First Terms Flashcards
Learn sailing terms
The cable, usually made of wire, running from the stern to the masthead that helps support the mast.
Backstay
A pulley-like device used on a boat, with a sheave around which a line runs
Block
A device that prevents the boom from rising and, in time types, lowering
Boom vang
A type of fairlead fitting through which an anchor rode or dock line passes to reduce chafing
Chock
A fitting around which a line is secured
Cleat
Clew
The lower rear corner of a sail
The bottom edge of a sail (compare to leach and luff)
Foot
A cable usually made of wire running from the bow to the masthead that helps support the mast
Forestay
The fitting that attaches to the boom of the mast
Gooseneck
Line or wire used to hoist a sail
Halyard
The back edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and luff)
Leech
The leading edge of a jib or mainsail (compare to foot and leech)
Luff
The support structure for the bottom of the mast
Mast step
A fitting to adjust the tension of the foot of the mainsail on the boom
Outhaul
A fitting usually made of metal with a loop or hoop to which other gear is attached
Padeye
A line or other device used to prevent the boom from accidentally swinging from one side to the other
Preventer
A line or wire all around the boat that is held up with stanchions to prevent falling overboard.
Lifeline
A rail usually made of stainless steel around the bow or stern typically at the height of the lifelines
Pulpit
Short straps or pieces of line used to tie a lowered mainsail to the boom or secure a sail on deck
Sail ties
A fitting typically made of metal that secures two things together, such as a halyard shackle connecting to the sail
Shackle
Wire or line stay from the deck or hull supporting the mast
Shroud
Metal struts on the mast that hold the shrouds out from the mast
Spreaders
Short metal poles around the boat’s perimeter that support the lifelines
Stanchions
Wire or line from the deck or hull to support the mast (includes forestay, backstay, and shrouds)
Stay
The bottom front corner of a sail
Tack
A wire or line from the masthead that holds up the boom when the sail is lowered
Topping lift
A fitting allowing the mainsheet attachment to the boat to be adjusted side to side
Traveler
A pole used to hold out the jib when sailing off the wind
Whisker pole
Sailing in a direction into the wind at an angle (left or right)
Close Hauled
90 degrees from the wind
Beam reach
Sailing at an angle (left or right) with wind behind
Broad reach
Wind directly behind
Running
