Sailing Terms

I'm new here if you can't tell

Aft

Directional term to move to the back (stern) of the boat.

Astern

position directly behind a boat or moving backwards

Bow

Forward part of the boat (the front). Opposite of the stern (back of the boat) in sailing terms

Helm

The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder that steers the boat

Hull

The main body of the boat

Jib

second common sail on the boat. It is forward of the mast (vertical pole) and does not have a boom

Jibing

opposite of tacking, the stern (back) of the boat turns through the wind so the wind will change from one side of the boat to the other. More danger and skill required. Big sail slams across.

Tacking

Sailing into the wind, bow (front) of the boat crosses the wind, Less danger and skill required, flappy and loud.. but gentle.

Keel

the fin under the bottom of the boat that has structure and keep balance in water

Leeward

Direction away from the wind

Windward

Direction towards the wind

Mainsail

boat’s largest and most important sail. Thick pole called the boom.

Natutical Mile

One minute of latitude; about 6076 feet

Port

Left side of a boat (looking forward)

Rudder

vertical plate or board for steering a boat

Square/ Reef Knot

A knot used to join two lines of similar size

Starboard

The right side of a boat (looking forward)

Stern

back of the boat (opposite of bow)

“Batten down the hatches”

Prepare for rough weather, water, conditions

Tiller

Specific handle attached to the rudder that the helmsman pushes and pulls

Centerboard

removeable board that drops through the bottom of the boat into the water to keep the boat from sliding sideways

Heeling

When the wind pushes the boat and causes it to lean over to one side.

Luffing

When a sail flaps and shakes because it is not angled correctly to catch the wind.

Sheets

ropes used to adjust (trim) the angles of the sails in and out relative to the wind

Halyards

Ropes used to pull the sails up the mast

Shroud

Part of the boat’s rigging that supports the mast from side to side

Stay

part of the boat’s rigging that supports the mast from side to side