Sailing Terms Flashcards
The front of the ship, also called the prow.
Bow
The rear of the ship.
Stern
The left side of the ship, as you’re facing the bow.
Port
The right side of the ship, as you’re facing the bow.
Starboard
Twords the bow.
Forward
Twords the stern.
Aft
A sail plan in which the sail is in line with the hull of the ship.
Fore-and-aft rig
The body of the ship.
Hull
The spine of the ship.
Keel
The blade used to control the ship’s direction, mounted on the starboard side of the ship, at the stern.
Steering oar
The handle of the steering oar.
Tiller
The side of the ship.
Beam
A spar (wooden pole) that is hoisted up the mast, carrying the sail.
Yardarm/Yard
The top of the mast.
Masthead
The part of the ship’s side above the deck.
Bulwark
The upper part of the ship’s rail.
Gunwale
Wooden pins used to fasten rope.
Belaying pins
Pegs that hold an oar in place.
Oarlock/Rowlock
A pennant that indicates the wind’s direction.
Telltale
To change direction from one side to the other, passing through the eye of the wind.
Tacking
To turn away from the wind, travelling in a large arc, with the wind in the sail.
Wearing
When the wind is from the side of the ship, the ship is sailing on a _____.
Reach/Reaching
When the wind is from the stern, the ship is _____.
Running
To gather in part of the sail and bundle it against the yardarm to reduce the sail area. This is done in high winds to protect the sale and the mast.
Reef
To adjust the sail to the most efficient angle.
Trim
A rope used to haul the yard up the mast.
Halyard
A heavy rope that supports the mast. One each runs to the stern and bow.
Stay
Thick ropes that run from the top of the mast to the sides of the ship, supporting the mast.
Shrouds
The ropes used to control (trim) the sail, hauling it in and out according to the wind strength and direction.
Sheets
The motion of the ship.
Way
To row a reverse stroke.
Back water
