NAUTICAL LINGO

Commonly Used Nautical Lingo

When you're aboard a powerboat, sailboat or even getting ready to board your boat rental or charter, you'll often hear a variety of nautical expressions. Here are a few common ones:

• Aft: Toward the back or stern of the boat.

• Ashore: On land or a dock, not on the boat.

• Ballast: Weight added to the boat for stability.

• Beam: The boat's width at its widest point.

• Bow: The front of the boat.

• Bunk: A built-in bed on a boat.

• Cabin: Sleeping accommodations on a boat.

• Cockpit: Main seating area, often including the helm.

• Crew: People who help operate the boat.

• Deck: The top structure over the hull.

• Dock line: Ropes used to tie the boat to a dock.

• Fender: Protects the boat at a dock.

• Forward: Toward the front or bow.

• Galley: The kitchen on a boat.

• Head: The bathroom on a boat.

• Helm: Steering mechanism of the boat.

• Helm station: Area from which the boat is commanded.

• Hull: The body or shell of the boat.

• Keel: Structure at the bottom of the hull for stability.

• Knot: A unit of speed (one nautical mile per hour) or a loop tied in a line.

• Line: Any rope on a boat.

• Nautical mile: A water measurement unit, about 1.2 times a statute mile.

• Onboard: Being on the boat.

• Port: Left side of the boat when facing forward.

• Rudder: Appendage for steering.

• Starboard: Right side of the boat when facing forward.

• Stern: The back of the boat.

• Transom: The back edge structure of the boat.

• Wake: Turbulence left by a moving boat.

• Waterline: Where the hull meets the water's surface.

These expressions help in navigating and communicating effectively while on the water. If you're new to boating, getting familiar with these terms can enhance your experience and ensure safety.

Common Sailboat Lingo

When you're getting ready to step aboard a sailboat, whether to help crew or take lessons, understanding the specific sailing terminology will be incredibly helpful. Here are some key terms and expressions unique to sailing:

• Apparent Wind: The wind you feel onboard, a combination of true wind and the boat's motion.

• Boom: The horizontal pole extending from the mast, holding the bottom of the mainsail.

• Ease: Adjusting sails outward or away from the boat's centerline.

• Halyard: The line used to raise sails, whether mainsail or headsail.

• Headsail: A sail forward of the mast, including genoa, jib, staysail, or storm sail.

• In Irons: A point of sail when the bow is directly into the true wind, making the boat unable to maneuver.

• Jibing (Gybing): Changing direction by swinging the stern through the wind.

• Leeward: The direction away from the wind.

• Mainsail: The primary sail, usually attached to the mast and boom.

• Mast: The vertical pole supporting the sails, held by the rigging.

• Points of Sail: The boat's direction relative to the true wind, including close-hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, and dead run.

• Reefing: Reducing sail area to de-power the boat in strong winds.

• Sheet: The line controlling a sail's angle, including mainsheets and jib/genoa sheets.

• Shroud: Rigging supporting the mast side-to-side.

• Stay: Rigging supporting the mast fore and aft.

• Tacking: Changing direction by swinging the bow through the wind.

• Trim: Adjusting sails inward or closer to the centerline.

• True Wind: The actual wind direction and speed.

• Winch: A rotating drum used to control lines under pressure, cranked with a winch handle.

• Windward: The direction from which the wind is blowing.

Understanding these terms will not only help you communicate effectively with the crew but also enhance your overall sailing experience. Enjoy your time on the water and the unique adventure that sailing offers!