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To help you dive deeper into your knowledge of boats, ships, and all things seafaring, we have created a glossary of some nautical terms that you might hear. Many are modern terms, but some are also historical terms that may be referred to by boating enthusiasts.

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A

A & A’s – An abbreviation that means alterations and additions to parts including the structure, rigging, and equipment on a warship.

A-back – In reference to a sail – when it has been taken aback or suddenly moved in the wrong direction by movement or wind.

Abandon ship! – Used as an imperative issued by a person in command that tells people to leave the ship. Usually used in an emergency and as a last resort.

Able seamen – Someone who is qualified to carry out all duties on a ship. Sometimes a junior rank in some navies.

Aboard – On board the ship.

About – Used to refer to a change in the course of the ship.

Above board – In plain view on the deck or above the deck.

Above-water hull – The part of the ship that is visible above the waterline.

Absolute bearing – Refers to the bearing of an object in relation to true or magnetic north.

Aft – Referring to an object near or at the stern of the boat.

Anchor – A weighted chain or line that ends in a hook. It is used to stop the ship from moving and essentially ‘park’ it.

Apparent wind – The wind created by the actual wind and the wind created by the movement of the boat. It is the direction and speed of the wind that is felt by the crew.

Ashore – Referring to something that is on the land or shore, and not on the boat.

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B

Back – A shift in the wind that turns it anti-clockwise.

Back a sail – The shifting of a sail into the wind so that it fills with wind.

Backstay – A stay which supports the mast and prevents it from moving forward.

Baggywrinkle – Something that covers cables and other obstructions to prevent the sails from chafing.

Batten – A thin strip of wood, plastic, or other material which can be used in a variety of ways. (Used in the phrase ‘batten down the hatches’ which means to cover any hatches with battens to ensure water doesn’t get in them when weather gets rough.)

Beaching – Running aground on purpose. Used to load and unload but also to prevent a ship from sinking.

Beam – The width of the boat.

Bearing – a measurement of degrees that refers to the direction of an object in relation to an observer.

Belay – Used to halt all current activity or countermand an order. Or, to make a line quickly around a fitting (usually a belaying pin).

Below – Used to refer to where someone has gone, i.e., he’s gone below.

Below decks – The lower decks of the ship. Anything lower than the main deck.

Berth – In reference to the mooring of a ship it is the location in port that is used for mooring vessels when they are not at sea. In relation to navigation, berth refers to the distance kept between one vessel and another for safety (given a wide berth). In reference to sleeping, berth is the bed or sleeping accommodation found on a ship.

Bight – Loop or bend in rope.

Bilge – The lower, rounded part inside of the hull where water collects.

Bow – To the front of the ship.

Broach – When a boat that is running downwind slews broadside into the wind and heels in a dangerous manner. It is usually caused by helmsman error or heavy seas.

Bulkhead – An interior wall within the hull which may be watertight or load bearing.

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C

Cabin – A room or enclosed space on the deck.

Cable – A measure of distance that is equal to 0.1 sea mile.

Centre-board - A board that is lowered through a hole in the keel to decrease the leeway.

Centre-line – The mid-point of the boat.

Cleat – A fitting that a rope is secured around, usually made from wood, metal, or plastic.

Clew – The aft and lower corner of a sail. The point at which the foot and leech meet.

Close-hauled – Point of sailing closest to wind.

Close reach – Sailing between close-hauled and a beam reach. The wind blows in front of the beam.

Close-winded – A boat that has the ability to sail close to the wind.

Come to – To stop the movement of a ship, usually by turning into the wind.

Compass – An instrument used for navigation.

Course – The direction the boat is being steered in. Usually, it is given in degrees.

Cringle – A loop of rope at the corners of a sail which is used to fix the sail to a spar.

Cuddy – A cabin used by the captain. Usually a small cabin.

Cutwater – The stem of the ship which curves forward.

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If you have enjoyed this foray into sailing terminology, why not contact us today to take your training to the next level!