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Aback
- The sail filling on wrong side in the case of sq rigger may cause the
ship to back up.
Abaft towards the stern.
Abeam At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on
the boat.
Able bodied seamen - A member of the deck crew who is able to
perform all the duties of an experienced seamen; certificated by
examination; must have three years sea service. Also called Able Seamen
and A.B.
Aboard -On or within the boat.
About - on the other tack
Above Deck -On the deck
Abrest - Along side or at right to
Abyss- That volume of ocean lying below 300 fathoms from surface.
Admeasure- Formal measurement of a boat for documentation.
Admiralty law The "law of the sea."
Adrift- Floating free with the currents and
tide, not under control.
Aft - At,near or towards the stern
After bow spring line- A mooring line fixed to
the bow of the boat and leading aft where it is attached to the dock.
This prevents the boat from moving forward in its berth. Its opposite,
the forward quarter spring line, is used to keep the boat from moving
aft in its berth
.Against the Sun-Anti-clockwise circular motion. Left-handed
ropes are coiled against the sun.
Aground -Touching or fast to the bottom. .
Aid to navigation- Any fixed object that a navigator may use to
find his position, such as permanent land or sea markers, buoys,
radiobeacons, and lighthouses.
Altar - Step in a dry dock
Aloft - up above the deck, up the mast or in the rigging
Alongside - Close beside a ship, wharf or jetty.
"Ahoy" - seaman's call to attract attention
Amas- The outboard hulls of a trimaran.
Amidships - In the middle of the ship
Anchor- A hook which digs in to the bottom to keep the ship from
drifting 2) The act of using an anchor
Anchorage-A sheltered place or area where a boat can anchor.
Anchor Ball - A black ball visible in all direction display in
the forward part of a vessel at anchor.
Anchor bend- A type of knot used to fasten an anchor to its line.
Anchor Chain A chain attached to the anchor. The chain acts
partially as a weight to keep the anchor lying next to the ground so
that it can dig in better.
Anchor Ice-Ice, of any form, that is aground in the sea.
Anchor Light - A white light visible in all direction display in
the forward part of a vessel at anchor.
Anchor Locker-Storage
space used for the anchor rode and anchor.
Anchor Watch - A member or members of the crew that keep watch
and check the drift of ship.
Anchor windlass- A windlass used to assist when raising the
anchor
ANTI-TRIP CHINE- A flared out aft section of the side/bottom of
the boat. The purpose is to prevent the hard chine of the boat catching
a wake or small wave on a sharp turn.
Apeak: Said of anchor when cable is taut and vertical.
Apparent Wind-- the direction of the wind as is relative to the
speed and direction of the boat
ASPECT RATIO - The relationship between the height of a sail and
its breadth. i.e. A sail with a height of 30' and a breadth of 20' has
an aspect ratio of 3:2.
Astern - behind the boat
Athwart: Across. Transversely.
Athwartships -At right angles to the centerline of the boat;
rowboat seats are generally athwartships.
A-trip: Said of anchor immediately it is broken out of the
ground.
Auxiliary - A second method of propelling a
vessel. On a sailboat this could be a engine.
Avast! - The command to stop, or cease, in any operation.
Aweigh- To raise an anchor off the bottom.
Awash - Water washing over.
Back-
To back an anchor is to carry out a smaller one ahead of the one by
which the vessels rides to take off some of the strain.
Backstay - Mast support running to aft deck or another mast.
Backslice- A method of weaving the end of a rope to keep it from
unraveling.
Backstaff a navigation instrument used to measure the apparent
height of a landmark whose actual height is known, such as the top of a
lighthouse. From this information, the ship's distance from that
landmark can be calculated.
Backwinded- When the wind pushes on the wrong
side of the sail, causing it to be pushed away from the wind. If the
lines holding the sail in place are not released, the boat could become
hard to control and heel excessively
Bail - Ironrod partially circling the boom to which sheet block
is attached 2 To remove water from a boat, as with a bucket or a pump.
Baggywrinkle: - chafing gear made from old ropes.
Ballast-Is either pigs of iron, stones, or gravel, which last is
called single ballast; and their use is to bring the ship down to her
bearings in the water which her provisions and stores will not do. Trim
the ballast, that is spread it about, and lay it even, or runs over one
side of the hold to the other
Bar-shallow water usually made of sand or mud, usually running
parallel to the shore. Bars are caused by wave and current action,
Barratry- Any wrongful act knowingly done by the master to the
detriment of the owner of either ship or cargo; done without knowledge
or consent of owner .
Barge A long, narrow, light boat, employed to carry the principal
sea officers, such as admirals and captains of ships of war, to shore.2A
long vessel with a flat bottom used to carry freight on rivers. Barges
are usually not powered, being pushed or towed by a tugboat instead
Bare Poles- Condition of a vessel when she has no sails
set.
Bark-3 Masted with Sq rigged on fore and main mast
Barge - A long vessel with a flat bottom used to carry freight on
rivers. Barges are usually not powered, being pushed or towed by a
tugboat instead.
Barnacle-A shell-fish often attached to the submerged parts of a
vessel.
Barque: Sailing vessel with three or more masts: fore and aft
rigged on aftermast, square rigged on all others.
Barkentine-3 Masted with Sq rigged on fore mast only
Batten - a short piece of wood or plastic inserted in a sail to
keep it taut
Batten pockets-- Pockets in a sail where battens
can be placed to stiffen the sail.
Batten down-Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull
and on deck.
Beam - The widest part of the boat.
Beams Ends- Vessel said to be "on her beam ends" when
she is lying over so much that her deck beams are nearly vertical.
Method used to repair or paint hull before drydocks.
Beam reach - a point of sail where the boat is sailing at a right
angle to the wind
Beaufort wind scale- A method of measuring the severity of the
force of wind, named after Admiral Beaufort who created the system. 0 is
no wind, whereas 12 would be a hurricane.
Bear Off- To thrust away; to hold off. 2 to steer off wind,
shore or approaching object.
Bearing - The direction of an object expressed either as a true
bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading
of the boat
Bear Up- to steer up to the eye of the wind, shore or object.
Belay - Change order; - To make a line secure to a pin, cleat or
bitt.
Belay pin - Iron or wood pin fitted into railing to secure lines
to.
Below -Beneath the deck
Bend - to fasten one line to another
Berth-(1) A place for a person to sleep. (2) A place where the
ship can be secured. (3) A safe and cautious distance, such as
Bible- A large Holystone
Bight - any part of the rope between the two end.
Bilge- The lowest part of the interior hull below the waterline
Binnacle A wooden case or box, which contained compasses,
log-glasses, watch-glasses and lights to show the compass at night.
Bitter end - the final inboard end of chain or line
Bitt - A vertically posted above deck used to secure line.
Block - A pulley used to gain mechanical advantage,
Block and tackle - A combination of one or more
blocks and the associated tackle necessary to give a mechanical
advantage.
Bluewater sailing - open ocean sailing, as opposed to being in a
lake or sound
Bobstaycable,chain or rod holding down the end of the bowsprit.
Boat -A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than
a ship. One definition is a small craft carried aboard a ship.
Boat hook -A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to
facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object
dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off.
Boatswain-- Also bosun, bos'n, bo's'n, and
bo'sun, all of which are pronounced bosun. A crew member responsible for
keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair
Bolt rope- A line rope - sewn into the luff of a
sail. The bolt rope fits in a notch in the mast or other spar when the
sail is raised.
Bollard - Vertical post on dock for securing lines.
Bone in her teeth -- sailing well underway such that spray is
thrown out at the stem of the boat
Boom: - a horizontal spar attached to the bottom edge of of a
sail, riding on the mast and controlled by sheet.
Boomkin - A spar projecting from the stern to which is attached a
backstay or sheet.
Boom Vang -Any system used to hold the boom down. This is useful
for maintaining proper sail shape, particularly when running or on a
broad reach.
Boot stripe -- a different color strip of paint at the waterline
Bow - The forward part of the vessel.
Bow line -A docking line leading from the bow.
Bowline - A knot use to form an eye or loop at the
end of a rope.
Bowsprit: - a long spar attached to the Jibboom in the bow; used
to secure head sails.
Breaker-- A wave that approaches shallow water,
causing the wave height to exceed the depth of the water it is in, in
Breast line-- A line attached laterally from a
boat to a dock, preventing movement away from the dock.
Bridge -The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed
controlled. "Control Station" is really a more appropriate
term for small craft.
Brig- is a two-masted vessel with both masts square rigged. On
the sternmost mast, the main mast, there is also a gaff sail
Brigantine- is a two-masted vessel fore mast being square rigged
Bright work - varnished woodwork or polished metal
Broach - a turning or swinging of the boat that puts the beam of
the boat against the waves, creating a danger of swamping or capsizing
Broad reach - a point of sail where the boat is sailing away from
the wind, but not directly downwind
Bulkhead - Below deck walls within vessel
Bulkward - Solid rail along ship side above deck to prevent men
and gear from going overboard
Bung - A round wood plug inserted in hole to cover a nail scre or
bolt.
Bunk: - a sleeping berth.
BuoyA floating navigation aid.
Buoyage: The act of placing buoys. 2. Establishment of buoys and
buoyage systems. Applied collectively to buoys placed or established.
Buoyancy- Degree of floatability
Burdened Vessel - That vessel which, according to the applicable
Navigation Rules, must give way to the privileged vessel.
Burgee-- A type of flag used to identify a
boater's affiliation
By the Board: Overboard and by the ship's side.
By the Head: bow lower then stern
By the Lee - sailing with the wind coming from behind, and
slightly to the side, that the sails are on.
By the Stern- stern lower then bow
By the Wind- closehauled to wind
Cabin -A compartment for passengers or crew.
Cabin sole -the bottom surface of the enclosed space under the
deck of a boat
Cable - The rope or chain made fast to the anchor. 2 .Nautical
unit of distance, having a standard value of 1/10th of a nautical mile
(608 ft.) or 100 fathoms.
Camel - Hollow vessel of iron, steel or wood, that is filled with
water and sunk under a vessel. When water is pumped out, the buoyancy of
camel lifts ship. Usually employed in pairs. At one time were usual
means of lifting a vessel over a bar or sandbank. 2. wooden float
use between dock and ship.
Can Bouy - A cylindrical buoy painted green and having an odd
number used in the United States as a navigational aid
Can Hooks - Two flat hooks running freely on a wire or chain
sling. Hooks are put under chime of casks, weight is taken on chain
sling or wire. Weight of lift prevents unhooking.
Canal A manmade waterway used to connect bodies of water that do
not connect naturally
Canoe stern - A pointed stern, such as those on
a canoe
Canvas -- slang for sail. Originally sails were made of canvas.
Capstan: - the drum-like part of the windlass, which is a machine
used for winding in rope, cables or chain connected to an anchor cargo.
Capsize -To turn over.
Captain- The person who is in charge of a vessel
and legally responsible for it and its occupants.
Car - A sliding fitting that attaches to a track allowing for the
adjustment of blocks or other devices attached to the car.
Cardinal points-The points of North, South, East and West as
marked on a compass rose
Carline Wood stringer support for hatches and cabins
Carrick Bend-. - A knot used to tie two lines
together
Cast Off - to release lines holding boat to shore or mooring, to
release sheets.
Catboat- - A sailboat rigged with one mast and
one sail
Catenary - The sag in a line strung between two
points.such as the anchor line.
Calk to fill wooden vessel seams with oakum and cotton using
caulking irons and hammer
Caulking- Material used to seal the seams in a wooden vessel,
making it watertigh.
Celestial navigation - to calculate your position using time, the
position of celestial bodies, and mathematical tables
Centerboard - a fin shaped, often removable, board that extends
from the bottom of the boat as a keel
Center line-- The imaginary line running from
bow to stern along the middle of the boat.
Center of effort - The center of wind pressure on the sail plan
Chafe - damage to a line caused by rubbing against another object
Chafe gear -- gear used to prevent damage by rubbing
Chain plate - A steel plate or bar by which the standing rigging
is attached to the hull.
Channel -1. That part of a body of water deep enough for
navigation through an area otherwise not suitable. It is usually marked
by a single or double line of buoys and sometimes by range markers.2.
The deepest part of a stream, bay, or strait, through which the main
current flows.3. A name given to a large strait, for example, the
English Channel.
Chart datum-- The water level used to record
data on a chartchart. Usually the average low tide water level.
Chart table- - A table designated as the area in
the boat where the navigator will study charts and plot courses.
Chart -A map for use by navigators.
Charley noble: - galley stove-pipe
Check: To ease a rope a little, and then belay it..
Cheek block-- A block with one end permanently
attached to a surface.such as on the sides of the mast.
Chine -The intersection of the bottom and sides of a flat or
v-bottomed boat.
Chock -A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led.
Usually U-shaped to reduce chafe
Chockablock-- When a line is pulled as tight as
is can go, as when two blocks are pulled together. also know as
"two blocks"
Chop-Small, steep disorderly waves.
Cleat - A wood or metal fitting with two horn around which ropes
are made fast.
Clew- Lower aft corner of the fore and aft sail or the lower
corners of a sq sail.
Clipper bow - A bow where the stem has a forward curve and sides
have a lot of flair. Also called a schooner bow.
Close hauled - sails and boom pulled in tight, enabling the boat
to point as high as possible to the direction the wind is coming from
Close reach - Sailing with the wind coming from
the direction forward of the beam of the boat. A close reach is the
point of sail between a beam reach and close hauled.
Clove Hitch attach a rope to a pole, this knot provide a quick
and secure result
Clipper was first a generic name to describe a very fast sailing
ship
Coaming -- the raised border around the cockpit, or a hatch to
keep out water
Cockpit - the area, below deck level, that is somewhat more
protected than the open deck, from which the tiller or wheel is handled
Coil - To lay a rope down in circular turns
Companionway -- staircase that leads to the cabin
Compass -Navigation instrument, either magnetic (showing magnetic
north) or gyro (showing true north).
Colors-The national flag and or other flags.
Cordage- Any rope or line
Course -- compass heading or the angle of the boat in sailing
against the wind
Courtesy Flag- A smaller version of the flag of
the country being visited. It is flown from the starboard spreader.
Cringle- A fitting in a sail that allows a line
to fasten to it
Crosstrees - horizontal pieces of wood that cross the mast up
high, acting as spreaders for the topmast shrouds.
Crow's Nest - protected look-out position high on the foremast
Current-The horizontal movement of water.
Club footed jib - A jib with a boom or "club" on the
foot of the sail.
Cutter- A sailboat with one mast and rigged a
mainsail and two headsails. Also see sloop.
Daggerboard - A blade shaped centerboard that is lifted out of a
case when raised. Usually only suitable for small boats.
Daybeacon -A fixed navigation aid structure used in shallow
waters upon which is placed one or more daymarks.
Daymark -A signboard attached to a daybeacon to convey
navigational information presenting one of several standard shapes
(square, triangle, rectangle) and colors (red, green, orange, yellow, or
black). Daymarks usually have reflective material indicating the shape,
but may also be lighted.
Davite: -small cranes, usually located aster, that are used to
raise and lower smaller boats from the deck to the water.
Dead ahead -Directly ahead.
Dead astern-Directly aft or behind.
Dead reckoning-A calculation of determining position by using
course speed last known position
DEADEYE A block with three hole in use to receive the
laniard of a shroud or a stay to adjust tension.
deadhead -- a floating log
Deck -A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part
of a ship serving as a floor.
deck plate -- a metal plate fitting on the deck that can be
opened to take on fuel or water
Deep-Vee - A hard chine power boat having a 15 degree or more
angle deadrise at the transom.
Dinghy A small boat, usually carried on hauled behind a bigger
boat
Displacement-The weight of the water displaced by the vessel.
Displacement hull- A type of hull that plows through the water,
displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more
power is added.
Displacement speed hull speed. The theoretical speed that
a boat can travel without planing This speed is 1.34 times the length of
a boat at its waterline.
Ditty bag: - a small bag for carrying or stowing all personal
articles.
Ditty Box: Small wooden box, with lock and key, in which seamen
of R.N. keep sentimental valuables, stationery, and sundry small stores.
Dock -A protected water area in which vessels are moored. The
term is often used to denote a pier or a wharf.
Dog Watch-Half watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6 and from
6 to 8 P.M..
Dorade-A horn type of vent designed to let air into a cabin and
keep water out.
Dory-Small, flat-bottomed rowing boats manned by one or two
fishermen. Used for cod-fishing off Newfoundland. The name is derived
from the Portuguese pescadores meaning fishermen
DOUBLE HEADSAIL RIG - Two sails forward of the mast as in a
cutter.
Downhaul-A rope used to haul down jibs, staysails and studding
sails.
Double Sheetbend -Join small to medium size rope.
douse To drop a sail quickly
Draft-The depth of water required float a vessel
Drift- A vessel leeway Ease -To slacken or relieve tension
on a line.
Ease Sheet-To let the sheet out slowly loosen a line while
maintaining control,
Ebb -- tide passing from high to low, with the current going out
to sea
El Niño -- a warm inshore current annually flowing south along
the coast of Ecuador. About every seven to ten years it extends down the
coast of Peru , where it has a devastating effect.
Even keel -When a boat is floating on its designed waterline, it
is said to be floating on an even keel.
Eye splice-A splice causing a loop in the end of a line, by
braiding the end into itself or similar methods.
Eye of the wind-The direction that the wind is blowing from.
Fairlead -a means of leading a rope in the most convenient way 2.
a fitting used to change the direction of a line without chafing
Fall-The hauling part of the tackle to which power is applied.
Fake- One circle of a coil or rope. To coil or arrange a rope
ornamentally with each fake flat, or almost flat, on the deck, usually
in a circle or figure-of-eight pattern.
Fantail-Rear or aft overhang of vessel.
Fast -Said of an object that is secured to another.
Fathom-Measurement of six feet.
Fender-cushions used over the side to protect a vessel from
chafing when alongside another vessel or dock
Fetch-The distance that wind and seas (waves) can travel toward
land without being blocked. In areas without obstructions the wind and
seas can build to great strength, but in areas such as sheltered coves
and harbors the wind and seas can be quite calm. Fetch is also used to
describe the act of sailing to a location accurately and without having
to tack.
Fid -A pointed tool used to separate strands of rope.
Fiddle-A small rail on tables and counters used to keep objects
from sliding off when heeled or in heavy seas.
Fife Rail-A rail around the mast with hole for belaying pins
Figurehead - carved figure on the front of the ship
Figure Eight knot - A stopper knot for the end of the rope
fix -- the determined boat's position
Flame arrester -A safety device, such as a metal mesh protector,
to prevent an exhaust backfire from causing an explosion; operates by
absorbing heat.
Flare -The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A
distress signal
flood - incoming tidal current
flotsam -- floating items of a ship or its cargo at sea, floating
debris.
fluke - the digging end of the anchor; also wind irregularity
Following Sea -An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
Fo’c’sle / fore castle The extreme forward compartment of the
vessel
Foot - the bottom part of a sail.
Force 8 -- gale force wind on the Beaufort Wind Scale
Fore the forward part of the vessel
Foredeck - the forward part of a boat's main deck
Foremast: the mast in the forepart of a vessel, nearest the bow.
Foresail: - is set on the foremast of a schooner or the lowest
square sail on the foremast of Sq riggers
Fore and aft -In a line parallel to the keel.
Forward -Toward the bow of the boat.
Fouled -Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or
dirtied.
Founder -When a vessel fills with water and sinks. .
Frames: - the wooden ribs that form the shape of the hull.
Freeboard -The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the
water to the gunwale
Fronts-Used in meteorology to describe bounderies between hot and
cold air masses. This is typically where bad weather is found.
Full keel-A keel that runs the length of the boat. Full keels
have a shallower draft than fin keels.
Fully battened -A sail having battens that run the full
horizontal length of the sail.
Furl - to fold or roll a sail and secure it to its main support
Gaff:
- a free-swinging spar attached to the top of the sail.
Galley: - The kitchen of a ship.
Gallows- A frame used to rest the boom when the sail is down.
Gang Plank - Board or ramp used as a walkway from ship to dock
Gasket-Line used to secure a furled sail to the boom or yards.
Gear -A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other
equipment
Genoa -- also known as genny, usually the biggest jib on the boat
Gimball -A device to suspend items, such as a compass or ships'
stove, to keep it level.
Gimblet -To turn an anchor round by it's stock.
Give-way-vessel -A term, from the Navigational Rules, used to
describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking
situations.
GMT -- Greenwich Meridian Time, also known as Universal Time or
Zula Time
Gooseneck-The fitting which secures the boom to the mast.
Great Circle - a course plotted on the surface of the globe that
is the shortest distance between two points
Ground Tackle - A collective term for the anchor and anchor gear.
Gunwale (gunnel)-The upper railing of a boat's side.
Gunkholing - Cruising in shoal water or overnighting in small
coves.
Harbor -A safe anchorage, protected from most storms; may be
natural or man-made, with breakwaters and jetties; a place for docking
and loading.
Hard over - turning the wheel as far as possible
Halyards: - lines used to haul up the sail and the wooden poles
(boom and gaff) that hold the sails in place.hanks -- metal
hooks used to secure a sail to a stay; to hank on a sail is to hook it
on a stay using the hanks
hard over -- turning the wheel as far as possible
harden up -- to steer closer to the wind, usually by pulling in
on the sheets
Hatch:- an opening in the deck for entering below.
haul around -- change from a run to a reach
hawse hole-A hole in the hull for mooring lines to run through.
Head-ship toilet 2Also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
Head to Wind - the bow turned into the wind, sails luffing
Heading -The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any
given time.
Heads up- watch out
Headsails: -any sail foreward of the foremast.
Headstay - a wire support line from the mast to the bow
Headway -The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway
Heave to -To bring a vessel up in a position where it will
maintain little or no headway, usually with the bow into the wind or
nearly so.
Heel -To tip to one side. .
Helm-steering apparatus
Helmsman - the member of the crew responsible for steering
Hike - leaning out over the side of the boat to balance it
Hitch -A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to
another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.
Hoist - to raise aloft
Hold: - the space for cargo below the deck of the ship
HoggedA vessel whose bow and stern have dropped.
Hook- anchor
Horse/traveler-Metal or rope traveler to sheet a sail.
hull The main body of the boat, not including the deck,mast or
cabin.
hull speed - the fastest a sailboat will go, usually dependent on
length of the hull at the waterline the longer the faster
Hurricane-A strong tropical revolving storm of force 12(65 mph)
or higher in the northern hemisphere. Hurricanes revolve in a clockwise
direction.
in irons- A sailboat with its bow pointed directly into the wind,
preventing the sails from filling properly so that the boat can move
Jack line-A strong line, or a wire stay running fore and aft
along the sides of a boat to which a safety harness can be attached.
Jacobs ladder-A rope ladder.
Jettison: -to throw overboard.
Jetty-A man made structure projecting from the shore. Breakwater
protecting a harbor entrance
Jib: - a triangular foresail in front of the foremast.
Jib Sheet The lines that lead from the clew of the jib.
Jib boom -Spar forward of bowsprit
Jibe. To go from one tack to the other when running with the wind
coming over the stern
Jigger-Aft sail on the mizzen mast of a yawl or a ketch. After
mast (4th mast)on schooner or sailing ship carrying a spanker.
Kedge -To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor
rode; a basic anchor type.
Keel: - centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the timber at
the very bottom of the hull to which frames are attached.
Keel-haul-To drag a person backwards and forwards under a ship's
keel, for certain offences.
Keel stepped -A mast that is stepped (placed) on the keel at the
bottom of the boat rather than on the deck. Keel stepped masts are
considered sturdier than deck stepped masts.
Ketch-Two-masted boats, the after mast shorter, but with a ketch
the after mast is forward of the rudder post
King spoke-Marked top spoke on a wheel when the rudder is
centered.
Knees-Supporting braces used for strength when two parts are
joined.
Knockabout: - a type of schooner without a bowsprit.
Knot A speed of one nautical mile per hour. (6076 feet) per hour.
Launch
- A large, open motorboat
Lanyard - A short line used for making anything fast
Latitude - The distance north or south of the equator measured
and expressed in degrees.
Lazyjacks: - lines from topping lifts to under boom which act as
anet to catch the sails when lowered.
Lazarette- A storage compartment in the stern.
League - measure of distance three miles in length
Lee - The side sheltered from the wind
lee cloths - a cloth hung on the lee side of a berth (the down
side when the boat has heel to it) to keep one from rolling out of their
bunk
lee shore -- a shore that wind blows onto; it is best to stay
well off a lee shore in a storm
leeward --The direction away from the wind. -downwind
Leeway -The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind
or current.
LeechAfter edge of a fore and aft sail
lifeline -- stout line around the deck of the boat to keep crew
from falling overboard
list -- inclination of a boat due to excess weight on one side or
the other
Lines: - ropes used for various purposes aboard a boat.
Log a navigation instrument used to estimate a ship's speed.2A
record of courses or operation.
Longitude - The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian
at Greenwich, England
Lubber's line -A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating
the direction forward; parallel to the keel when properly installed.
Luff Up-To steer the boat more into the wind, thereby causing the
sails to flap or luff
Mainmast: - the tallest mast of the ship; on a schooner, the mast
furthest aft.
Mainsail: - The sail set on the mainmast.-the lowest square sail
on the mainmast.
Marlinspike - A tool for opening the strands of a rope while
splicing
Mast: - a large wooden pole used to hold up the sails
Measured mile-A course marked by buoys or ranges measuring one
nautical mile.
Messenger-A small line used to pull a heavier line or cable.
Mizzen - the shorter mast behind the main mast on a ketch or
yawl.
Monohull -A boat with one hull.
Mooring -An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or
a pier.
Mooring buoy -A buoy secured to a permanent anchor sunk deeply
into the bottom.
Nautical mile
-One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - about 1/8 longer than
the statute mile of 5280 feet.
Navigable-An area with sufficient depth of water to permit vessel
passage.
Navigation-The art of getting vessel from one port to the next
port.
Net Tonnage-Vessels measurement of cargo carrying capacity.
Nun Bouy-Red tapered navigation bouy.
Oakum tarred hemp or manila fibers made from old and condemned
ropes which have been picked apart. They were used for caulking the
seams of decks and sides of a wooden ship in order to make them
watertight.
Outhaul - the line that adjust tension along the foot of the sail
along the boom
Outdrive -A propulsion system for boats with an inboard engine
operating an exterior drive, with drive shaft, gears, and propeller;
also called stern-drive and inboard/outboard.
Overboard--Over the side or out of the boat.
painter -A line attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing
or making fast
Parcel a rope - Is to put a narrow piece of canvass round it
before the service is put on.
Pay out: - to feed line over the side of the boat, hand over
hand.
PEAK- Outer end of the gaff -upper aft corner of a gaff sail
Pennant - a triangular flag
Pilothouse: - a small cabin on the deck of the ship that protects
the steering wheel and the crewman steering.
Pier -A loading/landing platform extending at an angle from the
shore.
Piloting -Navigation by use of visible references, ,
Pinch - to sail as close as possible towards the wind
Pitch -1. The alternate rise and fall of the bow of a vessel
proceeding through waves;2. The theoretical distance advanced by a
propeller in one revolution;3. Tar and resin used for caulking between
the planks of a wooden vessel.
Pitching-The movement of a ship, by which she plunges her head
and after-part alternately into the hollow of the sea.
Pitchpoling -boat being thrown end-over-end in very rough seas.
Planing hull -A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the
water at high speed.
Preventer- line and/or tackle which limits the movement of the
boom, usually for the purpose of preventing accidents or-An extra rope,
to assist another-
Planking: - wood boards that cover the frames outside the hull.
Point - to turn closer towards the wind (point up)
Port - left side of the ship when facing forward
Port tack - sailing with the wind coming from the port side, with
the boom on the starboard side
Privileged vessel - the ship with the right of way
Quarter - The sides of a boat forward of the stern aft of the
shrouds
Quartering Sea- Winds and waves on a boat's quarter
Quay -- wharf used to discharge cargo
Queen topsail: - small stay sail located between the foremast and
mainmas
Reach - sailing with a beam wind
Ready about - prepare to come about
Reef - to reduce the size of a sail
Reefing-The operation of reducing a sail by taking in one or more
of the reefs.
Reef-bands- Pieces of canvass, about six inches wide, sewed on
the fore part of sails, where the points are fixed for reefing the sail.
Reef Points-short line thu the reef band to secure the foot of
the sail
Rigging: - the lines that hold up the masts and move the sails
(standing and running rigging).
Rode - The anchor line and/or chain
Rudder: - a fin or blade attached under the hull’s stern used
for steering.
Running Rigging- lines which run through pulleys and block and
tackle, that are used to adjust the sails and yards
Sail:
- a piece of cloth that catches the wind and so powers a vessel.
Sailing rig: - the equipment used to sail a bost, including
sails, booms and gaffs, lines and blocks.
Salon -- also saloon; main social cabin of a boat
Schooner: - sailing ships with at least 2 masts (foremast and
mainmast) with the mainmast being the taller. Word derives from the term
"schoon/scoon" meaning to move smoothly and quickly. ( a
3-masted vessel is called a "tern")
Scull - moving the rudder or oar in the stern back and forth in
an attempt to move the boat forward
Sea Anchor: Any device used to reduce a boat's drift before the
wind.
Sea Cock - A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or
drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the seaboat
Scuppers: - holes through the ship sides which drain water at
deck level over the side.
Scrimshaw - A sailors carving or etching on bones, teeth, tusks
or shells
Scurvy - disease historically common to seaman -- was caused by
lack of Vitamin C
Secure - To make fast.
Shackle -- a metal link which can be open and closed for joining
chain to anchor, etc.
Shake out - to release a reefed sail and hoist the sail aloft
Sheet: - piece of line fastened to the sail and used to position
relative to the wind.
Sheet bend is knot used to tie two ropes of unequal thickness
together
Sheepshank is a shortening knot, which enables a rope to be
shortened non-destructively.
Sheave - the wheel of a block pulley
Shroud: - a line or wire running from the top of the mast to the
spreaders, then attaching to the side of the vessel.
Sloop-A single-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessel with a
single headsail set from the forestay.
Spanker- The after sail of a sailing ship or bark
Spar: - a pole or a beam.
Spreaders -- small spars between the mast and shrouds
Spring line -- a line tied between two opposing forces that has a
neutralizing effect. At the dock with a bow line and stern line tied
off, a spring line is often added to limit the movements of a vessel
even more.
Sole: - the inside deck of the ship.
Square Knot used for tying two ropes together.
Squall-A sudden violent blast of wind.
Stay: - a line or wire from the mast to the bow or stern of a
ship, for support of the mast (fore, back, running, and triadic stays).
Starboard - right side of the ship when facing forward
Standing Rigging shrouds and stays that secure the yards and mast
in place.
Stay sail: - any sail attached to a stay.
Stem: - the timber at the very front of the bow.
Stern - after end of a vessel
Surf-The breaking of the sea upon the shore.
Surge-A large, swelling wave. 2.To surge a rope or cable, is to
slack it up suddenly where it renders round a pin, or round the windlass
of a capstan
Tack-The
lower forward corner of the sail
Taffrail log -- a propeller drawn through the water that operates
an meter on the boat registering the speed and distance sailed
Tender - a small boat used to transport crew and equipment from
shore to a larger boat
Tide: The rise and fall of water level in the oceans.as a result
of the attraction of the sun and the moon
Tiller:-A bar or handle which fits into the head of the rudder
usedfor turning a boat
Topmast: - a second spar carried at the top of the fore or main
mast,used to fly more sail.
Topping lift -- a line or wire for lifting the boom
Top Sail - A sail set above the gaff
Topsail Schooner- A schooner with a square rigged sail on forward
mast
Transom: - the planking that forms the stern and closes off the
sides.
Traveler - a device that the mainsheet may be attached to which
allows its position to be adjusted
Trim - to adjust the sails, also the position of the sails
True wind: The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
Tuning - the adjustment of the standing rigging, the sails and
the hull to balance the boat for optimum performance
Turnbuckle: -A threaded, adjustable rigging fitting, used for
stays, lifelines, and sometimes other rigging.
Underway - Vessel in motion, when not moored, at anchor, or
aground.
V-berth -- usually the forward berth of the boat, located in the
bow
Vane-A small flag worn at each mast head to show wind direction
Wake - Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it,
when moving thu the water
Water-line- The line made by the water's edge when a ship has her
full proportion of stores,and crew on board.
waterline length - The length of the boat at the
waterline.
Weigh - To haul up; as, weigh the anchor.
Wheel: - device used for steering a boat
whip - To bind the strands of a line with a small cord.
Whisker pole - a light spar which holds the jib out when sailing
downwind.
Wide berth - To avoid something by a large distance.
Winch - a small horizontal drum device used to assist
in hoisting.
Wind scoop - A funnel used to force wind in a hatch and ventilate
the below decks area
Wing and wing-The situation of a fore-and-aft vessel when she is
going dead before the wind, with her forsail hauled over on one side and
her mainsail on the other.
Windjammer - a non- nautical term describing square rigged
sailing ships and large sailing merchantman, especially in the last day
of commerical sailing. The orginal term windjamer was intented as insult
from the crews of steamships. The return insult from the sailors was
stinkpotter.
windlass - A mechanical device used to pull in cable or
chain, such as an anchor rode.
Widow-maker: - a term for the bowsprit (many sailors lost their
lives falling off the bowsprit while tending sails).
Windward - upwind
wing and wing - A method of running before the wind
with two sails set. Usually the mainsail on one side and the fore or
headsail on the other, or one headsail on each side.
Yard - a spar usually fixed horizontally to a mast to support a
sail.
Yardarm-That part of the yard that lies between the lift and the
outer ed
Yarn-A sea tale.
Yawl boat: - smaller powered boat used to provide steerage-way
when not under sail.
Yawing - The motion of a ship when she deviates from to the right
or left.
Zenith-The point of the celestial sphere which is directly
overhead.
Zephyr-A gentle breeze. The west wind.
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