Ward-roomThe living quarter and mess for crew members
WarningsWritten or radio warning with useful information
Warp - verb -To move a boat by pulling cables
WatercraftGeneral term to define any kind of boat or structure suitable to sail
Waterline, boattopPart which divides the immersed part from that one above the boat surface
WatertightHaving the strength and ability to keep out water
Wave heightHeight of the wave taken between the crest and the cavity of two following waves
WaypointReference point in the physical space used for any type of navigation.
Weer - verb -Action of the whinch or windlass to stretch a rope or cable tight.
WellroomCentral part of the bilge. On its bottom there is a hole used for emptying water.
WestCardinal point, indicated by a W. It is equal to 270 degrees in wind rose.
West widWest; wind blowing from West
Wharf, pierFloating structure for boat mooring
Whiskey.Term which represents‚W‚ in the international phonetic alphabet..
White sailsTo sail by using only the mainsail and genoa, without gennaker, spinnaker or drifter, usually coloured.
Williamson riggingRigging through which a vessel is brought back to the course just done. It is generally used to rescue a man or an object
WinchVertical windlass usually operated manually, used to stretch running riggings
wind pilotA mechanic instrument used to adjust the course in case of little accidental variations, only with the help of wind.It is an authomatic pilot operated by wind. It doesn't use energy, which is a very important factor in long navigations.
Wind roseA table which represents the wind origin and direction
WindexSystem to indicate wind direction, made up of an arrow which rotates when wind changes, generally located on the mast top.
WindlassWharp to hoist anchors
Windsurf.Common term referring to a sailing board; it indicates a flat hull provided with a centre board and a fore fin. It is steered by a standing surfer through the movement of his weight and of the sailing centre
WindwardSide of the boat which wind comes from
Wishbone.The double boom used to steer a wind surf; it is also a double rowlock used on some big ketches.