First Terms

Question 1

The cable, usually made of wire, running from the stern to the masthead that helps support the mast.

Answer 1

Backstay

Question 2

A pulley-like device used on a boat, with a sheave around which a line runs

Answer 2

Block

Question 3

A device that prevents the boom from rising and, in time types, lowering

Answer 3

Boom vang

Question 4

A type of fairlead fitting through which an anchor rode or dock line passes to reduce chafing

Answer 4

Chock

Question 5

A fitting around which a line is secured

Answer 5

Cleat

Question 6

Clew

Answer 6

The lower rear corner of a sail

Question 7

The bottom edge of a sail (compare to leach and luff)

Answer 7

Foot

Question 8

A cable usually made of wire running from the bow to the masthead that helps support the mast

Answer 8

Forestay

Question 9

The fitting that attaches to the boom of the mast

Answer 9

Gooseneck

Question 10

Line or wire used to hoist a sail

Answer 10

Halyard

Question 11

The back edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and luff)

Answer 11

Leech

Question 12

The leading edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and leech)

Answer 12

Luff

Question 13

The support structure for the bottom of the mast

Answer 13

Mast step

Question 14

A fitting to adjust the tension of the foot of the mainsail on the boom

Answer 14

Outhaul

Question 15

A fitting usually made of metal with a loop or hoop to which other gear is attached

Answer 15

Padeye

Question 16

A line or other device used to prevent the boom from accidentally swinging from one side to the other

Answer 16

Preventer

Question 17

A line or wire all around the boat that is held up with stanchions to prevent falling overboard.

Answer 17

Lifeline

Question 18

A rail usually made of stainless steel around the bow or stern typically at the height of the lifelines

Answer 18

Pulpit

Question 19

Short straps or pieces of line used to tie a lowered mainsail to the boom or secure a sail on deck

Answer 19

Sail ties

Question 20

A fitting typically made of metal that secures two things together, such as a halyard shackle connecting to the sail

Answer 20

Shackle

Question 21

Wire or line stay from the deck or hull supporting the mast

Answer 21

Shroud

Question 22

Metal struts on the mast that hold the shrouds out from the mast

Answer 22

Spreaders

Question 23

Short metal poles around the boat’s perimeter that support the lifelines

Answer 23

Stanchions

Question 24

Wire or line from the deck or hull to support the mast (includes forestay, backstay, and shrouds)

Answer 24

Stay

Question 25

The bottom front corner of a sail

Answer 25

Tack

Question 26

A wire or line from the masthead that holds up the boom when the sail is lowered

Answer 26

Topping lift

Question 27

A fitting allowing the mainsheet attachment to the boat to be adjusted side to side

Answer 27

Traveler

Question 28

A pole used to hold out the jib when sailing off the wind

Answer 28

Whisker pole

Question 29

Sailing in a direction into the wind at an angle (left or right)

Answer 29

Close Hauled

Question 30

90 degrees from the wind

Answer 30

Beam reach

Question 31

Sailing at an angle (left or right) with wind behind

Answer 31

Broad reach

Question 32

Wind directly behind

Answer 32

Running