Sailing has a language all its own. If you’re new to yachting or just want to sound like a seasoned sailor, understanding common nautical terms is a must. In this glossary, we’ve collected 50 essential sailing terms (from A to Z) with simple definitions. By the end, you’ll be able to tell your bow from your stern and your port from your starboard – and you’ll know exactly what to do when someone says “reef the mainsail” or “prepare to tack.”
Aft
Aft – Toward or at the back end of the boat (the stern). If something is located “aft,” it’s in the direction of the stern. For example, the aft cabin is a sleeping area toward the rear of the yacht. This term is the opposite of forward (toward the front).
Anchor
Anchor – A heavy object (often metal, like a hook or plow shape) attached to the boat by a rope or chain, used to secure the vessel in one place. When you “drop anchor,” you lower it to the seabed, and it digs in to prevent the boat from drifting with wind or current. Anchors are vital for staying put in a bay or anchorage when you’re not tied to a dock or mooring.
Apparent Wind
Apparent Wind – The wind you feel on a moving boat, which is a combination of the true wind (the actual breeze blowing) and the wind caused by the boat’s motion. For example, if the true wind is blowing at 10 knots and you sail downwind at 5 knots, the breeze you feel on deck (apparent wind) might only be 5 knots because you’re moving with the wind. Conversely, sailing upwind increases the apparent wind speed. Understanding apparent vs. true wind is important for trimming sails correctly.
Bareboat Charter
Bareboat Charter – A type of boat rental where you hire the boat only, without a professional skipper or crew. In a bareboat charter, you (or someone in your group) are the skipper responsible for sailing and navigating the yacht. This option is popular among experienced sailors with a valid license who want the freedom to captain the boat themselves. (If no one in your crew can sail or you prefer to relax, you can opt for a skippered charter or crewed charter, which include a hired captain and possibly additional crew.)
Beam Reach
Beam Reach – A point of sail where the wind is coming directly over the side of the boat (perpendicular to the hull). On a beam reach, the wind hits the boat at a 90° angle to its direction of travel. This is generally one of the fastest and most comfortable sailing angles. Your sails will be eased out about halfway, and the boat will be heeling moderately. Many sailors love a beam reach because the boat moves quickly without excessive heeling.
Berth
Berth – This term has two main meanings in sailing. First, a berth is a bed or sleeping area on a boat (for example, a yacht might have two double berths in the cabins and additional berths in the saloon). Second, a berth can also mean a space where a boat can be moored or docked, such as a slip in a marina. For instance, you might reserve a berth at a marina for the night. Both meanings involve a place to rest – one for the crew, and one for the boat!
Bimini
Bimini – A canvas sunshade or canopy on a boat, usually stretched on a metal frame over the cockpit. A bimini top provides shade and some protection from rain, making your time on deck more comfortable in hot, sunny destinations. It’s a common feature on charter yachts in places like the Mediterranean or Caribbean, allowing you to enjoy the breeze without getting roasted by the sun.
Boom
Boom – The horizontal pole (spar) attached to the mast at the foot of the mainsail. The boom helps hold and shape the mainsail and swings from side to side when you change direction. Sailors trim the mainsheet to control the boom’s angle to the wind. A boom vang—a system, often tackle or lever-operated—is used to hold the boom down, especially when sailing downwind, to maximize sail area and prevent the boom from lifting or jibing unexpectedly. Watch your head around the boom – during a jibe (downwind turn), the boom can swing rapidly across the cockpit, and it can knock into anyone standing in its path (hence the loud “boom” it might make!).
Bow
Bow – The front end of the boat. When you face the bow, you are facing forward, toward the direction the boat would normally travel. The bow cuts through the water first. Knowing the bow is important for understanding directions on a boat (e.g., “the anchor is stored at the bow”). The opposite end of the boat is the stern (the rear). The bow area often includes fittings like the forestay (holding the jib), anchor roller, and cleats for mooring lines.
Bowline
Bowline – A classic and essential sailing knot that creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope (line). Pronounced “BOH-lin,” this knot won’t slip or jam under load but is easy to untie afterward. Sailors use a bowline for many tasks, like tying sheets to the jib clew or securing a line around a post or cleat. It’s often one of the first knots new sailors learn because of its reliability – there’s an old saying: “If you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot; but really, just learn to tie a bowline!”
Broad Reach
Broad Reach – A point of sail where the wind comes from over the rear corner of the boat (over the aft quarter). In a broad reach, you are heading somewhat downwind – roughly at an angle of 135° from the wind direction. This is another fast and relatively stable sailing angle, often just slightly slower than a beam reach. The sails will be let out quite far (almost all the way) to catch the wind coming from behind the side. A broad reach is comfortable and speedy, making it a favorite when en route to a downwind destination.
Capsize
Capsize – When a boat flips over or turns on its side in the water. Capsizing is common with small sailboats and dinghies if they heel too far or in strong gusts – they might tip until the mast hits the water. Many dinghies can be righted (flipped back upright) by the crew as part of their training. Larger sailboats and yachts are designed not to fully capsize under normal conditions; their heavy keel keeps them stable and helps roll them upright if they get knocked down by a wave or wind. (In other words, a big keelboat will heel a lot, but it’s very rare for it to completely capsize.)
Catamaran
Catamaran – A sailboat with two parallel hulls of equal size, joined by a deck or frame. Catamarans (or “cats” for short) are popular charter yachts because they offer great stability and plenty of space. With two hulls, a catamaran doesn’t heel (lean) as much under sail, making it more comfortable for those prone to seasickness. Cats typically have a wide beam (width), which gives them spacious saloon and deck areas for lounging. They’re also fast when sailing downwind. (On the flip side, catamarans can be a bit trickier to maneuver upwind and usually cost more to berth in marinas due to their width.) If you’re choosing between a catamaran and a monohull, consider factors like comfort vs. the “classic” sailing feel.
If you want to know more about Cats, read our Catamaran vs. Sailboat article.
Cleat
Cleat – A metal or plastic fitting on a boat (or dock) used to secure a line (rope). Cleats are usually shaped like an anvil or crosspiece with two “horns.” To tie a line to a cleat, sailors use a figure-eight wrapping and finish with a half-hitch – this is called “cleating off” a line. Cleats on a yacht are used for docking lines (to tie the boat to the pier), for securing halyards or sheets, and more. Cleats are essential for holding any rope attached to sails, fenders, or other equipment, ensuring they remain in place during docking or while underway. They’re simple but critical hardware; knowing how to use a cleat properly ensures your boat stays put when moored.
Close-Hauled
Close-Hauled – Sailing as upwind as possible, with your sails pulled in tight. When you’re close-hauled, the boat is pointed about 30–45 degrees off the wind (this is the closest angle to the wind a sailboat can usually manage). The sails (main and jib) will be sheeted in (pulled in) almost all the way, and the boat will likely be heeling significantly due to the wind pressure. Close-hauled is one end of the “points of sail” spectrum – it’s how you make progress windward (toward where the wind is coming from) by zigzagging with a series of tacks. Boat tacking is the maneuver of changing course by turning the bow through the wind, allowing the boat to make progress upwind by periodically altering direction.
Draft
Draft – The draft is the depth of the boat’s hull below the waterline, measured from the water’s surface to the lowest part of the boat's hull, often the bilge area. For example, if a yacht has a 2-meter draft, it needs at least 2 meters of water depth to float without hitting the bottom. Draft is important for navigation: a boat with a deep draft might not be able to enter shallow bays or marinas, whereas a shallow-draft boat can explore closer to shore. (Fun fact: catamarans often have shallower draft than monohulls because they don’t need deep keels for stability.)
Fender
Fender – A protective cushion or bumper placed between a boat and a dock (or between two boats) to prevent damage. Fenders are usually made of inflatable vinyl or foam and are hung over the side of the hull wherever the boat might rub against a pier or another vessel. When you prepare to dock, you’ll “put out the fenders” by hanging them along the side to absorb impacts. They act like the bumpers on a car – except they hang on ropes. Every charter boat comes with a set of fenders, and savvy crew members ensure they’re in the right spots before docking or rafting up.
Furling
Furling – Rolling up or stowing a sail. To furl a sail means to either roll it around a stay/foil or bundle it up along a boom to put it away. Many modern yachts have roller furling systems for the jib (and often the mainsail too), which let you simply pull a line to roll the sail in or out. This makes it easy to reduce sail area without wrestling with flapping canvas. For example, a “furling jib” is a jib that can be rolled up around the forestay when not in use. Proper furling keeps sails secure and protected from wind when you’re anchoring or finished sailing for the day.
Galley
Galley – The kitchen area on a boat. In the galley, you’ll find a stove (often gimballed so it stays level when the boat heels), a sink, and storage for food and cookware. It’s typically compact but efficiently laid out. Cooking in the galley at sea can be a challenge – one hand for the ship, one hand for yourself! On charter yachts, the galley is usually down below in the saloon area. Despite the small space, you can cook full meals in a galley; just be mindful of open flames and always secure hot pots so they don’t slide off the stove if the boat rocks.
If you don't want to cook onboard, check our Restaurant list loved by sailors.
Halyard
Halyard – A line (rope) used for hoisting or lowering sails. Halyards run up the mast (or along the forestay) and attach to the top (head) of a sail. For example, the main halyard raises the mainsail up the mast, and a jib halyard raises the jib (headsail) up the forestay. Halyards are usually made of low-stretch rope or wire, since you want your sail to stay up tight. The term comes from “haul yard” (from old sailing ships). On modern yachts, halyards often run back to the cockpit, where you winch them in to raise the sails. Knowing which halyard is which is key when the skipper says “hoist the main” – that means grab the main halyard!
Head (toilet)
Head – The bathroom or toilet on a boat. “Head” can refer to the actual toilet fixture or the small room that contains it (which often also has a sink and maybe a shower). The term originates from old sailing ships, where the toilet area was placed at the bow (head) of the ship. On a modern yacht, using the head often involves pumping a handle to flush, since marine toilets don’t work like household ones. If someone says “I’m going to the head,” now you know they aren’t talking about the front of the boat.
Heeling
Heeling – The leaning of a sailboat to one side, caused by the wind pushing on the sails. As the sails generate force, the boat will tilt – or heel – away from the wind. A bit of heeling is normal (and fun) when sailing; it indicates you’re harnessing the wind’s power. For instance, a boat close-hauled in a stiff breeze might heel 15–30 degrees. Good sailors “sail on the ear,” meaning they listen to how much the boat is heeling and adjust sails or course to keep it comfortable. Too much heel (when things start sliding off tables!) can be reduced by reefing the sails (reducing sail area) or changing course. Keelboats are designed to heel; the weight of the keel counteracts the tilt, and as the boat heels, the keel’s weight helps prevent capsizing.
Helm
Helm – The station or apparatus for steering the boat. “Taking the helm” means taking control of steering. On many yachts, the helm consists of a wheel that the helmsman (person steering) uses to turn the rudder. On smaller boats, the helm might be just a tiller (a stick attached to the rudder). The term “helm” can refer to the wheel/tiller itself or the general area from which you steer (often the cockpit on a sailboat). For example, if the skipper asks you to mind the helm, they want you to keep the boat on course. You might hear phrases like “helm’s alee” during a tack, meaning the helm is pushed to leeward to turn the boat through the wind.
Hull
Hull – The main body of the boat – basically, the part of the boat that floats in the water. The hull includes the bottom (underwater) portion and the sides of the boat, and it gives the vessel its shape and buoyancy. Along the edge of the deck, you will often find a toe rail, which is a protective and functional rail used for securing lines and providing safety for crew members. On a sailboat, everything above the hull (mast, sails, etc.) is built on top of it. Hulls can be made of fiberglass, wood, metal, or other materials. The design of a hull (shape, length, weight) affects how the boat handles and how fast it can go. For example, a long narrow hull might be faster but less roomy, while a wide hull is more stable and spacious. If you hear about a “displacement hull” vs. a “planing hull,” that refers to how the hull moves through water (most sailboats are displacement – they push water aside, rather than skim on top).
Jib (Headsail)
Jib (Headsail) – The triangular sail at the front of a sailboat, in front of the mast. The jib (also called a headsail) works together with the mainsail to drive the boat. It’s attached along the forestay (a wire from the bow to the mast) and controlled by jib sheets (lines) on each side. The lower corner of the jib is where the sail is attached to the boat via the jib sheets, which is crucial for proper sail trim and adjustment. A smaller jib is just called a jib; a larger headsail that overlaps the mast is often called a genoa. When someone says “trim the jib,” they mean adjust the jib sheet to set the sail’s angle to the wind. Many cruising boats use a roller-furling jib, which can be partly rolled up if the wind is strong (reefing the jib). The jib is especially important for sailing upwind – it helps direct airflow and can be used to “point” higher into the wind.
Jibe (Gybe)
Jibe (Gybe) – A sailing maneuver where you turn the boat’s stern through the wind, switching the wind from one side of the boat to the other when sailing downwind. In other words, during a jibe, the wind moves from, say, coming over the port side of the boat to coming over the starboard side (or vice versa) from behind. This is the opposite of a tack (which turns the bow through the wind). Jibing is used when you need to change direction while sailing with the wind generally behind you (on a reach or run). Caution: a jibe causes the mainsail and boom to swing forcefully across the boat. It’s important to control the sheets and warn the crew (“Jibe-ho!” or “Gybe-ho!”) to duck during a jibe. Performed properly, a controlled jibe is a routine part of downwind sailing, but an accidental jibe can be dangerous – so sailors are always mindful of the boom’s position when running.
Keel
Keel – The large, fin-like structure on the bottom of most sailboats that provides stability and reduces sideways drift (leeway). In keelboats, the keel often contains heavy ballast (lead or iron weight) that counteracts the force of the wind on the sails, helping to keep the boat upright. Thanks to the keel, a sailboat can heel over without capsizing – the weight pulls the boat upright like a weeble toy. Keels come in various shapes (fin keels, full keels, bulb keels, etc.) but all serve a similar purpose. They also act like an underwater wing; as water flows past the keel, it generates lift that helps the boat sail upwind. When chartering a yacht, the draft (depth) of the keel is something to note – deeper keels perform well but need deeper water.
Fun fact: Multi-hull boats (like catamarans) don’t have heavy keels; they rely on width for stability instead.
Knot (Speed)
Knot – A unit of speed used at sea, equal to one nautical mile per hour. One knot is about 1.852 km/h or 1.15 mph. So if a boat is moving at 6 knots, it’s roughly going 6.9 mph (11 km/h). Knots are the standard way to report a vessel’s speed (and wind speed) in sailing and navigation. The term comes from historic times when sailors measured speed using a log line with knots tied at set intervals – they’d count how many knots passed through their hands in a given time. Remember that “knots” already implies “per hour,” so you’d say “Our cruising speed is 5 knots,” not “5 knots per hour.” In casual terms, 1 knot ≈ 1.15 “land” miles per hour, so a quick mental conversion is: knots * 1.15 ≈ mph.
Leeward
Leeward – Pronounced “LOO-ard,” this means the side or direction away from the wind. It’s the opposite of windward. On a boat, the leeward side is the side that’s sheltered from the wind. For example, if the wind is blowing onto the starboard side of the boat, then the port side is leeward (since the wind is traveling toward starboard, leaving port in the “lee”). You’ll often hear “lee” in contexts like “fallen to leeward” (drifted downwind) or “lee shore” (land that’s downwind of you – dangerous if the wind could push you into it). When heeling, the leeward side is lower (closer to the water), and the windward side is higher. Sailors might move crew to the windward side for balance, or drop things on the leeward side to have them blow back toward the boat rather than away.
Mainsail
Mainsail – The mainsail is a type of fore and aft sail, meaning it is oriented along the length of the boat from bow to stern. It is the primary and typically largest sail on a sailboat, attached to the mast and boom. The mainsail (often just called “the main”) is triangular on most modern yachts and is hoisted up the back of the mast. It provides a lot of the boat’s driving power, especially when sailing upwind. The mainsail is controlled by the mainsheet (which adjusts the boom) and sometimes additional controls like a vang or **outhaul for sail shape. When someone yells “Trim the main!” they mean adjust the mainsail. Reefing the mainsail (reducing its area by partially lowering or rolling it) is a common practice in strong winds. A well-trimmed mainsail, working together with the jib, will keep the boat balanced and sailing efficiently.
Mast
Mast – The tall vertical pole (or spar) that rises from a boat’s deck and supports the sails. Most sailboats have one mast (sloops and cutters), though some boats have two or more (ketches, yawls, schooners). On boats with multiple masts, the forward mast, often called the foremast, is the mast located closest to the bow and supports the rigging and sails at the front of the boat. The mast holds up the mainsail (attached along its length) and also provides an attachment point for the forestay which holds the jib. It’s usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber (historically wood). Standing rigging like shrouds and stays hold the mast upright and taut. You’ll often hear terms like “masthead” (the top of the mast, where instruments and lights might be) and “mast step” (where the mast is attached at the bottom). When the boat heels, the mast will angle, but it’s built to take the load of the wind on the sails. It’s critical to ensure all rigging to the mast is in good shape – a fallen mast (dismasting) is something sailors definitely want to avoid!
Mayday
Mayday – The ultimate distress call in radio communications, used only for life-threatening emergencies. If you hear “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” on the VHF radio, it means a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger (such as sinking, fire, or serious injury) and they need immediate assistance. The term “Mayday” comes from the French m’aidez, meaning “help me.” It’s always repeated three times to make sure it’s understood and stands out. As a boater, you only use Mayday in the direst emergencies. There are other urgency calls like Pan-Pan (for urgent but not life-threatening situations) and Sécurité (for safety/navigation warnings), but Mayday is the one that triggers search and rescue ASAP. Knowing how to make a proper Mayday call (giving your location, nature of emergency, etc.) can save lives in an emergency at sea.
Monohull
Monohull – A boat with a single hull (as opposed to a multihull like a catamaran). The typical “sailing yacht” is a monohull. Monohulls rely on ballast (a heavy keel) and hull shape for stability, which means they heel under sail and then right themselves. They have that classic sailing feeling of cutting through waves and leaning in the breeze. Monohulls are generally more common and often easier to handle upwind than catamarans. However, they usually have less living space for a given length compared to cats, and they do tip side to side (which some sailors love and some less-experienced crew might find uncomfortable at first). Whether to charter a monohull or a catamaran depends on what experience you want – if you love traditional sailing and don’t mind some heel, a monohull is fantastic. Plus, monohull sailboats tend to be a bit more nimble when tacking and often can point closer to the wind.
Mooring
Mooring – Securing a boat to a fixed point instead of using an anchor. Often this refers to hooking up to a mooring buoy – a floating ball with a heavy weight or anchor permanently attached to the seabed. Many harbors and bays have mooring buoys you can rent or use, which saves you the trouble of anchoring. To “pick up a mooring,” you grab the buoy’s attached line (the pennant) and secure it to your bow cleat. A bow line is a rope attached to the bow of the boat, used for securing or maneuvering the vessel during docking or mooring operations. Mooring can also mean tying your boat to a dock (docking) or any method of making it fast. Essentially, whenever you park the boat and secure it so it won’t drift away – whether at a marina berth, to a mooring ball, or even alongside another boat – you are mooring. Moorings are convenient and often safer for the seabed than everyone using their own anchors, especially in crowded areas.
Nautical Mile
Nautical Mile – A unit of distance used in marine and air navigation, equal to 1,852 meters (1.852 km) or about 1.1508 statute miles. One nautical mile (abbreviated “nm” or “NM”) is based on the circumference of the Earth – it’s one minute of latitude. This unit is handy because the Earth is divided into 360 degrees of latitude, each degree is 60 minutes, so one minute of arc on a chart equals one nautical mile. When navigating, it makes chart reading and GPS work easier (for example, 1 minute of latitude difference between two points = 1 nm apart). Speeds at sea are measured in knots, where 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour. So if an island is 10 nm away and your boat goes 5 knots, it’ll take about 2 hours to get there (in perfect conditions). Nautical miles ensure consistency with the coordinate system – a nice link between distance and the maps we use.
Do you want to know more about a Nautical mile? Read our article.
Port
Port – The left side of the boat when you are facing forward (toward the bow). If you’re standing on a yacht looking toward the bow, everything to your left is the port side. An easy mnemonic: “port” and “left” both have four letters. Another tip: port wine is traditionally red, and the port side of a vessel is indicated by a red light at night (starboard has a green light). The term comes from the side that would face the port (harbor) when docking older ships (to avoid damaging the steering oar on the other side). In practice, you’ll hear port in commands or descriptions like “the dinghy is tied on the port side” or “turn to port” (meaning steer left). Remember, port is left, starboard is right – always from the perspective of looking forward on the boat.
Reefing
Reefing – The process of reducing the area of a sail to cope with strong winds. Reefing the sails typically involves partially lowering or rolling up the sail so that less canvas is exposed to the wind. For example, if the wind picks up, you might tie in the first reef on the mainsail (which might reduce its size by about 30%) and furl in part of the jib. Most mainsails have reefing points (grommets and lines) that let you tie down a lower portion of the sail to the boom, effectively making the sail smaller. Reefing early is a golden rule in sailing – “reef early, reef often” – because a boat sails faster and more comfortably when not overpowered. A well-reefed boat will heel less and be easier to control. Reefing is a normal part of sail handling; even experienced sailors do it whenever needed for safety and balance.
Rudder
Rudder – A flat, vertical blade or board at the stern (back) of the boat, under the water, used for steering. When you turn the wheel or push the tiller, it angles the rudder to one side or the other. The water flow hitting the rudder’s surface then turns the boat in that direction. In essence, the rudder is your boat’s steering fin. If you look under a sailboat’s stern, you’ll often see the rudder directly behind the keel. On smaller boats, it might be a transom-hung rudder (attached to the back of the boat). If a rudder is turned too far at high speed, it can act as a brake (creating drag), so steering is usually done with small, smooth adjustments. Losing the rudder (like if it breaks) is a serious situation, as steering becomes very difficult – so it’s a crucial piece of gear to maintain.
Running (Downwind)
Running – Sailing with the wind coming directly from behind the boat (or nearly so). When you’re “running” or “on a run,” the wind is coming over the stern. This is a point of sail roughly 180° off the wind. In a dead run, the sails will be let out all the way, often one on each side of the boat (a configuration called “wing on wing” – with the mainsail on one side and the jib on the other). Running can be a relaxed point of sail because the boat is usually level (not much heeling), but it requires attention to the boom and preventing accidental jibes. The boat’s speed plus wind speed means the apparent wind can be very low – sometimes it feels like a gentle breeze onboard even if it’s blowing hard, simply because you’re moving with the wind. Many cruisers enjoy setting a spinnaker or gennaker (special downwind sails) when running to maximize speed and fun. These are examples of sail flown when running downwind, as they are actively set to catch as much wind as possible for speed and efficiency.
Saloon (Salon)
Saloon (Salon) – The main living area or lounge inside a yacht, usually below deck. The saloon often features seating (settees or a U-shaped couch) and a table for dining, as well as cabinets or a small bar for storage. It’s like the living room of the boat. On many charter yachts, the saloon table can convert to an extra berth (bed) for additional sleeping space. The terms saloon and salon are used interchangeably (saloon is common in British English, salon in American, both are fine). It’s a cozy spot for the crew to gather, eat, plan the next day’s route, or play cards in the evening. You might also find the nav station (navigation table with charts and instruments) in the saloon area on some boats.
Sheet
Sheet – A line (rope) used to control a sail’s angle to the wind. Unlike a halyard (which goes up to raise the sail), a sheet is usually horizontal and is adjusted (let out or trimmed in) to change the sail’s position. For example, the mainsheet is attached to the boom and controls the mainsail’s trim. The jib sheets (usually two, one for each side) control the jib or genoa. When you “sheet in,” you pull the sheet to haul the sail closer in (tighter angle to the wind); when you “ease the sheet,” you let it out to allow the sail to fill further out. Good sail trim is all about proper sheet tension. Remember, despite the name, a sheet is not a sail – it’s the rope for a sail. (The origin of “sheet” in sailing is from an Old English word for a rope, and three sheets to the wind – meaning very drunk – refers to sheets flapping loosely, causing chaos with the sails!)
Skipper
Skipper – The person in charge of the boat. In everyday terms, the skipper is the captain – the one responsible for steering, making navigational decisions, and the overall safety of the crew and vessel. On a charter, if you rent a boat and hire a professional captain, you’d call them the skipper. If you’re sailing your own or a rented boat, whoever has the qualifications and takes command (maybe you, if you have a license) is the skipper. The skipper doesn’t always have to do everything – crew members handle many tasks – but the skipper oversees it all and gives instructions. Each crew member may be responsible for specific tasks such as controlling sails, navigating, or steering, all of which are crucial to the vessel's operation. In sailing courses, you’ll often hear about “Day Skipper” or “Skipper License,” which are certifications to act as a skipper. Respect the skipper’s word on board; maritime tradition (and law in many places) says the skipper’s decisions are final when it comes to safety. But a good skipper also listens to the crew and creates a fun, safe environment for everyone.
Spinnaker
Spinnaker – A large, balloon-like sail used for downwind sailing in light to moderate winds. Spinnakers are often brightly colored and are made of lightweight nylon. They attach at the bow (usually to a spinnaker pole or a bowsprit) and fly in front of the boat when the wind is coming from behind (on a broad reach or run). Because of their big parachute-like shape, spinnakers catch a lot of wind and can really boost your speed. There are symmetrical spinnakers (used with a pole) and asymmetrical ones (often called gennakers, used without a pole on many modern cruising boats). Setting and dousing a spinnaker can be a bit advanced – it’s a dance of coordination among the crew – but it’s thrilling to see that huge sail billowing out front and feeling the boat accelerate. On a leisurely charter, you might not use a spinnaker unless you have a confident crew, but racers deploy them regularly to gain speed downwind.
Starboard
Starboard – The nautical term for the right side of the boat when you are facing forward (toward the bow). Just as port means left side, starboard means right side. Traditionally, starboard is marked with a green light at night (while port has a red light). The word starboard comes from Old English steorbord (steering side), because ancient vessels had a steering oar on the right side. One common rule of the road at sea: in a crossing situation under sail, a sailboat on a starboard tack (wind coming over the starboard side) has right of way over one on port tack. You’ll hear starboard in commands and descriptions, e.g., “Dock lines are ready on the starboard side,” or “Turn to starboard” (meaning steer right). If you ever forget, just remember: port and left are shorter words (4 letters), while starboard and right are longer – and port’s the one with the red light, starboard the green.
Stern
Stern – The stern of the boat, also known as the back end of the vessel (opposite of the bow). The stern is where you’ll often find the cockpit on a sailboat (the seating/steering area) and where the transom (flat back wall of the hull) is located. Many modern yachts have fold-down stern swim platforms or boarding ladders, making the stern a hub of activity for swimming or stepping into a dinghy. When a boat is moving in reverse, you might say it’s “stern-first.” You’ll also hear “astern” to mean “behind the boat” or a position towards the back (e.g., “the dinghy is floating astern” means it’s trailing behind the stern). Another term, “stern line,” is a rope used to secure the stern to a dock or mooring. Keeping track of bow vs. stern is crucial; for example, when anchoring, you typically drop the anchor from the bow, not the stern – otherwise the boat could be pulled in an unsafe direction relative to wind and waves.
Tack (Tacking)
Tack (Tacking) – The act of turning the boat’s bow through the wind so that the wind switches from one side of the boat to the other. When you tack while sailing upwind, you change direction by crossing the wind: if the wind was on your left (port side), after tacking it will be on your right (starboard side), or vice versa. Tacking is how a sailboat zigzags upwind in a series of alternating left and right turns (because a sailboat can’t sail directly into the wind). The helmsman will call “Ready to tack?” and the crew prepares (handling the jib sheets), then “Helm’s alee!” as they push the helm over to initiate the turn. The sails will luff briefly as the bow passes through the wind (“in irons” momentarily) and then fill on the new side. As a noun, tack can also mean the current direction you’re sailing relative to the wind (e.g., “we’re on a starboard tack” means the wind is coming over the starboard side). Not to be confused with the tack corner of a sail (the lower front corner) – same word, different meaning. Also different from tactical (though good racers tack tactically all the time!). In short, tacking is your basic upwind turn.
Tiller
Tiller – A stick or lever attached to the rudder, used to steer the boat (usually on smaller sailboats or dinghies). When you push or pull the tiller, it turns the rudder, which in turn changes the boat’s direction. One thing that confuses new sailors: tillers work in opposite (you push the tiller to the left to make the boat turn right, and vice versa), because you’re moving the rudder the opposite way you want the bow to go. Many keelboats under about 30 feet have tillers instead of wheels – they’re simple, give a good feel of the helm, and take up less cockpit space (you can flip them up when not in use). On larger yachts, wheels are more common. Handling a tiller becomes second nature with practice, and it really connects you to the water and the boat’s response. If someone says “Mind the tiller,” they mean don’t let it swing or hit anyone (for example, if you let go of a tiller on a dinghy, it can swing around dangerously). Tiller or wheel, both are just means to the same end – controlling the rudder and steering the ship.
Trim
Trim (Sail Trim) – Adjusting the sails for the most efficient angle to the wind. To trim a sail means to adjust its sheets (and sometimes other controls like halyard tension, outhaul, or traveler) so that it has the proper shape and angle. When a sail is well-trimmed, it will have a nice aerofoil shape with telltales streaming properly, and the boat will sail faster and more upright. If a sail is over-trimmed (too tight) or under-trimmed (too loose), the boat will slow down or heel too much or the sail will luff. The phrase “trim the sails” is often used generally, meaning get the sails set just right. Good trim is a constant task – sailors trim in gusts, when changing course, or as wind conditions vary. You might hear “ease the sheets” (loosen a bit) or “sheet in” (tighten up) as the skipper or crew fine-tunes the trim. Boat trim can also refer to the fore-and-aft balance of the boat (like weight distribution), but in everyday sailing talk, trimming usually means sail trim.
Winch
Winch – A mechanical drum device used to provide leverage (mechanical advantage) when pulling in lines, especially sheets and halyards. A winch is usually a metal cylinder with a handle socket on top; you wrap a line around it and crank with a handle. This lets you trim (pull in) a sail under load that you couldn’t by sheer arm strength alone. Modern sailboats have multiple winches around the cockpit or mast – for example, two primary winches for the jib sheets, and others for halyards or the mainsheet. Grinding a winch (turning it) can be hard work in strong winds, so technique matters (using your legs and body weight helps). Winches often have a ratchet mechanism so they only turn one way (and hold tension when you stop cranking). Always keep fingers and clothing clear of a working winch – a line can pull in rapidly. And never leave the handle in the winch when you’re done – it can fly out if the winch spins accidentally. Learning to use winches effectively (and to lock the line off on a cleat or clutch after winching) is a fundamental sailing skill.
Windward
Windward – The side or direction from which the wind is blowing (upwind). If you’re standing on a boat and the wind hits your left side first, then the left side of the boat is the windward side. Windward is essentially “into the wind” or “toward the wind.” In sailing, windward vs. leeward is crucial: you often position weight on the windward side to counteract heel, and in racing, a windward boat (one closer to the wind) must keep clear of a leeward boat under the rules. A windward shore is one where the wind is blowing onto the land (which can bring waves), whereas a leeward shore is calmer but can be dangerous if you drift toward it. You might hear the phrase “beat to windward” meaning sail upwind (since you often have to tack in a zigzag to get windward). Sailors must also be alert to a wind shift—a change in wind direction that can require quick adjustments to sail trim and course. Bottom line: windward is upwind (where the wind comes from), the breezy side; leeward is downwind, the sheltered side. Keep track of which side is windward – it’s the side you’d get splashed in the face if a wave hits!