The new adventures of Elsa, A Kadey Krogen 38

Glossary

For the confused (& there are alot of us out there!) Here's what all that sailing gobbledegook means:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ABAFT

Toward the rear (stern) of the boat. Behind

ABEAM

At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat

ABOARD

On or within the boat

ABOVE DECK

On the deck (not over it – see ALOFT)

ABREAST

Side by side; by the side of

ADRIFT

Loose, not on moorings or towline

AFT

Toward the stern of the boat

AGROUND

Touching or fast to the bottom

AHEAD

In a forward direction

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters

ALEE

Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward

ALOFT

Above the deck of the boat

AMIDSHIPS

In or toward the centre of the boat

ANCHORAGE

A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom

ASCENDER

The ascender is used to safely climb up the mast.

ASTERN

Back of the boat, opposite of ahead

B

BACKSTAY

A line or cable used to support the mast. The backstay runs from the masthead to the stern and helps keep the mast from falling forward

BATTEN DOWN

Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck

BEAM

The greatest width of the boat

BEAM REACH

Point of sail with the wind coming from abeam

BEAM SEAS

Direction of the sea is at right angles to the keel of the boat (abeam). Large beam seas can result in an uncomfortable rocking motion as the sea meets the side of the boat

BEARING

The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat

BEATING

To sail against the wind on alternate tacks

BELOW

Beneath the deck

BIGHT

The part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed

BILGE

The interior of the hull below the floor boards where water often collects

BOAT HOOK

A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off

BOOT TOP

A painted line that indicates the designed waterline

BOOM

Pole securing the bottom of a sail

BOW

The forward part of a boat

BOW LINE

A docking line leading from the bow

BOWLINE

A knot used to form a temporary loop in the end of a line

BOWSPRIT

A pole extending forward from the vessel's bow, allowing better positioning of the jib

BREAKING SEAS

Large waves form crests in high winds, even in deep water, resulting in the tops to tumble forward

BRIDLE

A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points

BULKHEAD

A vertical partition separating compartments

BUOY

An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring

C

CABIN

A compartment for passengers or crew

CAPSIZE

To turn over

CAST OFF

To let go

CHAFING GEAR

Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface

CHART

A map for use by navigators

CLEAT

A fitting to which lines are made fast

CLOVE HITCH

A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling

COCKPIT

An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled

CODE O

A Code O is essentially a cross between a spinnaker and a genoa. A flat, heavyweight asymmetric reaching spinnaker designed to fly like a huge jib. It is effective at wind angles from 45 degrees in light airs and up to 100 degrees in heavier airs and is commonly used offshore or for distance sailing

COIL

To lay a line down in circular turns

COURSE

The direction in which a boat is steered

CURRENT

The horizontal movement of water

D

DEAD AHEAD

Directly ahead

DEAD ASTERN

Directly aft

DECK

A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof

DISPLACEMENT

The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, thus, a boat's weight

DISPLACEMENT HULL

A type of hull that ploughs through the water, displacing a weight of water equal to its own weight, even when more power is added

DOCK

A protected water area in which vessels are moored

DOLDRUMS / ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

An area of low-pressure between the northeast and southeast trade winds, which migrates with the seasons but is generally situated between 3 and 11° north. The windless void is caused by intense heating at the equator that makes the hot, volatile air rise. This band of light airs is interspersed with tropical storm cells as a result of the volatile air, so sailors can face the frustration of grinding to a complete halt, only to encounter sudden violent squalls producing rapid and dangerous changes in wind speed and direction.

DRAFT

The depth of water a boat draws

E

EBB

A receding current

EQUATOR

An imaginary line round the centre of the earth at a latitude of 0°

F

FATHOM

Six feet

FENDER

A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage

FIGURE EIGHT KNOT

A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block

FLARE

The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal

FLOOD

An incoming current

FLYING FISH

There are 70 species of Exocoetidae or flying fishes. They are found in all the major oceans in warm tropical and sub-tropical waters. They have unusually large pectoral fins which allow them to take short flights out of the water to escape predators. Some species also have large pelvic fins, so they look like they have four wings.
Generally they grow up to 30cm in length but some can be as big as 45cm. They live near the surface and feed on plankton.

FOLLOWING SEA

An overtaking sea that comes from astern

FORE-AND-AFT

In a line parallel to the keel

FOREPEAK

A compartment in the bow

FORESAIL

A sail placed forward of the mast, a job for example

FORWARD

Toward the bow of the boat

FOULED

Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied

FREEBOARD

The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale

FURL

To lower a sail. Sails are sometimes partially lowered to reduce sail area without removing sail completely. Usually called reefing

G

GALE

Storm with wind speeds of approximately 34- 40 knots; force 8 on Beaufort Scale, described as producing moderately high waves with breaking crests, breaking twigs and causing cars to veer

GALLEY

The kitchen area

GANGWAY

The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark

GEAR

A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment

GENOA

A large jib that overlaps the mast

GIVE-WAY VESSEL

A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations

GPS

Abbreviation for Global Positioning System, a system of satellites allowing position to be accurately determined

GRAB RAILS

Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat

GREAT CIRCLE

A circle drawn around the Earth so that the centre of the circle is at the centre of the Earth, plotting the shortest distance between any two points

GRIGRI

A Grigri is a popular belay device used by climbers. It is a hand-sized device attached to the line which enables a safely controlled descent. An important characteristic of a Grigri is its self-locking behaviour under a shock load. So if you were to slip and suddenly fall towards the deck, the Grigri would lock in place and stop falling to a potential injury, much like a seat belt in a car reacts when a car stops suddenly.

GUNWALE

The upper edge of a boat's sides

GYBE

Changing the direction of the boat by turning the stern of the boat through the wind

H

HALYARD

A line used to hoist a sail, the tightness of which effects the shape of the sail

HATCH

An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover

HEAD

A marine toilet. Also the upper corner of a triangular sail

HEADING

The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time

HEADSTAY

The most forward forestay – the line from the bow or bowsprit to the mast

HEADWAY

The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway

HELM

The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder

HELMSPERSON

The person who steers the boat

HITCH

A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope

HOLD

A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo

HULL

The main body of a vessel

I

INBOARD

More toward the centre of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat

INMARSAT-C

A system of satellites that allow two way communications

ITCZ / DOLDRUMS (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

J

JACOBS LADDER

A rope ladder, lowered from the deck, as when pilots or passengers come aboard

JIB

A triangular sail attached to the headstay

K

KEEL

The centreline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel

KNOT

A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour

KNOT

A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a stopper, to enclose or bind an object, to form a loop or a noose, to tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together

L

LATITUDE

The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees

LAZARETTE

A storage space in a boat's stern area

LAZY JACK

A line running from the mast to the boom to aid lowering of the sail

LEE

The side sheltered from the wind

LEEWARD

The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward

LEEWAY

The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current

LINE

Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel

LOG

A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed

LONGITUDE

The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England

LUBBER'S LINE

A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed

M

MAIN SHEET

Line used to control the main sail

MARLINSPIKE

A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing

MIDSHIP

Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern

MOORING

An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier

N

NAUTICAL MILE

One minute of latitude, approximately 6076 feet – about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet

NAVIGATION

The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another

NAVIGATION RULES

The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules

O

OUTBOARD

Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern

OVERBOARD

Over the side or out of the boat

P

PILOTING

Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc

PLANING

A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water

PORT

The left side of a boat looking forward. A harbour

PRIVILEGED VESSEL

A vessel that, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way (this term has been superseded by the term "stand-on")

Q

QUARTER

The sides of a boat aft of amidships

QUARTERING SEA

Sea coming on a boat's quarter

R

RADAR

Electronic device using radio waves to determine the position of other objects, used to avoid collisions

REEFING

As wind speed increases the yacht becomes overpowered and heels over (leans) too much. This not only slows the yacht down but also makes the sails vulnerable to damage. To maintain the right power for the prevailing conditions, the sails are reefed, which means to reduce their area by partially lowering or furling them to a pre-determined mark.

RIGGING

Lines, halyards or other items used to attach sails. Those adjusted to raise, lower or trim sails are known as running rigging; those not adjusted known as standing rigging

ROARING FORTIES

A region between 40° South and 50° South where westerly winds circle the earth unobstructed by land

RODE

The anchor line and/or chain

ROPE

In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store

RUDDER

A vertical plate or board for steering a boat

RUN

To allow a line to feed freely

RUNNING BACKSTAY

Adjustable stay used to control tension on the mast

RUNNING LIGHTS

Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and dawn

S

SATELLITE NAVIGATION

A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment

SCREW

A boat's propeller

SCUPPERS

Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself

SEA COCK

A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea

SEAMANSHIP

All the arts and skills of boat handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging

SEA ROOM

A safe distance from the shore or other hazards

SEAWORTHY

A boat or a boat's gear able to meet sea conditions

SECURE

To make fast

SET

Direction toward which the current is flowing

SHROUD

Part of the standing rigging that supports the mast, running from the top of the mast to the side of the boat

SOUNDING

A measurement of the depth of water

SPREADERS

Spars extending sideways from the mast allowing the shrouds to support the mast

SPRING LINE

A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock

SQUALL

A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain

SQUARE KNOT

A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot

STANCHION

Post near the edge of the deck supporting lifeline, which extends from bow to stern to prevent crew being separated from boat

STANDING PART

That part of a line which is made fast. The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end

STAND-ON VESSEL

That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation

STARBOARD

The right side of a boat when looking forward

STAY

Lines running fore and aft of the mast for support, also used to carry some sails

STAYSAIL

Triangular sail positioned forward of the mast but aft of the headstay

STEM

The forward most part of the bow

STERN

The aft part of the boat

STERN LINE

A docking line leading from the stern

STOW

To put an item in its proper place

T

TACK

The lower forward corner of a triangular sail; the direction the boat is sailing in relation to the wind; change a boat's direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind

THWARTSHIPS

At right angles to the centreline of the boat

TIDE

The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans

TILLER

A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor

TOPSIDES

The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck

TRADE WIND

Consistent, reliable winds found in the equatorial region

TRANSOM

The stern cross-section of a square sterned boat

TRIM

Fore and aft balance of a boat enabling efficient airflow through the sails and directly effecting performance

U

UNDERWAY

Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground

V

VEER

Change of wind direction, clockwise in the northern hemisphere, anti-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere

W

WAKE

Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters

WATERLINE

A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed

WAY

Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway

WINDWARD

Toward the direction from which the wind is coming, opposite of leeward

X

Y

YAW

To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea