Terminology Flashcards
A stay (usually cable or rod) that runs from near or at the top of the mast to the stern of the goat.
backstay
A spar that supports the foot of the mainsail;.
boom
The forward part of a boat also called ‘the pointy end’.
bow
Guardrail and support at the bow for the lifelines.
bow pulpit
A room in a boat.
cabin
The surface covering the hull of a boat.
deck
The fitting that attaches the boom to the mast.
gooseneck
Also called forestay, a cable that runs from the bow to the upper part
of the mast.
headstay
The underbody of a boat.
hull
A foresail (headsail) that fits inside the foretriangle (the clew does not extend beyond the mast).
jib
An extension of the hull that goes deeper into the water and provides
stability from heel and sideways resistance to wind.
keel
A wire or cable that runs along the outside of the deck supported by
stanchions to help restrain passengers.
lifeline
Often the largest sail and raised on the mainmast.
mainsail
A pole made from wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber from which a sail is set.
mast
A wire or cable holding up the mast athwartships (side to side).
shroud
A horizontal support for the stays that sticks out from the mast.
spreader
The aftermost part of a vessel.
stern
An athwartships (side to side) track upon which is mounted a block for the mainsheet thus allowing side to side adjustment.
traveler
A line that runs from the end of the boom to the mast in order to
hold it up when the sail is not set.
(boom) topping lift
A device to hold the boom down.
boom vang
A device used to change the angle of a line, a pulley
block
A dock line that runs at a right angle to the centerline of the boat.
breast line
A metal (usually) object around which a line can be fastened.
cleat
An area inset in the deck where the boat is steered.
cockpit
A line used to put tension in the luff of a sail
cunningham
Used to place tension in the luff of a sail
downhaul
A lead with a minimum of friction to reduce chafe.
fairlead
Bumper placed outside the hull to prevent damage at a dock.
fender
A line that raises a sail
halyard
A line that controls the jib with one end tied to the clew of the jib
jib sheet
A single line used to control the main
mainsheet
A sail control that attaches to the clew and allows tensioning of the foot.
outhaul
A metal or plastic eye fastened on deck through which a line runs.
padeye
Furling a sail by rolling it up
roller furling
An underwater appendage that controls the direction of the boat.
rudder
A metal device that secures a line to another object.
shackle
A dock line, usually used in combination, to prevent fore and aft
motion of the boat.
spring line
A wire or cable supporting the mast
stay
A fine string or ribbon which may be located on a sail or in the rigging to
help determine wind direction and proper sail trim.
telltale
An appendage increasing leverage on the rudder to steer the boat.
tiller
A circular device, often with spokes, used to steer the boat.
wheel
A mechanical device to increase the tension in a line consisting of a geared drum and handle.
winch
At a right angle to the boat.
abeam
Direction
aft and after
In front of the boat
ahead
Behind the stern of the boat
astern
The widest part of the boat.
beam
All who participate in the handling of the boat.
crew
The depth of the boat underwater.
draft
The amount of curve or fullness in a sail.
draft
Toward the bow.
forward
The height of the deck above the water.
freeboard
The angle the boat sails at.
heel
The person who is steering the boat.
helmsman
To turn the stern of the boat through the eye of the wind.
jibe
Downwind
lee and leeward
Left side when looking forward.
port
A window in the side of the boat.
port
Where ships come in to dock.
port
All the lines that control any part of the sails including sheets, halyards, and outhaul.
running rigging
The one who is in charge.
skipper
All wires or cables that hold up the mast.
standing rigging
The right side facing forward.
starboard
To change tacks by putting the bow through the eye of the wind.
tack(ing)
The tendency of a boat to turn into the wind.
weather helm
Towards the wind, upwind.
windward
A rod or strip used to stiffen the leech of a sail.
batten
The opening into which the batten fits.
batten pocket
The rope that is in the luff of a sail to strengthen it.
bolt rope
The after lower corner of a sail.
clew
The bottom edge of a sail.
foot
To sail slightly lower than close hauled.
foot
A large foresail whose clew extends beyond the foretriangle (mast).
genoa
A fitting used to attach the foresail to forestay.
hank
The top corner of a triangular sail.
head
The bathroom on a boat.
head
The front of the boat, the bow area, the stem.
head
A foresail (headsail) that fits inside the foretriangle (not extending beyond the mast).
jib
The back edge of a sail.
leech
The leading edge of a sail.
luff
The flapping of a sail.
luff
The main sail of a boat often the largest sail and raised on the mainmast.
mainsail
A large colorful balloon shaped sail.
spinnaker
A jib that is smaller and stronger than the working jib.
storm jib
To change tacks by putting the bow through the eye of the wind.
tack
The side of the boat opposite the side the boom is on.
tack
The forward lower corner of a sail.
tack
The vessel that must keep out of the way of another vessel.
give-way vessel
The vessel that has the right of way according to the rules of the road.
stand-on vessel
Pointing the boat directly into the eye of the wind, in-irons.
head to wind
Head to wind and not moving through the water.
in irons
The area into the wind where it is not possible to sail.
no sail zone
A point of sail, sailing as close to the wind as possible.
close hauled
A point sail between close hauled and a beam reach.
close reach
Point of sail with wind coming over the beam.
beam reach
Sailing on a run with the wind coming over the same side of the boat
as the boom is on.
by the lee
When the mainsail is carried on the port side.
starboard tack
When the mainsail is on the starboard side.
port tack
A small engine (outboard or inboard, gasoline or diesel) used to power a sailing vessel when not under sail.
auxiliary engine
A support for a compass.
binnacle
Metal strap or fitting on the hull where stays are attached.
chain plate
Typically the largest locker on deck usually located under cockpit seating.
cockpit locker
The entryway that leads from the cockpit to the cabin.
companionway
A device containing a magnet that will align itself with the magnetic field
of the earth indicating direction.
compass
A small tiller that fits into the top of the rudder post which can be used to steer the boat if main equipment fails.
emergency tiller
The kitchen on a boat.
galley
The anchor and anchor rode.
ground tackle
An operable opening in the deck.
hatch
A round shaft leading from the rudder and connected to the helm.
rudder post
The large social gathering area below deck on a boat.
saloon
A valve to shut off flow from a through-hull fitting.
seacock
A cockpit that drains by itself.
self-bailing cockpit
The fitting at the bow upon which is fastened the headstay.
stem fitting
A metal fitting on the mast to which shrouds are attached.
tang
A metal or plastic device providing a secure hole in the boat through which fluids can flow.
through-hull fitting
The athwartships surface located at the very stern.
transom
A fitting used in standing rigging to adjust its tension.
turnbuckle
The most forward cabin in a monohull.
v-berth
Winch for the anchor rode.
windlass
