Sailing Terms

Question 1

The front of the ship, also called the prow.

Answer 1

Bow

Question 2

The rear of the ship.

Answer 2

Stern

Question 3

The left side of the ship, as you’re facing the bow.

Answer 3

Port

Question 4

The right side of the ship, as you’re facing the bow.

Answer 4

Starboard

Question 5

Twords the bow.

Answer 5

Forward

Question 6

Twords the stern.

Answer 6

Aft

Question 7

A sail plan in which the sail is in line with the hull of the ship.

Answer 7

Fore-and-aft rig

Question 8

The body of the ship.

Answer 8

Hull

Question 9

The spine of the ship.

Answer 9

Keel

Question 10

The blade used to control the ship’s direction, mounted on the starboard side of the ship, at the stern.

Answer 10

Steering oar

Question 11

The handle of the steering oar.

Answer 11

Tiller

Question 12

The side of the ship.

Answer 12

Beam

Question 13

A spar (wooden pole) that is hoisted up the mast, carrying the sail.

Answer 13

Yardarm/Yard

Question 14

The top of the mast.

Answer 14

Masthead

Question 15

The part of the ship’s side above the deck.

Answer 15

Bulwark

Question 16

The upper part of the ship’s rail.

Answer 16

Gunwale

Question 17

Wooden pins used to fasten rope.

Answer 17

Belaying pins

Question 18

Pegs that hold an oar in place.

Answer 18

Oarlock/Rowlock

Question 19

A pennant that indicates the wind’s direction.

Answer 19

Telltale

Question 20

To change direction from one side to the other, passing through the eye of the wind.

Answer 20

Tacking

Question 21

To turn away from the wind, travelling in a large arc, with the wind in the sail.

Answer 21

Wearing

Question 22

When the wind is from the side of the ship, the ship is sailing on a _____.

Answer 22

Reach/Reaching

Question 23

When the wind is from the stern, the ship is _____.

Answer 23

Running

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

Reef

Question 25

To adjust the sail to the most efficient angle.

Answer 25

Trim

Question 26

A rope used to haul the yard up the mast.

Answer 26

Halyard

Question 27

A heavy rope that supports the mast. One each runs to the stern and bow.

Answer 27

Stay

Question 28

Thick ropes that run from the top of the mast to the sides of the ship, supporting the mast.

Answer 28

Shrouds

Question 29

The ropes used to control (trim) the sail, hauling it in and out according to the wind strength and direction.

Answer 29

Sheets

Question 30

The motion of the ship.

Answer 30

Way

Question 31

To row a reverse stroke.

Answer 31

Back water