Sailing Terms Flashcards
What is a “header”
If on a reach would you change course or what would you do
Wind is shifting toward the bow in relation to you course
Not change course but trim in your sails
What is “Lee Bowing”
While beating, favoring the tack that puts the current on your lee bow
-This will take advantage of the current and help to push you windward
What is a “Kedge”
Your second anchor
Easily handled and lightweight
and
Backup to the bower
What is “lee helm”
Regarding stability, its when the boat naturally turns leeward
What is “Draft Position”
The point along the chord of the sail where maximum depth falls
- Average is 50%
- As wind increases it pushes draft aft
- As wind decreases it pushes draft forward
What does “Backwinded” mean
To divert wind against the lee side of a sail from another sail
What is “weather helm”
Regarding stability, its when the boat naturally turns windward
What is a “Starboard Tack”
Wind is from your starboard side while tacking
What does “Pinching” mean
What can be the first sign of pinching
Sailing too close to the wind
-Wind cannot provide lift and pressure to the sails
First sign can be reduction in heeling force
What are the 3 common uses of the word “tack” as it relates to sailing
- Forward lower corner of a sail
- Used to indicate the relationship between the sails and wind direction
- Changing course through the wind
What does “Rounding Up” mean
Turning into the wind
What is your main anchor called
The “Bower”
It’s always ready for use at the bow
and
Strong enough for overnight and moderate conditions
What is “Sail Twist”
Change in angle-of-attack from the bottom of the sail to the top of the sail due to differing wind speeds (drag from the water)
What does “Wind Backing” mean
The wind is changing in a counter-clockwise direction
Why would you want to “Reef”
To increase control and comfort
What does “By The Lee” mean
The wind is coming over the same side of the boat that the sail is on
What does it mean to be “In Irons”
How would you get into that condition
Sailing craft is stopped and pointing into the “no-go zone” with the sails luffing
Trying to tack without enough momentum
What is “Jibing”
Bringing the wind from one side of of the boat to the other by turning the stern through the wind
A way of changing tacks while heading downwind
What is a “Port Tack”
Wind is from the port side while tacking
What is a boats “Draft”
Vertical distance from the boats water line to the bottom of the hull (keel)
What is “Draft Depth”
The amount of fullness or curvature in a sail
Light air - full sails
Heavy air - flatter sails
Upwind - flatter sails
Downwind - full sails
What does “Reefing” mean
Subtracting sail area
What does “Wind Veering” mean
The wind is changing in a clockwise direction
What does “Weather Helm” mean
Forces that try to turn the boat “windward”
- When heeled to far, the boats underwater shape changes
- Uneven bulge develops underwater causing drag
- Boat turns windward
- You counteract by using more rudder which slows you down
