AbackTo haul a sail windward in order to produce a push opposite to the driving direction
Abaft, aftDirection referred to stern
AbandonTo abandon a hopeless boat
AbeamIt refers to anything located laterally to the boat (an object, wind or waves)
Admiralty anchorOne of the most popular types of anchor
Aft windWind coming from stern
Ahead, forwardDirection referred to the bow
AlidadeE'Upper part of instruments used to measure angular distances, such as sextant and theodolite
AlignmentAlignment between two known points used to determine position
Alla lungaMooring ropes fixed fore (painter) and aft (spring)
AloftTowards or in the rigging above the deck
AlphaTerm which represents A in the international phonetic alphabet.
Alto-cumulusA cloud characterized by globular masses usually found at an altitude between 2400 and 6000 m.
Alto-stratusGrey cloud which usually precedes heavy weather
AmmarataIt indicates a chain or a rope caught on anchor arms which impedes its normal working
AnchorA heavy differently shaped device which digs into the sea bottom to hold a ship in position.
Anchor - verb -To stop a vessel through an anchor
Anchor crownThe part of an anchor where the shank and arms join together.
Anchor ringRing or hole in the shank used to link the chain
Anchor rodeCable fixed to a grapnel, generally used on tenders
Anchor stockPart of the anchor which allows to keep a proper position
AnchorageA location suitable for anchoring a ship safely, usually sheltered.
Anchoring groundBay or roadstead suitable for anchorage
AnemometerWeather instrument that indicates the speed of the wind.
Answering pennantFlag of the international code of signals which, if hoisted,means ‚ I've understood; if it is mid-hoisted, it means ‚I've received the message but I haven't interpreted it yet; if it is hoisted by a jury, it can have different meanings
AnticycloneArea where atmospheric pressure is high and gradually decreasing outwards. Its motion and winds are clockwise
AntifoulingPaint containing specific elements which prevent marine vegetation from taking root on the hull
Apparent windThe effective wind direction and speed derived from the combination of the actual wind and the motion of the sails through the air.
Archimedes' thrustThe upward buoyant force that is excerted on a body immersed in a fluid, whether fully or partially submerged, is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces. A boat can float because it is lighter than the water it pushes aside.
ArmPart of the anchor penetrating in the sea bottom
Arrangement of sailsAll sails on a boat
ArrembatoGergo mari aresco Genovese per dire appoggiato dato volta
As you go, stead as you goTo keep the current course. Order given by the helmsman
Astern, aftRear part of a boat
At anchorReferred to a boat at anchor
AthwartReferred to wind or to a bearing perpendicular to the boat centre line
Atmosperic pressureThe weight of air extending vertically from the observer position to the limits of the atmosphere,
AtollIsland made up of a particular formation of land and lagoons
Auto-inflatableSingle or collective rescue system provided with a penumatic inflation system. It can be manual or operated aautomaticlly when it touches water.
AwningCanvas shelter to protect the deck from sun or rain during stops
AzimutArc fomed between North and a point
Azimut circleGraduated circle on the compass to allow measurements