18-footAustralian light one-design boat with a very large sail area
4.20One-design two-seater boat with mainsail, jib and spinnaker designed by Christian Mauy. She measures 4.20x1.63
4.70One-design two-seater boat designed by Andrea Corno, male and female olympic class since 1976. She measures 4.70x1.68 m.
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
Back an anchor - verb -To reinforce the mooring by putting two anchors in sequence
Back sailSail which pushes in an opposite direction to motion, used to brake or keep the boat stationary
Back waterMarine waves in a harbour
backed anchorAn anchor removed from its seat and ready to be dropped in the water
BackstayStanding rigging whichs support the astern mast
BailTo clear water out of a boat
Bail - verb -To empty the water entered aboard through a bailer
BailerA bucket or dipper used for removing bilgewater from a boat.
BallastHeavy weight which adjusts the draft of a ship and improve stability
Bandiera a rivaFlag on the upper part of masts
BarbotinElement of the winch with a particular shape which allows to recover chains
BarnaclesMarine conic crostaceans which adhere to hulls, very difficult to remove.
BarogramDiagram of the atmosperic pressure trend written by the pen of a barograph on a paper wrapped by a cylinder
BarographInstrument used to measure atmosperic pressure. Similar to barometer but providing an immediate measurement
BarycentreCentre of gravity
BaseThe lowest side of a sail, between clat and clew point
BasinA pool on sea level, where bottom can be repaired
Basin, dockEquipped and sheltered area where ships can stopa
BathymetricOn naval maps, it is the line which joins points of equal depth
BathyscopeA funnel with transparent bottom used to observe sea bottom
BattenRigid profile inserted into sail leech to contribute to their shape
Batten pocketBatten compartment
BeamStructural elements which support the deck. The width of a ship at her widest part
Bear away - sailing verb -It indicates a bow moving away from the wind direction
Bear away - verb -To move away from a mooring, a quay or another boat
BearingAngular distance between magnetic North and the observed object
Bearing awayTo increase the angle in relation to the direction where apparent wind comes from
Bearing compassCompass equipped with azimut devices
Beaufort FrancisEnglish admiral who lived in the 19th century. He invented the homonymous scale used to measure wind
Beaufort ScaleA classification of wind force into 12 categories commonly used by seamen iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WwDNWm6IEVw" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">/iframe>
Belay pinInstrument used for splicing, made up of a wedge point which help strands to open
Belaying-pin rackWooden or steel ring on the basis of the mast, where belay pins are fixed in order to block running riggings.
BellIn the past, it was used to mark time; today, it is used to indicate a danger singnal or position in case of low visibility.
Bermudian sailName given to the rigs of a Bermudian sail
BildgeThe lowest part of a hull
Bilge keelsExtensible mobile wings mounted on the sides of the bottom to reduce roll
Bilge pumpA hydraulic pump to bail out the water entered in the hull.
BillPoint of an anchor arm
BinnacleStructure which supports the magnetic compass. It usually contains compensation magnets
BisciaHole in the floors or in bilge to empty water from bilge
BittTo fix a rope to a bitt
BlockKeel supports in a dry dock
Block coefficientRatio between bottom lines and a cylinder, whose diameter is equal to bottom's depth. Value 1 indicates an almost cylindrical bottom; low values indicate a thin bottom. Catamarans have the highest block coefficient
BlooperFore sail to be hoisted leeward the spinnaker with light winds
BoardTo approach to another boat
Board - verb -To assault a ship after boarding it.
BoardingTo direct the boat to approach another one
BoatTerm used for all crafts with a lenght between 10 and 24 metres, including sailing and motor boats.
Boat builderA person specialised in wooden boat construction
Boat gripeCable or rope, usually provided with turnbuckle to fix objects
Boat hookWooden pole fitted with a hook or knob at one end, used for fending off or picking up lines at a dock or mooring/
Boat shedSlipway where boats are placed to be repaired
BoatswainThe leading seaman in charge of supervising crewmembers when performing work on deck
Bolt ropeReinforcement sewn on the sail end to increase resistence
BoomWooden or aluminium pole supporting the lower part of the mainsail, fixed on the mast through a junction which allows it to change direction according to wind/p
Bottom cleaningTo remove deposits from the hull
Bottom, hullImmersed part of the hull.
BowThe forward part of a ship
Bow anchorAn anchor placed in order to be ready to use
Bow waves, bonesFrothy waves raised by the boat
Bow-thrusterAn auxiliary motor and propeller mounted athwartships at the bow, and employed to maneuver the ship sideways.
BowlineVery popular knot forming a ring
BowmanMember of the crew in charge of bow riggings
BowspritWooden or aluminium pole supporting the lower part of the mainsail, fixed on the mast through a junction which allows it to change direction according to wind
BraceTo move the spinnaker pole from the forestay
Brace - verb -To haul the manoeuvring rope by opening a yard or the spinnaker pole
BrailA rope fixed to sail sides to fold them
BravoTerm which represents ‚B‚ in the international phonetic alphabet (ICAO)
Break down, trip - verb -To set sail by detaching the anchor from the bottom
BreakwaterRaised borders used to prevent water from entering the cockpit
BreechingMooring cable located on the bow or the stern extended along the hull to fix to a quay
BreezeCoastal wind caused by a difference in temperature between land and sea.
Bridge deckPlace which a ship is steered from
Bridle, flapEnd of anchor arms
BucketContainer suitable for liquids
BulbSwelling of the fore part of a ship to increase speed; terminal part of a centre board in a sailing boat, generally made of plumb or cast iron, used to increase stability
BulinchiaLever with eccentric hook to close portholes,skylights or hatches
BulkheadVertical structure which separates two zones in the cabin. Sometimes, it can be watertight in order to increase safety in case of collision
BumpkinSmall pole used to let sheet hang out outboard by increasings their efficiency and preventing them from scarping on shrouds
BumpsAdditional bumps used to change the sizes of the construction parameters of a hull
BuoyFloating element anchored on the sea bottom for mooring or signals
Buoy ropeRope fixed to the anchor ring
CabinA compartment below offering accommodations for passengers and crew.
Cam jam cleatsDeck equipment to block sheets
Capsize - verb -When a boat turns over
CapstanBig winch with a vertical cylinder
Cardinal signalsThey indicate that deeper waters of the zone where the signal is located are in the quadrant sharing the same name
Careen - verb -To put a boat on a side through counterweights or ropes in order to clean, caulk, or repair the bottom .
Cargo boom, derrickCrane fixed on a ship bridge for loading/unloading merchandise
CastTo untie a knot or release a rope
CastleThe foreward most compartment above the deck, used in 19th-century-sailing boats
CastriaA particular type of mooring through which a boat keeps a certain distance from the pier, even in case of surf
CatSmall yacht with a single mast on which only the mainsail can be hoisted
cat craneCrane used to secure anchors
Cat the anchor - verb -To hook the main anchor to a specific crane in order to put it on the bow.
CatamaranBoat with two twin hulls joined together
CatchTo stop a running rope or chain. The verb also refers to an anchor holding on the bottom. It usually refers to mooring ropes.
Cathead, catFore crane used to cat the anchor.
CaulkingTo empty the space between plating axis with insulating material in order to make it watertight
Caved stayAluminium profile with two cavities mounted on the forestay. It allows to ride fore sails without any slides, while increasing efficiency and allowing the use of furlers
CavitationThe effect caused when air is drawn down into the water by a propeller, resulting in loss of power, overspending of the engine and propeller, and pitting of the metal surfaces of the propeller
Celestial navigationIt allows to determine a ship position by measuring angles between the horizon and known altitude of sun, moon, planets and stars.
Centreboard caseCompartment of the centreboat within hull
Chain platesReinforced joints on the deck where stays are clasped.
Chain sagBend of a rope or a stay when exposed to a stress; generally referred to the bend of the jib stay moved by the wind
CharlieTerm which represents ‚C‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
CharterSynonym of rental. Reffered to a rented boat
ChockA deck fitting used to secure moveable gear
CircumnavigateTo sail around a body of land and return to the starting point.
CleatSmall bitt generally used to stop running riggins, such as halyards
ClewThe lower aft corner of a fore and aft sail, or the lower corner at the foot of a square sail
Clew outhaulRope linked to the mainsail clew which passes through a gear located at the boom yard in order to regulate the sail base
ClipperFast sailing vessels built in the 19th century for goods transport in long ocean navigationsiframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydsnQe9Ou6s" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">/iframe>
Close-hauledSailing point which allow a boat to sail the wind up, usually between 60° and 30° iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OuTrEz5eFo0" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">/iframe>
CloudWater vapour condensed as a result of pressure and temperature differences.
Clove hitchKnot used for mooring or to fix fenders.
CoastLine between sea and land
Coastal navigationTo sail towards the coast
CockpitExternal part of a boat, where riggings and rudder are usually located.
CoilTo turn a rope on itself
CollarJunction line of shrouds; ring which reinforces masts; sliding ring which allow sail to move on masts
CollisionCollision between boats
CommandoThin wire used to block the terminal part of ropes so that they dont' fray
CompanionHatch of an opening in the deck
CompassInstrument which, tanks to Earth's magnetism, indicates a fixed point and helps to maintain a course
CompensationOperation to minimize the compass mistake due to the onboard metal parts
Counter-jib polePole which supports sails foremost the jib
Courtesy flagFlag of the hoist country that must be hoisted when sailing in the territorial waters of a foreign country.It must be hoisted below the national one
CradleA frame built to support a vessel when it is hauled out.
CraftAll watercraft with a length of less than 10 metres, used in marine or inner waters, including sailing, motor and row boats. The category includes smaller boats, such as rowing catamarans, paddleboats, sailing boards, jet skis and water motors../ metres
CrewPeople boarded in the boat
CringleA heavily reinforced grommet at the corner of a sail to which a line is fastened.
Cross-treeSpacer placed on masts to increase the traction angle of stays
CunninghamA specialized downhaul used in some racing sailboats to adjust the shape of the sail luff (named for its inventor.)
Cutwater, breakwaterPart of the bow cutting waves
CycloneArea where atmopheric pressure is low but increasing inwards. Its motion and winds are counterclockwise.
DacronCommercial name of a polymer used in sails
DamageDamage at one among the boat systems
DartOne-design-catamaran with a lenght of 5.48x2.28 metres and a sail area of 16.07 square metres
Dead pointUnused part in a rope or a cable
Dead reckoning navigationSailing without any precise reference points. Position is determined according to course, speed and time.
DeckWalkable surface of a vessel
Deck - verb -To hoist and place masts
Deck houseSuperstructure above the deck
Delta.Term which represents ‚D‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
DepressionArea of low atmospheric pressure
Depth contourA line whih joinsg poinst of equal depth on maps, see also ‚bathymetric‚ ip
Depth meterElectronic or manual instrument used to mesure depth
Deviation cardA record of the amount of deviation of a ship compass caused by local magnetic effects
Digital mapGeo-referencered digital cartography for digital navigation devices
DinghySmall pleasure boat or rigid tender
DisplacementWeight of the volume of the water pushed aside by a boat; it is equal to the boat weight.
DodgerRaised borders used to prevent water from entering the cockpit
Double - verb -To go over, to pass by a cape or an obstacle.
Double halyardHalyard with a tackle fixed on the sail end: The double circuit halves the necessary force for the hoisting
DownhaulRigging which pulls the boom downwards. If referred to main sail boom, it is called vang.
DraftThe vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest part of the keel
Drag - verb -An anchor which, after failing in holding the bottom, slides on it because of the boat traction, caused, in its turn, by wind, stream or waves
DraughtMaximum depth of a vessel
Draw - verb -It indicates a sailing boat driving. Sails pushing the boat.
DressDecoration made up of a series of little flags
dress - verb -To adorn a boat with little flags on the line running from the bow to the stern and on the top of the mast (s). See also Full Dress
Dressing shipTo adorn a boat with little flags along the line running from bow to stern passing trough the top of the mast(s)
Drift angleChange of the course angle caused by the stream action
DriftingWhen a boat is pushed by stream
Drip panRise around machinery to impede liquid pouring
Drop the anchor - verb -To drop the anchor on the bottom
DyneemaVery resistant synthetic fibre used to produce ropes. Its commercial name is ‚spectra‚ i
EaseTo slacken a rope, opposite of hauling aft
East-windWind blowing from East
Eco.Term which represents ‚E‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Eddy waterZone of relatively calm sea, upwind to a vessel which is drifting leeward
Electric generatorEquipment which provides electricity aboard when there are no ground connections
EphemerisA catalogue of tables showing the location of various celestial bodies
EquatorA great circle of the earth which is equidistant from both poles at every point; zero degrees latitude
Equipment, rigEverything necessary to sail, its category determines the kind of boat. In case of small rowboats it indicates the crew
ExposeTo set a sail in order to offer a larger surface to wind; a necessary action to remove the spinnaker from the mainsail covering when running before wind
Eye bolt, clevisMetal ring in the hull to hook tackles or pulleys
Fall off - verb -When course is changed by wind
FeluccaSynonym of thin fast boat
FenderElastic equipment mounted on the boat sides to protect them
FetchIt indicates a zone where wind keeps the same speed and direction. It is measured in miles by starting from the coast which the wind comes from and in relation to its motion.
FigureheadDecoration located below the bowsprit
Fire extinguisherSystem made up of and under-pressure cylinder containing liquids, gas or powders to extuinguish fire
Fit out - verb -To prepare a boat before sailing off
Fitting outEquipments and systems installed on a boat to make it functional
Fix, ship's positionTo identify the ship's position on a map
FlagGenerally exposed on the stern, it indicates the boat's nationality. If abroad, the flag of the host country is exposed on the starboard shrouds. Other flags can be used to identify clubs or signals
Flatten - verb -To stretch in order to flatten the sail profile
Floating lineLine where the hull touches water
Floating pontoonA float used for making a temporary bridge.
FloodingBoard water inside the hull. It can be an intentional decision to increase stability or an accidental event
Flooring, cabin plankingThe floorings of a boat
Flooring, gratingFloor in the cabin,above the boat bottom
FlyingIt refers to a semi-standing rigging or equipment which can be used as a running rigging.
Flying jibSail above the jib, sometimes defined yankee. On ships with squaresails, it is the third stay sail on the bowsprit mast
FogCondensed water vapor in cloudlike masses lying close to the ground and limiting visibility (less than 1 Km, otherwise it is called haze)
FootropeCable slack along yards to lean on during sails collection
Fore and aft sailTrapezoidal mainsail supported by a spanker and fixed on a boom
Fore mastThe foremost mast
Fore royal sailYard and relative trapezoidal squaresail, at the top of the fore mast.
Fore stay sailTriangular sail between the mast and the jib
Fore topgallant sailYard and relative squaresail fixed on the foremast
ForestayShroud which supports the fore mast
Foxtrot.Term which represents ‚F‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Frame, ribPart of the hull which defines its shape
FrameworkGroup of ribs supporting the shell
FreeSailing before the wind
Free boardEmerged par of the hull. See also ‚deadwork
Fresh breezeWaves, breakers, sprays. Degree 6 in Beaufort Scale
FreshenIncrease in wind intensity
Full sternTo sail with the wind crushing into the stern; to follow a course in the same direction of wind .
Futtock, timberCurved parts of a ship hull. Elements where to place oars and to transfer push to the boat
Gaff topsailTriangular sail above a fore and aft mainsail
Gaff, peakPole oblique to the mast
GangboardA small bridge for getting on and off a vessel
GangplankBig gangboard generally used on ships
GangwayA ladder dropped laterally to climb up or down
GararingTo do a series of maintenance operations which prevent deterioration
GasketPart of a rope used to collect or furl sails on a spar
GateSystem adopted in some particular valves to close a sea cock or exhaust
GearsAll hardware, blocks, chocks and shrouds which contribute to keep masting in position
GennakerFore sail whose name comes from ‚Genoa‚ e and ‚Spinnaker‚
GenoaBig triangular sail overlapping the mainsail
Gentle breezeWind forms waves with white crests. Degree 2 in Beaufort scale
Get strandedWhen the hull leans on or get stuck on the bottom, both intentionally or accidentally
GmtAcronym of Greenwich Mean Time or Greenwich Meridian Time
GnavVang or reversed tripping line made up of a spar pushing boom downwards
GnomonicsCartographic representations of Earth's surface
Golf.Term which represents the ‚G‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Goose footWhen a tackle made up of 2 or more ropes gathers in only one to exercise traction
Gooseneck, parrelThe fitting where boom is fixed
GoreCanvas supports at the sail edges
GPSElectronic device that determines position in real time by interacting with several orbiting satellites.
GrapnelA small anchor with four or five flukes
Gratingp class=Walkable wooden grill above floorings to let water exit
Greenwich.Reference meridian.
Groove (of the mast/boom)Carving in the mast/boom where the sail side is inserted
Gross tonnageThe entire capacity of a ship expressed as one gross ton for each 100 cubic feet of internal volume. It is calculated with the following formula:: length x widthx height x 0.25
GudgeonFemale part of a rudder pivot
GunwaleThe top edge of the deck which helps to walk on in case of heeled boat
GustWeak and irregular wind
GybeTo change tacks by steering away from the wind so that the leach of the sail swings across the eye of the wind.
Gybe - verb -Violent change of boom position
GyrocompassCompass containing a gyroscope instead of a magnet
HalyardFabric or steel running rigging, used to hoist sails
HalyardmanMember of the crew, especially on racing boats, in charge of the managemment of halyards
HandrailRailing made up of sanchions and metal ropes or tubes
HatchOpening in the deck or deckhouse used to air, illuminate or load materials.
HaulTo pull a rope or a chain. It can be also referred to towing.
Haul taut - verb -To strech a rope
Haul taut, haul - verb -To set up a rigging (halyard or sheet) in a sailing boat
Hawse, hawseholeAn opening cut high in the bow at the knightheads or hawse timbers through which the anchor rode will be led.
HawseholeHole in the bow where the anchor chain passes through
HazeReduced visibility but over 1 Km; under that distance , it is called fog.
HeadThe top of a sail, where halyards are hitched.
Head-ropePart of the sail sliding into a specific point of the mast or hooking into stays
Heading shiftChange of wind direction caused by a variation in intensity, direction or by the presence of an obstacle.
HeadwayInertial motion, with no propulsion
Heave to - verb -Method which allows to stop, or almost, a boat by placing sails so that equal and opposing forces are created
HeelA strong inclination of the hull caused by the wind or a wrong manoeuvre. The side of the hull which is sumberged by the water
HelmsmanA petty officer assigned the task of steering the ship on a course
HoistTo lift or pull up heavy gear by using block and tackle, To lift sails
HoldPart of a ship used for carrying cargo
Holding groundA bottom with good anchorage qualities
Hook - verb -To secure an object to a rope through a shackle or a hook
HorizonCircle beyond which it's not possible to see. Its distance depends on the height the observer is
Hotel.Term which represents ‚H‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Hull, bottomPart of the hull which is submerged
HurricaneVery high waves; air full of lather and spurts; completely white sea. Degree 12 of Beaufort Scale.
HygrometerInstrument designed to measure relative humidity.
IALA systemInternational coding system of light signals, buoys and top marks
ICAO.International Civil Aviation Organization, international phonetic alphabet used in maritime and air navigation in order to compose letters and numbers in all languages.
InboardEverything inside the hull; it is often used to indicate the engine
Inboard engineEngine installed inside the boat
Inboard-outboardUsually referring to specific engines, it indicates what is partially in and out of the hull
Inboard-outboard engineEngine whose mechanical parts are both inside and outside the boat
IncatastataMainsail blocked on the mast. Anchor got caught on the bottom.
InclinometerInstrument used to measure the angle of heeling.
India.Term which represents ‚I‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
InterfaceTwo or more electronic devices which exchange data through a NMEA 2000 or 183 connection.
International nameGroup of 4 letters which identify a craft.
International spellingRadiotelegraphic phonetic alphabet, often called NATO phonetic alphabet, used to articulate words
InverinarsiA rope which is spiral-twisted because it hasn't been rolled up properly.
Isolated danger signalIt indicates a limited danger surrounded by navigable waters.
JammedRopes stucked and difficult to free
Jib boomPole which supports the jib
Jib furlerDrum fixed to the stay to roll, partially or totally, a sail
Juliet.Term which represents ‚J‚ in the international phonetic alphabet./
KeelTerminal part of a hull made up of a blade which tends to oppose leeway
KeelsonLongitudinal timber which, in wodden hulls, covers the hawse timber
KevlarSynthetic resistant material used to produce sails
Kilo.Term which represents ‚K‚ in the international phonetic alphabet..
KnightheadsParts which help to fix planking
KnotA bend or hitch thrown in a rope. A speed over the water of one nautical mile per hour.
Land - verb -To approach to shore or a beach, different from yawing or mooring.
Land - verb -To arrive to a coast or a harbour
Lateen sailTriangular sail supported by an antenna fixed obliquely to the mast
Lateral sign- A regionRed or green, used by day or night to indicate both right and left sides of a channel. In region B, colours are inverted.
Lateral signalsThey are divided in two regions: A and B
LatitudeThe angular distance between the Equator and the considered point
Launch - verb -, launch (n)The act of putting a boat in the water through a slipway or a crane
LeadElectonic device for depth measurement. Rope provided with plumb for a manual measurement
LeakAccidental breakage of the hull which lets water come in
LeechAstern side of any vertical item
Leech lineRope inserted along all the side of a sail to change its tension
Leech, roachRear side of sail
LeewardSide of the boat opposite to wind direction
Leeway angleChange of the course angle caused by the wind action
Leeway,sideslippingLateral move of the boat caused by wind
Lie-toSpeed suitable to secure the boat in heavy weather
Lie-to - verb -Typical in bad weather. It can be done with or without sails; generally, the boat heads to the wind. This motion creates an area of calm sea on the windward side which stabilizes the boat.
Life jacketJacket made of floating material, usually styrofoam or cork. Today, the market offers many inflatable or auto-inflatabe models.
LiftElement perpendicular to the force generated on the surface of a solid as the result of its motion in a fluid
Light airsLight wind, small waves. Degree 1 in Beaufort scale
Light vesselAnchored vessel with light signals
LighthouseJacket made of floating material, usually styrofoam or cork. Today, the market offers many inflatable or auto-inflatabe models.
Lima.Term which represents ‚L‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Line furlerTube or "H" to roll a rope on
Line-throwing gunSystem used to throw a bullet, generally a rope ball which a line is clasped to
Line, hand lineA small diameter rope
LockerA small compartment or chest used for storage.
LogInstrument to measure the speed of a boat
LongitudeAngular distance between the main meridian and the considered point
LoofLateral part of the bow
LoranLong Range Navigation. Navigation transmitters ashore that transmit unique signals that can be identified and located by a ship navigator to determine position.
Low sailsSquaresails hoisted on lower yards
LowerTo bring a sail down by releasing its halyards
Lower sails or coursesLow sails in ships provided with squaresails
Lower studding-sailSail on the sides of squaresails
Lubber's holeOpening at the basis of tops
Lubber's lineLine in the compass indicating the bow direction
LuffTo dicrease the angle in relation to the apparent wind direction
Luff, bolt ropeThe forward edge of a sail. It can include a rope to be thicker and stronger and be inserted in the mast
LuffingA boat which tends to luff
LugsailSimilar to a lateen sail, but trapezoidal and with the lower end attached to a boom
Magnetic declinationAngular distance between the geographic North and the magnetic one
magnetic deviationDifference between magnetic North and compass inclination; variation due to external elements, such as metal items near the compass; see also compass compensation
Magnetic needleOne of the two steel rhomboidal magnetic elements of a magnetic compass .
Main mast casePoint of the hull where the main mast terminal lays
Main royal sailYard and relative trapezoidal sail, located at the top of the mainmast, above the topgallant sail.
MainmastMain mast in multi-mast vessels. Main sail
MainsailSail inserted on the mast or the boom, generally triangle-shaped.
Mainsail furlerDrum fixed to the mast which allows to roll, partially or totally, the mainsail
Mainsail travellerHorizontal rail when the mainsail sheet carriage runs
MainstayA wooden or iron beam which supports a deck
ManholeOpening in a bulkhead or in the deck wide enough to let a person pass through
ManropeWooden or metal handrail, generally mounted on the deck house
Marine signalsLighhouses, lights, buoys which makes navigation safer
Maritime signalingCombined cardinal-lateral system
MarlineThin cable used for hand stitchings.
MarocchinoCable which joins two mast heads
MastTo fix a mast on its step
Mast footTerminal part at the base of the mast, usually on the relative mast-step
Mast head truckClosure at the mast top
Mast partnerHole in the deck where the mast passes through
MastingL' Set of masts and stays of a boat
Match raceRegatta between two identical boats
Maximum loadingThe highest wind intensity the sheets of a hoisted sail can bear
MaydayEmergency signal indicating an extreme danger
Meltemi. Etesian windSummer northern widn which blows in the Aegean Sea.
Mercator projectionType of projection of Earth's surface on maps
Mercatore.Belgian geographer who invented the homonymous projection
MeridiansA great circle of the Earth passing through the poles and perpendicular to parallelsThe Greenwich meridian also serves as the basis for the world standard time zone system. (UMT)
Metacentric heightDistance between metacenter and barycenter. It indicates the boat's stability
Mike.Term which represents ‚M‚ in the international phonetic alphabet..
Millibar.Unit of measuremnt of the atmosperic pressure, equal to 1000 dynes per square centimeter.
MistralWind which blows from North-West
Mistral.One-design sailing board designed by E. Prade; Olympic class since 1996. it measures 3,.80x0.68 m; with a 6-square-meter-sail area
MizzenThe smallest aftermost mast on a sailing vessel having more than one mast
Mizzen sailMainsail hoisted on the mizzen mast
Mizzen staysailSail above kitchen stack
Mizzen topgallant sailSquaresail hoisted on the mizzen mast
Moderate windLonger and choppier waves.Degree 4 in Beaufort Scale
Moonraker, moonsailA light squaresail set above a skysail
Moor - verb -To come alongside a quay
Moor - verb -, mooringTo stop the boat by fixing it to a pier or a quay through some ropes or an anchor.
Moor tightly head and stern - verb -To moor fore and aft, both to a pier and through anchors
Moore with two anchors aheadMooring which uses two anchors placed on the bottom laterally to the boat. The two anchoring lines are divided and they both leave from the bow fitting. Useful when weather is bad.
Mooring postHeavy structure, generally made of cement, on the sea bottom provided with a ring to which a mooring chain is fixed
Mooring-postReference point located on the coast
Morse.Telegraphic alphabet invented by Samuel Morse: it consists of a group of lines and points which represent all letters.
MotorsailerA boat which includes the features of both sailing and motor boats
Move onTo move a boat at a sufficient speed to manoeuvre
MPSAcronym of Multi Purpose Sail, an asymmetric sail similar to gennaker, used in cruises
MustafàAuxiliary rudder system. A mechanical instrument used on sailing boats to maintain a stable course in relation to wind.It is an authomatic pilot which doesn't use energy, which is important in long navigations.
NadirThe part of the celestial sphere located directly opposite the zenith
Nautical mileThe length of one minute of arc of a great circle on the surface of the earth equal to 1820 metres
NautophoneAn electrically operated horn for giving fog warnings
Navigation lightsLights for night navitation
NavigatorA crewman trained and qualified in the practice of determining position and setting courses
Navionics.Digital cartography builder.
NEMEAStandard communication device for marine electronic devices
NimbusDark cloud without a specific shape
Nipper, gasketReinforcement which shelters mooring cables. Oakum which wraps the propeller axis inside the stern tube: if wet with water, it increases its volume and makes the environment watertighe
NMEA 0183Standard of GPS data communication
NMEA 2000It contains the requirements of a communication network to connect marine electronic devices on ships
North-east windWind coming from North-East
November.Term which represents ‚N‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Numerical flagTrapezoidal flag used to indicate signals, such as numbers or answering pennant
Ochette.The first white crests which form on the sea surface with a wind over 15 knots.
OffshoreOffshore navigation
OilskinWaterproof jacket, once made of waterproof canvas
One designSeries of boats with the same size and design which can compete with no compensated times.
One-off.Racing boat prototype
Onshore windSide exposed to bad weather: wind and waves in a harbour or a roadstead
Optimist.Boat with centreboard, chine hull and flat bottom designed by Clark Mills in 1954 ;she measures 2.30x1.13 m
ORC.Offshore Racing Council: l' international organisation which is in charge of IOR classes and offshore regattas.
Orthodromic courseCourse along the maximum circle and the shortest one between two points. See also‚ Lloxodromic
Oscar.Term which represents ‚O‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
OsmosisThe result of a catalyzation flaw of sealants in fiberglass hulls. Water enters through the gelcoat, it increases the inner volume and creates some bubbles which can delaminate the hull
OutboardEverything out of the boat. Usually referring to an external engine
Outboard motorA removable engine mounted on the stern of the boat, or in a motor well.
OverallMaximum lenght of the boat
OversetA heeling able to submerge the toerail
PalmettaTriangular part made up of a rigid wooden or net structure fixed between the bow and the bowsprit
Pantry, Provisions room, Food roomRoom or locker for carrying food
Papa.Term which represents ‚P‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
ParallelAny circle parallel to equator
Parallel barInstrument used for plotting the course.
PascalUnit of measurement equal to 1 Newton/sq.m
Paying offSudden violent bearing away caused by wind and rudder loss of control
PeelingSpinnaker change while a second one is aloft.
PelorusInstrument for polar bearings, that is the anular distance between two poinst to determine a position
PeriplusCircumnavigation of an island
Pier, mole, wharf, quayStructure for mooring or harbour protection.
Pilot bridgeShip bridge deck
Pilot's boatSmall motorboat used to steer ships into harbours or to drive a pilot aboard.
Pin, split pin, cotter pinMetal bar inserted in the hole of a screw or the eyelet of a pivot, then bent forked to not escape
PintlePart of a rudder brace made up of a pivot sliding into the gudgeon
PitchingOscillation around the horizontal axis of a boat
PlankingExternal covering of a wooden boat
PlotterCircle gratuated used to measure angles while plotting the course.
PlugHole used for emptying bilge water. It is closed through a watertight screw top
PointAngle equal to 1/32° of 360°
PolarArctic Circle; parallel which bounds a polar region; that one in the North is called Arctic Circle; that one in the South, on the contrary, is called Counter-Circle
Polar bearingAngular distance between a bot bow and an object
Port sideLeft side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow
Port/starboard tackSide which wind comes from
PortholeOpening in the hull with a watertight closing. Usually round.
Preventer sheetSpare or reinforcing sheet
Pricking, plot the courseGeometric operations on a map to establish and follow the course
PropellerTerminal part of the propulsion system made up of a series of inclined blades which screw in water and push the boat
PulleyTransmission element made up of a rotating disk. It is generally used to gear running riggings.
Pulley, sheaveWheel of a block
PulpitSecure railing, generally on the ends of the boat
PumpingForbidden rigging in regatta consisting in moving bird wing sails continuously and fast.
Punto cospicuoReference point easily recognisable on the coast
PylonPoles fixed on the sea bottom to indicate the navigable way in low bottoms; also used for mooring
QuadrantPart of the compass indicating degrees
QuarterPartition of a boat( usually fore, stern and midship)
Quarter deckA sort of balcony at the extreme stern above the deck, used in 19th-century-sailing ships
QuayStructure which allows boats to moor
Quebec.Term which represents ‚Q‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
R.I.N.A.Italian Naval Register: ministerial body which checks, tests and approves equipments.
RabbetCavity in the keel, stern post or right ahead to fix a first line of plating
RadarDevice to detect objects near a boat
Radar reflectorMetal polyhedral structure which amplifies the radar signal in relation to the surface of the wooden or fiberglass boat it crosses
RangeTo roll up a rope so that it can be untied fast
Rat lineStep to climb on the mast
RatingCoefficient given to a boat according to her technical features in order to compete with other boats falling in another category by compensating journey times
Reach close - verb -To approach the spinnaker pole to the stay by easing the brace
Reacher.A particular genoa used in case of close reach.
RedanStep built in the hull of planing boats to facilitate pressure distribution
ReduceTo reduce the sail surface exposed to wind by lowering the sail partially and fasting the excess part through some strop
ReefPart of a rope used to fix a sail when it is reduced
Reef pointRope inserted into the reefs to fix and reduce sails.
Reefing lineRope used to reduce the surface of a sail exposed to wind
ReefsSail sections designed to be reduced
Relative humidityValue measured by a hygrometer; it indicates the percentage of steam existing in relation to the total amount which can be contained in the air at ambient temperature ( at 100% we have condensation)
Relieving ropeMooring rope anchored on the bottom
Rhumb line, loxodromic courseA course which intersecst all meridians at the same angle.
RideTo hook sails or insert them in the specific mast locations. To insert a rope in more blocks to form a tackle
Ride to a single anchor - verb -Ray around which the boat can turn when it is moored with a single anchor
Rig out - verb -To insert a rope ring (bowline) on a bitt
RiggingEvery sheet or hoist combined with its accessories
Right aheadTerminal part of the bow, also called ‚stempost‚ /
Ring, thimble eyeMetal ring inside a splice whichs protect the rope
RoachAn arc of sail material added to the shape of the sail leech to increase its surface
RoadsteadA sheltered sea anchorage out of a harbour
Roaring FortiesStrong western winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, generally between the latitudes of 40 and 50 degrees
RollingBoat rotation around her longitudinal axis
Romeo.Term which represents ‚R‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
RopeGeneral term referring to onboard cordage
Rope ladderRope ladder with wooden steps hung on the ship side
Rope-yarnPart of a rope made up of more rope-yarns
Round, double - verb -To roud a promontory.
Rubber boatA small boat made substantially of fabric that can be inflated with air pressure.
RudderEquipment for steering a vessel through a bar or a wheel
Rudder angle, steering angleRudder blade angle in relation to the boat axis. Its variation changes the course
Rudder bladePart of the rudder, immersed in water, which gives the boat direction
Rudder heelTerminal fore part of the bottom where the low rudder gudgeon is inserted
Rudder mole,helm portHole in the hull which the rudder shaft comes through
Rudder wheel, steering wheelWheel which, combined with tiller rods, allows to manage the rudder rotation
RunaboatSmall and fast motorboat
RungStep in the rope ladder; metal spar which keeps shrouds separated
Running on the quarterSailing with wind coming from the quarter
Running riggingGroup of ropes used to regulate
SacchettoWeight provided with a small cable, thrown to land in order to allow the passage of a bigger cable
Sacrifical anodeMetal part, usually made of zinc, fixed to the hull or some other metal parts to prevent galvanic streams from causing corrosion
Safe waters signalIt is surrounded by navigable waters bu it doesn't indicate a danger. It is used, for example, to indicate a channel
Safety notesInspections which verify that the boat, its safety equipments, engines, electric systems, etc.. meet the technical requirements for marine safety
SailFabric designed and shaped to catch the wind and used to propel a vessel.
Sail clothFabric part of a sail
Sail tackVertex of a sail triangle fixed to the boat or a spinnaker pole
sail tack, sheet trackTrack equipped with a carriage to change sheet position easily and fast
Sail up - verb -To sail towards a point located windward (or underset)
SailclothRaw canvas used in the past to produce sails, bags and hammocks. It is used in the deck of some vintage boats for a non-slip effect
Sailing classGroup of sailing boats sharing the same design features, recognised by the the International Sailing Federation (ISAF)
Sailing directionsA book with useful information about navigation, coast and harbours
Sailing point, sailing trimDirection of the bow in relation to wind direction
SchoonerBoat with two identical masts, with trysail or mainsail, with or without bowsprit
Schooner.A sailing ship carrying two or more masts bearing fore and aft sails, with the mizzen forward of the mainmast.
Scope of the cableThe length of the anchor rope or chain
Scull - verb -To row with a single oar
ScupperThe openings in the bulwarks that allow drainage over the side
Sea anchor, floating anchorAn anchor made up of a cone which, drug in the water, slows boat motion down
Sea chest, sea water intakeValve communicating with outside from which water can be sucked or drained
SeamarkBuoy or general reference point used to identify rocks or shallows or to indicate navigable canals or bearings.
Seizing, reefing knotKnot used to join two ropes
Set sailTo leave, to heave anchor
Set taut - verb -To tighten a knot. To approach two running elements
Set taut - verb -To haul a rigging after easing it to recover a board
Set taut (adv)A particularly tight knot
SextantOptical instrument which determines latitude through the measurement of the elevation of a celestial body above the horizon
ShackieTo join two parts of a rope or a chain through a shackle or a false link. It means also to link an anchor to the chain or a buoy to a rope/chain
ShackleU-shaped iron element with a removable pin. It is used to join chain ends or to fix sails to eye bolts thorugh cringles
ShankMain element of the anchor
SheepshankA knot used to shorten a rope.
SheerThe curved fore and aft line formed by the uppermost plank of a boat.
SheetRope used to set sails
ShelterA zone protected from wind and waves
ShipownerThe owner of a vessel
Shipping laneError which can contain the navigation error
ShipyardWhere ships are built or repaired
Shoal, shallow waterAn area where the bottom shape rises near the surface
Shockcord tieElastic rope made up of a main cable and several braces, used to clew the mainsail down fast.
ShroudCable, generally made of steel, on the sides of the mast to support and reinforce it
ShroudsStanding riggings: shrouds, backstays and forestays
Sierra.Term which represents ‚S‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Sight - verb -To see or recognise an object
Signal buoyBuoy or beacon fixed to the anchor ring through a specific rope to indicate the anchor position and recover it if stucked
Signaling flagIf in national waters it is red with a white diagonal, it signals the presence of a scuba diver. In international waters, it must show the alpha flag of the international code
SkegSupport located in front of the rudder to protect and support it
SkylightOpening in the deck
SkysailTriangular sail located between two masts
SlideHook mounted on hail eadropess to allow the junction with stays
SlipDifference between the real propeller forward in water and that one it would have if screws in a solid.
Slip - verb -, ease out - verb -Let a rope or a chain run free but always with control
SlipwayInclined plan finishing in water used to launch small boats
SloopA sailing vessel carrying a single mast and a single fore sail
Snatch-blockA block which can be opened to allow a rope to be looped
Soling.One-design craft with fixed keel designed by Jean Herman Linge; it's the biggest boat of the olympic class, with a length of 8.15x1.90 m l'its crew is made up of 3 people
SonarIntrument to measure the depth or distance of an object. See also Depth meter
Sorrentine feluccaThin boat with no decks
South windWind blowing from South
South-west windWind blowing from South-West
spanSystem of cables to distribute traction, generally used for awnings.See also LazyJack
SparShaft located horinzontally to the mast where Latin sails are inserted
Spare materialsSpare parts used to replace broken equipments
Spare partsSpare parts of any boat equipment
Special signalsThey don't help navigation but they indicate a particular area or situation, whose nature can be determined by referring to maps or other documents.
SpectraCommercial name of Dyneema, a very resistant synthetic fibre used for ropes
Spill - verb -To ease the sheet so that the sail does not fill completely.
SpinnakerVery thin nylon sail, often coloured, used to sail downwind or a beam wind
Spinnaker poleA spar used to maintain a sail away from the bow
spliceTo join the ends of two lines, or make a loop, by weaving the untwisted lays into the bight.
SpringSquaresail above the fore sail
SpringlineA long dockline which is run from the bow aft to the dock, or from the stern forward to the dock.
SpritsailFore and aft sail where the peak is fixed on the basis of the mast and there is no boom
Spuce.Wood used for the construction of masts; it's light, resistant and elastic.
Squall, galeWaves high enough, with strong wind. Degree 8 in Beaufort scale, equal to over 40 knots
SquaresailTrapezoidal sail fixed on the upper side of yards, excellent for running free but not good for sailing close to wind
SSBReceiver/transmitter for long-ray communications, acronym of ‚single side band‚
StabilityThe relative tendancy of a ship to remain upright in the face of wind and waves.
StallWhen sails or rudder loose their lift, like plane wings
StanchionA vertical metal post mounted at the edge of the deck to which a rail or cables are attached as a safety measure.
Standing partStanding terminal part of a cable, fixed on a ring. The ring or spar which the cable is fixed on.
Standing riggingMetal cables or standing ropes supporting the masts
StarOne-design craft with bulb keel; designed by William Gardne in 1911; it measures 6.92x 1.73 m and it has a sail area of 26 square metres
Star boardRight side of the boat
StarboardThe right side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow
StarcutA particular spinnaker with star-shaped panels; today it is replaced by the gennaker
StaySteel cable between tanchions and pulpits which forms a protection handrail
StaysailTriangular fore sail used together with gennaker
Steer - verb -To direct the course of a vessel
StempostA vertical post, at the front of the keel, that forms the main part of the bow
Step, mast-stepMast basis seat
Stern gear, stern tubeTube fixed to the hull or a propeller where a shaft passes through
Stern postTerminal part of the stern
Stern quarterLateral part of the boat on the sides of the stern.
SticcareTo haul up on the wind and stop only when sails start to flap
StickAn extension of rudder
StopTo hook a rope or a chain so that it keeps in tension while it is fixed in a permanent way
StopperHook or lever to block the anchor or the chain after dropping the anchor.
Stopper, backstayGuy used to fix a rope or a chain
StoreSupplies stocked on board for use as needed during a voyage, food included
StormSudden violent weather event with rain and lightings
StraleOne-design craft with centreboard designed by Ettore Santarelli; it is a two-seater with mainsail jib and spinnaker( 13.50 x 1.70 m)
StrandTo get struck with the keel on the bottom, for example in the rocks.
StreamWater motion generated by wind, tides or bottoms.
StringerReinforcement of the junction between hull and deck
Strong squallWaves with crests which start to roll; thicker and thicker foam. Degree 9 in Beaufort Scale
Strop, lizardPart of a rope linked to a ring through a knot or a splice to fix an object
Stud, cross barMooring rope perpendicular to the boat, used together with springline
Stuffing boxCilynder where rudder shaft is located
Super buoyDanger buoy with a very visible light
Surf - verb -To go over the wave generated by the forward; the hull goes out of water by increasing speed
SurferThe person who steers a wind- surf.
Swab, mopBroom, besom to wash and dry decks
SwingingMethod to calculate compass mistakes due to magnetic deviations. The result is reported on a table which will be used to plot the course
TackRigging used on topmast ships to keep yards in position. It doesn't exist on triangular sails, it can be identified with the spinnaker arm
Tack - verb -To fix the tack angle
TaffrailTerminal part sternward the deck bridge; western white light
TaggingThinning of the final end of the mast in order to facilitate flexibility and decrease weight
Tal-boyHigh narrow fore stay sail to raise under the spinnaker
TallboyFore sail used windward the spinnaker
Tango.Term which represents ‚T‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Tek.The light but resistant wood of the teak, a tree of the verbena family. It is generally used in the construction of deck plan and interiors.
TerrazzanoA layman, an inexperienced person
Territorial watersArea of the sea immediately adjacent to the shores of a state and subject to the territorial jurisdiction of that state. It generally extends about 12 miles starting from the coastal line.
TideThe rise and fall of ocean waters caused by the gravitational effect of sun and moon
Tide slackPhase between two tide flows
TierTo approach to a pier or another boat laterally
TillerA group of mechanisms which transmit motion to the rudder
Tiller bar, helmstockPole of medium length used to steer the rudder
To be short stayWhen the anchor is exactly under the boat
To haul up on the windTo reduce the angular distance between the bow and the point where wind comes from
TonnageThe volume of all interior spaces in a boat
TopPlatform on the masts used to allow a bette view. In old sailing boats, it was also used for sail riggings
Top markMetal structure fixed to a buoy to indicate a danger or a position
Top ropeCircuit of the staysail halyard
Topgallant sailSquaresail fixed to the fore topgallant yard
Topping lift, liftRope used to support boom and general shafts when sails are not raised
TopsideThe outside face of the hull between the water and the deck.
Tow ropeBig rope generally used for anchorage
TowingTo put a boat ashore
Traccia.Line which joins two waypoints.
TransomCentral part of the stern
Transom, upper sternTerminal part of a vessel
Travel liftMobile gantry crane.
Traveler, tackleSystem of ropes and blocks used to expand strain
TrawlerFishing boat generally used in Northern Seas for ocean fishing
TridentCraft with chine hull and centreboard conceived for sailing training; it is provided with a manisail and a jib and it can host up to 4 people.
TrimElectric-hydraulic system used to regulate the triming mounted on some outboard motors (generally the most powerful ones).
TrimaranVessel with three hulls
TrimmerMember of the crew who regulates sails
Trip the anchor - verb -To heave anchor
Troub setSeries of polar bearings to determine the ship's position
True courseSailing direction determined by the angle between the vessel keel and true geographic north.
Turn - verb -The change course. In sailing boats, it is done by passing with the bow through the wind direction.
TurnbuckleEquipment used to puts tension on stadings rigging
Turnbuckle, rigging screwInstrument used to stretch standing riggings
Turning areaCircle whose ray is equal to the lenght of the scope within which a moored boat can rotate pushed by wind
TwistThe difference of the angle of a sail to the wind
UcinaItalian union gathering the most important shipbuilders and naval operators.
Unbend - verb -To remove sails
Unbend - verb -To divide two rope/chain ends linked by a shackle or a false link
Uncertainty triangleTriangle formed by the intersection of three bearings. It includes the area where the vessel is
Uniform.Term which represents ‚U‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Unloading bargeTo lighten the load of a ship in order to reduce its draught; generally used to allow a ship to enter harbours where sea bottom is low
Unrig, rig down - verb -To lower in the deck the uppest part of masts, common in ships where masts were made up of several parts
UTCAcronym which indicates the universal reference time.
V-driveA transmission mounted forward of the engine which reverses the direction of the shaft so that it can exit aft
VangTackle leading downward from a bridle on the boom
VaurienSailing two-seater boat with chine hull and dagger board, designed by Jean Jacques Herbulot in 1951.
Veer/ haul aft - verb -When wind rotates and the sailing point becomes more beared up while maintaining the same course
VentilatorAn air intake on deck which brings fresh air into interiors
Venturi.Giovan Battista, physicist(1746-1822). He discovered that the constriction of a tube section where a fluid is flowing provokes an increase in flowing speed and a decrease in pressure. The Venturi effect is used on sailing boats by creating a hole between the mainsail and the genoa; when air flowing speed increases, the mainsail traction on the leeward zone increases.
VHFVery High Frequency: Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 megahertz. Generally used to indicate on-board radios operating in that band.
Victor.Term which represents ‚V‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
Violent stormHuge waves which might hide even big ships. The sea is completely choppy. Wind nebulizes foam. Degree 11 of Beaufort Scale.
Visibility sectorVisibility arch of a lighthouse or a light
Von Karman's vortexTurbulences caused by wind which provoke, in their turn, strong wind and obscillations.
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.
X-Ray.Term which represents ‚X‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
YachtEnglish word generally referring to pleasure boats
YachtingThe act of engaging in sailing for pleasure.
YachtsmanA person devoted to yachting
YankeeJib or counter-jib with a very high clew
Yankee.Term which represents ‚Y‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.
YardShaft perpendicular to the mast which supports squaresails
Yard armEnd of the boom or yards
YawThe turning of a boat off course caused by seas arriving at an angle.
Yaw, broach - verb -Sudden violent luffing caused by wind and the rudder loss of control
yaw, come alongsideTo swing off course. To approach to another boat or to a dock
YawlBoat with two masts and the mizzen one abaft the rudder axis
Yoke line, steering chainPart of the rudder wheel transmission system
ZenitThe point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer
Zulu.Term which represents ‚Z‚ in the international phonetic alphabet.