Glossary

Sailing Terminology Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for some common sailing terms used in this documentation.

A

Aft: Toward the back of the boat.

Aground: When the boat's keel or bottom touches the seabed.

Amidships: The middle section of a boat.

B

Backstay: A wire or cable that supports the mast from the stern of the boat.

Beam: 1. The width of a boat at its widest point. 2. A structural member that supports the deck.

Boom: The horizontal spar attached to the mast that supports the foot of the mainsail.

Bow: The front of the boat.

C

Cleat: A fitting to which lines are secured.

Close-hauled: Sailing as close to the wind as possible.

Cunningham: A line used to adjust the tension of the luff of a sail.

D

Draft: The depth of water a boat draws.

F

Forestay: A wire or cable that supports the mast from the bow of the boat.

G

Genoa: A large headsail that overlaps the mainsail.

Gybe: Turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other.

H

Halyard: A line used to raise and lower sails.

Helm: The steering mechanism of a boat.

J

Jib: A triangular headsail set ahead of the mast.

L

Leech: The aft or back edge of a sail.

Leeward: The direction away from the wind.

Luff: 1. The forward edge of a sail. 2. The flapping of a sail when it is not properly trimmed or is depowered.

M

Mainsheet: The line used to control the angle of the mainsail.

Mast: The vertical spar that supports the sails.

P

Port: 1. The left side of a boat when facing forward. 2. A harbor.

R

Reef: To reduce the area of a sail in strong winds.

Rigging: The lines, wires, and hardware that support and control the mast and sails.

S

Sheet: A line used to control the angle of a sail.

Spinnaker: A large, lightweight sail used for sailing downwind.

Starboard: The right side of a boat when facing forward.

Stern: The back of the boat.

T

Tack: 1. The lower forward corner of a sail. 2. To change direction by turning the bow through the wind.

Telltales: Small pieces of ribbon or yarn attached to the sails to indicate air flow.

Trim: To adjust the sails to the proper angle.

V

Vang: A line or strut used to control the boom from lifting.

W

Windward: The direction from which the wind is blowing.