that allows you to tighten and loosen lines. Winches have a "cleat" above the drum, which holds the line in place, and a "self-tailor" that feeds the cable into the cleat.

Clutch, Jammer or Stopper

3 names for same device. The clutch or jammer is the vital bit of deck hardware that stops your line or rope running away. When closed it will let the rope move towards you, but not away from you. You need to open the handle to let the rope move in the other direction.

Cam Cleat

A cam cleat in which one or two spring-loaded cams pinch the rope, allowing the rope to be adjusted easily, and quickly released when under load.

Clam Cleat

A clam cleat (or jam cleat) in which the rope is held between two fluted stationary pieces. Such a cleat vaguely resembles two halves of a clam shell held back to back. It is more compact than a cam cleat, but the rope is less easily released under load.

Companion Way

A set of steps leading from a ship's deck down to a cabin or lower deck.

Sprayhood

A frame-supported canvas over the companionway (entrance) of a sailboat providing the on-deck crew partial cover from the splashes of the seas that break against the hull of the boat.

Bimini Top

A bimini top is an open canvas structure that sits over the cockpit of the boat, supported by metal frames. It provides shade from the sun.

Cockpit Locker / Lazarette

A lazarette is usually a storage locker used for gear or equipment a sailor or boatswain would use around the decks on a sailing vessel.

Stern

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Pushpit

Horse shoe

Transom

Swimming platform

Outer Shower

Manual Bilge pump

Emergency tiller

Hull

Hull

A hull is the watertight body of a boat. The hull may be open at the top (such as a dinghy), or it may be fully or partially covered with a deck.

Bow Thruster

The bow thruster is a supplementary propulsion system built into or mounted to the bow of the boat. It makes the boat more manoeuvrable by pushing the bow to either side without using the main propulsion mechanism.

Keel

In sailboats, keels serve two purposes: 1) as an underwater foil to minimize the lateral motion of the vessel under sail (leeway) and 2) as a counterweight to the lateral force of the wind on the sail(s) that causes rolling to the side (heeling).

Rudder

A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a sailboat. It operates by redirecting the water past the hull thus imparting a turning motion to the boat. Thus it is a passive steering system.

Propeller

The propeller converts the engine's circular motion into a linear thrust which then drives the boat forward or backwards.

Down below / Inside

Salon

Galley

Cabin

Head

Companion way

Chart desk

Control Panel

Bilge

Manoeuvres

Port & Starboard

Coming soon...

Tack

Coming soon...

Windward

Coming soon...

Leeward

Coming soon...

Tacking

Gybing

Head upwind

Fall Off

Docking

Reefing

Heave to

miscellaneous

Points of Sails

Close Hauled

Close Reach

Beam Reach

Broad Reach

Run

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