Essential Sailing Terms and Definitions
Basic Boat Parts
Bow
The front of the boat.
Stern
The back of the boat.
Port
The left side of the boat when facing the bow.
Starboard
The right side of the boat when facing the bow.
Hull
The watertight body of the boat.
Keel
The central structural basis of the hull.
Sailing Maneuvers
Tacking
Turning the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side to the other.
Jibing (Gybing)
Turning the boat so that the wind passes from stern to bow.
Points of Sail
The different angles at which a boat can sail relative to the wind.
Close Hauled
Sailing as close to the wind as possible.
Running
Sailing with the wind coming from behind the boat.
Wind and Weather Terms
Windward
The direction from which the wind is coming.
Leeward
The direction away from the wind.
Beaufort Scale
A scale for measuring wind speed, from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane).
Squall
A sudden, strong wind that typically lasts for a short duration.
Safety and Emergency Terms
Mainsail
The principal sail on a boat, attached to the mainmast.
Jib
A triangular sail set forward of the mainmast.
Boom
The horizontal pole that extends from the mast to hold the bottom of the mainsail.
Winch
A mechanical device used to control and adjust sails and lines.
Cleat
A fitting used to secure ropes on a boat.
