Glossary of Sailing Terms

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A vessel allowed to maintain a course in a potential collision situation. The other vessel must give way.

The right-hand side of the boat when facing forward.

Turning the bow of the boat through the wind to change direction while sailing upwind.

The regular rise and fall of sea levels due to gravitational forces. Mastering tides is essential for safe Solent sailing.

The flat back section of the boat’s hull.

Refers to a vessel that is not tied to a shore, anchored, or aground.

A reference point used in GPS navigation to mark a location or part of a planned route.

A condition when the wind is in the opposite direction to the tide and creates confused seas. A common occurrence in Solent sailing.

A winch used to raise a boat’s anchor.

The direction from which the wind is blowing. The windward side of the boat faces the wind.

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