General Sailing Terminology
Aft:
toward the rear, or transom, of a ship.
Anchor:
a heavy iron instrument, usually connected to the vessel by a chain or rope, that is used to grip the sea bottom to hold the boat in place.
Bank:
underwater plateau that rises up from the ocean floor, creating shallow water where fish feed.
Beam:
a boat’s widest point, usually near the middle of the boat.
Beam trawling:
method of fishing which uses a beam to hold open a net at its mouth.
Below:
beneath or under the deck.
Block and tackle:
arrangement of pulleys and line which increases hoisting power for heavy work, such as pulling in the sail in a strong breeze.
Boom:
long piece of wood which runs perpendicular to the mast, to which the foot (bottom edge) of the sail is attatched.
Bow:
the front section of a boat.
Buoy:
a distinctively marked object that floats in the water as a navigational marker.
Buoyancy:
ability to float or rise in a fluid.
Chart:
a map of part of the sea, showing currents, depths, islands, coasts, etc.
Compass:
an instrument for showing the directions of north, south, west, & east.
Dragging:
method of fishing in which a net is pulled behind the boat.
Fathom:
unit of water depth equivalent to 6 feet.
Flotsam:
any "stuff" floating - trees, driftwood, wreckage, etc.
Forward:
toward the bow or stem.
Hull:
the body of a boat.
Jetsam:
those things that sink in the water - they don’t float like flotsam.
Jettison:
to throw overboard.
Knot:
speed through water; the velocity in nautical miles (6,080 feet) per hour. Also, turns taken in a line for fastening.
Landlubber:
what you are if you’re not a seaman.
Ledges:
underwater rock ridges and mountains that rise near the surface of the sea.
Legend:
a group of symbols and definitions on a chart or map.
Log:
a record of details of a voyage made by a ship’s captain or crew. Also. A device for measure.
Maiden voyage:
a new boat’s first trip.
Maritime:
located on or near the sea.
Nautical mile:
a measurement used by sailors that equals 6,080 feet (a land mile is 5,280 feet) .
Navigate:
to steer or manage a ship, to sail or voyage over water.
Port:
left side of vessel when facing forward.
Shoal:
an area of the sea that is shallow, especially at low tide.
Skipper:
the captain of a ship.
Starboard:
right side of the vessel when facing forward.
Staterooms:
private cabins in a ship.
Stern:
the rear section of the boat.
Windjammer:
large ship powered by wind and sails, used for pleasure cruising.