A direction at a right angle to the boat’s centreline. If something is “abeam,” it’s directly off to the side of the vessel, either port or starboard.
Refers to the rear section of the boat.
The wind felt onboard, which is a combination of the actual (true) wind and the wind created by the boat’s movement. Understanding this is key to effective sail trimming.
The widest part of the boat. Also used to describe wind angle, e.g., “beam reach,” when the wind is hitting the boat at 90 degrees.
To steer the boat away from the wind, often to reduce heeling or transition to a downwind course.
Can refer to either a sleeping space onboard or a designated mooring space in a marina.
The very end of a line or rope. Commonly used when anchoring to tie the rope or chain to the boat.
The horizontal spar at the foot of the mainsail. It can swing with force, so keep your head down when gybing!
A harness used to hoist a crew member up the mast for maintenance.
A setup used to evenly distribute a load on an anchor or tow line, especially important in heavy weather preparation.
A GPS-based navigation device that displays the boat’s position on a digital chart. Used for real-time route planning and tracking.
A fitting used to secure ropes (lines). Knowing how to secure a line to a cleat correctly is one of the first skills new sailors learn.
Sailing as close to the wind as possible (typically 30–45 degrees). It’s the most upwind point of sail.
The open area near the stern where the helm, crew, and instruments are located. It’s the hub of onboard activity.
The entrance from the cockpit to the interior of the boat.
A method of estimating position based on course, speed, time, and distance travelled without reference to landmarks or GPS.
The compass error caused by local magnetic fields on a boat, which is accounted for in navigation.
Sailing in the same direction as the wind, which requires different sail handling than upwind sailing.
The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel. Important for navigation in shallow waters.
Protective inflatable cushions tied to the side of the boat when resting alongside a pontoon or another yacht.
The act of rolling or folding sails to reduce area or stow them.
The manoeuvre of turning the stern of the boat through the wind.
A line used to hoist or lower sails.
The marine toilet. An essential term on multi-day courses like Competent Crew or Day Skipper.