AFT: To the rear or
stern of the vessel.
BEAM: The width of a vessel at its
widest point.
BELOW: "Downstairs."
BERTH: A bed or bunk on the vessel,
usually built in.
BIMINI: An awning or canvas that provides
shade on deck.
BOOM: 1) The spar extending from a
mast to hold or extend the foot of a sail. 2) The sound when said spar strikes the head of charterer...
BOW: The front, or "pointy end"
of the vessel.
BOW-SPRIT: A spar extending forward
from the stem of a vessel, usually for the purpose of carrying sail farther forward.
BRIDGE: The platform above the main
deck from which the vessel is piloted. BULKHEADS: The vertical surfaces or walls within a vessel for structural as well as space planning purposes.
BUNK: 1) A bed or pair of beds on
a vessel usually built in, with one above the other. 2) A charter booking unaccompanied by a check.
CABIN: The living quarters aboard
a vessel.
CENTERBOARD: An adjustable keel that
drops through a slot in the bottom of a boat to provide ballast and sailing stability.
COCKPIT: An open area, usually near
the stern from which the vessel can be steered.
DODGER: A wrap-around awning in front
of the cockpit to protect the crew from weather. DRAFT/DRAUGHT: 1)The depth of a vessel below the water line. 2) A pleasurable libation frequently responsible
for the necessity of a wardrobe "refit."
FIDDLE: 1) An edging on tables, countertops,
and other yacht furniture to hold items in place. 2) What sailors are constantly doing to trim and adjust the sails
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FORWARD: Towards the bow of the boat.
GAFF: 1) The spar used to extend the
head of a sail. 2) Affectionate term for a long-time charter customer as in "he's kind of an old gaffer, but
he charters every year from Newport, so I guess we should send him a Christmas card."
GALLEY: The nautical term for kitchen.
HATCH: An opening in the deck, leading
below or providing ventilation.
HEAD: The nautical term for bathroom/WC.
So called because on early sailing ships it was located at the head or bow of the vessel.
HELM: The steering wheel or tiller
of the boat.
HULL: The body of the vessel.
KEEL: The portion of the hull which
protrudes farthest beneath the water line, usually ballasted to provide stability.
KNOT: One nautical mile per hour.
Originally measured with a fourteen second "sand glass" while counting the number of knots on a trailing
line that slipped by the rail of the vessel.
LOA: "Length over all,"
or the overall length of the vessel.
MAST: Any vertical spar provided to
support sails or equipment such as radar antennae, etc.
NAUTICAL MILE: 1.151 statute mile.
PILOT BERTH: A small bunk, usually
amidships in the saloon, to allow the captain or off duty watch quick access to deck or the navigation station. |
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PILOT HOUSE: The enclosed area on the deck
or bridge from which the vessel is controlled when underway.
PORT: The left-hand side of a vessel.
PORTHOLE: A small, usually circular
opening in the side or cabin of the vessel.
REFIT: 1) The nautical equivalent of `renovation of a vessel'. 2) The process
of letting out your entire wardrobe at the waist after three weeks of luxurious yachting.
SETTEE: Built-in bench(es) usually with cushions
for dining, either on deck or below.
SKIPPER: The captain or operator of
a vessel.
SOLE: The floor or deck of any enclosed
portion of the vessel.
SPAR: Horizontal or vertical poles
attached to the vessel for either support of the sails or accessories, etc. (see mast).
STARBOARD: The right-hand side of
the vessel
STERN: 1) The portion of the hull farthest aft or towards the rear. 2) The
demeanor of charter yacht captains that insures they won't be seeing any repeat business next year.
TABERNACLE: A box like support in
which the foot of the mast pivots to facilitate lowering. TRANSOM: The aft most position of the stern, usually displaying the name of the vessel.
UPPER-LOWER: A cabin with bunk beds.
(see bunk).
V-BERTH: A double bunk in the bow of a boat that is shaped like a vee where
the hull narrows.
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