A Complete List Of Sailing Terms

Sailing terminology and jargon can be difficult to understand for a complete beginner.

We've compiled a list of sailing terms, vocabulary, lingo, and phrases with their meanings and definitions.

Filter the sailing terms by letter:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

The sailing terms beginning with the letter A are:

Abaft: Toward the stern of a boat and behind the middle of the boat
Abandon Ship: An instruction to leave the boat immediately. This is an emergency situation and everyone needs to get off the boat
Abeam: On a line at right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length
Able Seaman: A crew member with experience and expertise in working on deck and handling the sailboat's rigging and equipment
Aboard: This is a nautical term to describe being on or in a boat
Above Board: This means anything on or above the boat deck
Adrift: Not anchored or not securely moored, drifting with the current or wind
Aft: The aft is the area at the back of the boat. It is also known as the stern
Aft cabin: This is a sleeping cabin at the aft side (rear) of the boat
Aftmost: Furthest towards the stern (back) of the boat
Aground: When the boat is resting on or touching the ground below the bottom of the water
A-hull: A-hull refers to a situation where a boat is secured to its anchor and is lying in the direction of the wind and waves, with all sails furled and no movement. This is typically done as a safety measure in severe weather conditions when the boat is in danger of capsizing or otherwise being damaged. It is also used as a strategy to wait out a storm or other adverse weather
Alee: Away from the wind
All Hands On Deck: This phrase is used to call all crew members to the deck of a sailing vessel, and is often used as a call to action in times of emergency. It is also considered a good omen for a ship to have all hands on deck before setting sail.
Aloft: Above the deck or in the upper parts of the mast or rigging
Anchor: A device used to hold or anchor a boat in a specific location on the water
Anchor Buoy: A buoy attached to an anchor that is used to indicate the location of the anchor on the bottom
Apeak: When the anchor is at the highest point of the bow when it is rode out
Apparent Wind: The wind direction and speed observed by the crew in combination with the true wind direction and speed, which can be different due to the boat's motion
Ashore: To or on the shore or land from the direction of the sea
Astern: Behind or at the rear of a boat. If a boat is traveling astern, it is going in reverse
Athwartship: Having a position across a vessel from side to side at right angles to the keel

B

The sailing terms beginning with the letter B are:

B & R Rigging: B&R rigging refers to a specific type of rigging system used on sailing boats. The B&R rigging system is a combination of a traditional forestay and backstay system, with a flexible rig that allows for a more efficient sail shape in a wide range of wind conditions
Back A Sail: Back a sail refers to the action of filling a sail with wind from the opposite direction, or "backwards" direction of the sailboat's forward motion. This is done by adjusting the sail and the direction of the boat so that the wind is blowing into the back of the sail, causing the sail to fill with wind and push the boat in the opposite direction. Backing a sail can be used to slow the boat down, change direction, or to help keep the boat in a specific location
Backstay: A rope or cable that runs from the mast to the stern of a sailboat. It is used to support the mast and control the shape of the sails
Baggywrinkle: A soft covering for cables to reduce sail chafe
Ballast: Ballast refers to the weight placed on the bottom of a sailboat to improve its stability and balance. The weight of the ballast helps to counteract the force of the wind on the sails
Ballast Keel: A vertical downward extension of the boat's hull, narrowly V-shaped. It is ballasted or weighted for stability and lateral resistance
Barque: This is a sailboat with 3 or more masts with all the masts being square-rigged except the sternmost, which is fore-and-aft-rigged
Batten: A batten is a primary structure of a mainsail. It supports the sail's shape
Beam: The width of the boat, measured at its widest point
Beam Reach: A point of sail in which the wind is coming from the side of the boat, resulting in the sails being at a 90-degree angle to the centerline of the boat
Bear Away: Bear away, also known as falling off, means to turn a boat away from the direction of the wind
Beat: This is sailing in a zig-zag formation toward the wind
Beaufort Scale: A scale used to measure wind speed and the resulting sea conditions. It is named after Francis Beaufort, an officer in the Royal Navy
Below Deck: Below deck in boating refers to the interior of a boat, typically the area below the main deck. This area is usually enclosed and protected from the elements, and typically includes living spaces such as cabins, heads (bathrooms), galley (kitchen), and salon (common area).
Bermuda Rig: A Bermuda rig, also known as a Marconi rig, is a type of sailboat rigging that is characterized by a triangular mainsail and a jib sail. The mainsail is attached to the mast and the boom, with the boom extending out from the mast. The jib sail is attached to the forestay, which is a cable or rope that runs from the bow of the boat to the mast
Bermuda Sloop: Bermuda sloop is a specific type of sailboat design that originated in Bermuda. It is characterized by a single mast, with a triangular mainsail and a jib sail, and it is the most popular sailboat design in the world. Bermuda sloops are known for their efficiency and ability to sail well in a wide range of wind conditions.
Berth: A bed or sleeping area on a boat. For example, a 6-berth boat is a boat that can sleep 6 people
Bight: A bend in a sailing rope
Bimini Top: A Bimini top is a type of boat cover or canopy that is mounted on the top of a sailboat, typically on the stern or the cockpit area. The Bimini top provides shade and protection from the sun and rain for the passengers and crew on the boat
Bilge: The lowest part of a boat's interior, typically located near the keel, where water collects and needs to be pumped out
Binnacle: A binnacle is a housing or container on a boat that is used to protect and secure a vessel's compass. It is typically located near the helm or steering station
Bon Voyage: This is a French phrase that literally means "good voyage" and is often used as a way to say "good luck" to someone setting out on a journey
Boom: A boom on a sailboat is a horizontal spar, or pole, that extends out from the mast of a sailboat. The boom is used to support and control the bottom edge, or foot, of a sail. The boom also helps to shape the sail and control the angle at which the wind hits it, allowing the boat to move efficiently through the water
Bosun: A crew member in charge of maintenance and upkeep of the boat's hull, rigging, and equipment.
Bow: The bow is the front area of a boat
Bridge: A room or platform area of a boat from which the boat can be operated
Brig: A sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts
Brigantine: A two-masted sailboat, square-rigged on the foremast but fore-and-aft-rigged on the mainmast
Bulkhead: A bulkhead refers to a vertical wall within the interior of a boat that helps to divide the space and provide structural support. They are typically found below deck on a sailboat
Bumper: A type of fender used to protect a boat from damage when it is moored or docked.
Buoy: It is a device or object that is placed in the sea to aid navigation. For racing, it's used to set the race course and for recreational sailing, it is used to mark areas to avoid (among a few other purposes)

C

The sailing terms beginning with the letter C are:

Cabin: This is a room inside a boat, typically found below the deck
Canvas: A boat canvas refers to the various types of fabric or material used on boats to provide protection, shade, and shelter. Types of canvas include Bimini top, sail cover, dodger, etc.
Capsize: When a boat heels over so far that the keel is lifted out of the water and the boat overturns
Captain: The person in command of the sailboat. They are responsible for operating the boat safely
Catamaran: Any vessel with two hulls
Center-board: A board lowered through a slot in the keel to reduce leeway
Chart Plotter: An electronic navigation device that plots the location and position of a sailboat on the water
Cleat: A cleat is a device used on boats to secure ropes or lines. It typically consists of two horizontal arms with holes or slots that can be tightened around a rope by pulling on the line and then making a turn or two around the arms. Cleats are used to secure lines when docking, mooring, or anchoring a boat, and can be found on the deck, gunwale, or cockpit of a boat
Clew: A clew is the lower aft corner of a sail
Clipper: A sailboat designed for speed
Cockpit: An enclosed space on a sailboat's deck where a sailboat is controlled or steered
Cook: A crew member responsible for preparing and cooking meals for the crew
Course: This is the direction in which a boat is traveling
Close-Hauled: A point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible

D

The sailing terms beginning with the letter D are:

Dead Reckoning: a method of navigation that involves calculating a ship's position by using information about its speed and direction over a certain period of time
Deadrise: The angle between the bottom of a boat and the horizontal plane of the water
Deck: The horizontal surface area on the top of the boat
Deckhand: A member of the crew responsible for various tasks such as hoisting sails, steering the ship, and maintaining the deck
Dock: A fixed structure attached to the shore to which a vessel is secured when in port
Downbound: This is when a vessel is traveling downstream
Draft: The depth of water a boat requires to float measured from the waterline to the lowest point of the hull
Drift: The sideways movement of a boat caused by wind or current
Drogue: A device that is towed behind a boat to slow it down or to keep it from drifting too quickly
Drowned Out: When the wind is too strong for the sails and the boat can no longer make headway

E

The sailing terms beginning with the letter E are:

Ease: To let out or slacken a line or sail
Emergency Tiller: A backup steering system for a boat, typically used when the regular steering system fails
Engineer: A crew member responsible for the maintenance and operation of the sailboat's engines and mechanical systems
Entering A Port: This refers to the process of navigating a boat into a harbor or marina
External Lead: This refers to the navigation method of determining the position of a boat by measuring the angle between two visible objects on shore or on buoys, using a lead line
Eye Of The Wind: The direction from which the wind is blowing
Eye-Splice: A way of creating a permanent loop in the end of a sailing rope

F

The sailing terms beginning with the letter F are:

Fair Winds And Following Seas: This phrase is often used as a wish for good luck and smooth sailing
Fairlead: A fitting through which ropes are led in order to change their direction or reduce friction
Fathom: A unit of measurement for depth, equal to six feet
Fender: A device placed between a boat and a dock or another boat to protect the boat from damage
First Mate: The officer in charge of the deck crew, responsible for navigation and safety
Foresail: A sail located at the front of a sailboat, also called jib
Freeboard: The distance from the waterline to the deck of a boat
Frigate: A type of ship, typically used for naval warfare or as a command ship for a fleet
Furl: To roll or wrap a sail around a boom or mast in order to take it down
Fetch: The distance over which a wind has blown without significant obstacle
Front: The boundary between two different air masses, often associated with changes in temperature and precipitation

G

The sailing terms beginning with the letter G are:

Gaff: A spar used to extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail
Gale: A strong wind with a speed of between 34-47 knots
Geared Winch: A mechanical winch that is powered by gears and used to raise or lower a sail
Genoa: A type of jib sail that is larger than a standard jib
Give-Way Vessel: A vessel required to take action to avoid a collision with another vessel as per the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGS)
Godspeed: This phrase is used to wish someone a safe and successful journey
Gunwale: The upper edge of the side of a boat
Gybe: A maneuver in which a boat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind and causing the sail to change sides
Gyroscopic Compass: A type of compass that uses a spinning wheel to provide stable and accurate heading information

H

The sailing terms beginning with the letter H are:

Heading: The direction in which a boat is pointed, usually measured in degrees from true or magnetic north
Heading Up: This refers to turning the bow of a sailboat towards the wind
Heavy Weather: Severe weather conditions such as high winds, heavy seas, and storms
Halyard: A rope or line used to hoist or lower a sail or flag. There is likely 1 halyard for each sail
Hard Alee: An order to turn the bow of the boat as far as possible in the opposite direction of the wind
Hatch: An opening in the deck of a boat, used for access to the interior or for ventilation
Headstay: The cable or rod that supports the forestay, and holds the mast in the forward direction
Helm: The helm of a sailboat is the steering mechanism of the boat, typically located at the back or the stern of the boat, and is used to control the direction of the boat. The helm is typically a wheel or tiller
Helmsman: The person who steers the boat
Helmsman's Seat: A seat located close to the helm, used by the helmsman to steer the boat
Hiking: When a crew member moves out on the rail of the boat to counteract the heeling force of the wind and keep the boat level
Hiking Strap: A strap used by a crew member to hold on to while hiking out on the rail of the boat
Hurricane: A severe tropical storm with winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or greater

I

The sailing terms beginning with the letter I are:

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea (COLREGS): A set of rules that govern the behavior of vessels on the water in order to prevent collisions
Inboard: A motor or engine that is located inside the boat, as opposed to an outboard motor which is mounted outside the boat
In Irons: A situation when a sailing vessel is stopped or hindered in its progression through the water because the wind is blowing directly onto the sail, preventing the vessel from moving forward
Inhaul: A line or rope used to adjust the position of a sail
Inshore: Close to the shore
Inner Forestay: A rope or cable that supports the mast and holds the jib or genoa sail in place
Iron Mike: This is a slang term for a sailboat's autopilot
Irons: When a boat is stopped or hindered in its progression through the water because the wind is blowing directly onto the sail, preventing the vessel from moving forward
Islands: Natural land formations that are surrounded by water

J

The sailing terms beginning with the letter J are:

Jib: A triangular sail located at the front of a sailboat, also known as a foresail
Jibe: A maneuver in which a boat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind and causing the sail to change sides
Jib Sheet: A line used to control the angle of the jib sail
Jumper Stay: An additional stay that supports the mast and is used to tension the headstay
Jib Tack: The lower forward corner of a jib sail
Jibing: Turning the boat so that the wind blows on the opposite side of the sail
Jib Hanks: metal or plastic clips that hold the jib sail to the forestay
Jib Furling: A system for rolling up a jib sail and securing it to the forestay when not in use

K

The sailing terms beginning with the letter K are:

Keel: A long, heavy structural member that runs along the bottom of a boat's hull, providing stability and helping to keep the boat upright
Knot: A unit of speed, equal to one nautical mile per hour
Kedge: A small anchor used to hold a boat in a particular position or to move a boat by hauling it on a line
King Plank: The centerline plank in the bottom of a boat that runs parallel to the keel
Knees: Strong brackets that are used to support the deck and reinforce the hull-to-deck joint of a boat
Knockdown: When a boat is hit by a large wave and it's knocked down on its side, causing water to flood the deck
Kedge Anchor: a small anchor used as a temporary anchor to hold a boat in a particular position

L

The sailing terms beginning with the letter L are:

Lazy Jacks: Lines or webbing that are used to guide the mainsail as it is lowered, making it easier to handle
Leach: The back edge of a sail
Lead Line: A line with a weight (lead) on the end, used to determine the depth of water beneath a boat
Leeward: The direction away from the wind
Luff: The leading edge of a sail, or the flapping or fluttering of a sail caused by wind coming from the wrong angle
Luffing: When a sail is flapping or fluttering caused by wind coming from the wrong angle
Lying Ahull: When a boat is allowed to drift without any sail set, used in heavy weather to prevent capsizing
Life Jacket: A device worn by people on boats to keep them afloat in case of emergency, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD)
Lifeline: A safety line that runs around the perimeter of a boat, used to prevent crew members from falling overboard
Log: A device used to measure the speed of a boat through the water
Long keel: A type of keel that extends the full length of the boat's hull, providing stability and helping to keep the boat upright

M

The sailing terms beginning with the letter M are:

Mainsail: The largest sail on a sailboat, located at the back of the boat and controlled by the main sheet
Main Sheet: A line used to control the angle of the mainsail
Mast: The tall vertical spar that supports the sails of a boat
Moor: To tie or anchor a boat in a specific location
Mooring: A location where a boat can be tied or anchored
Motor Sailor: A boat with both a sail and an engine propulsion
Mainsail Halyard: A rope or line used to hoist the mainsail
Mark: A buoy or other object used as a reference point for navigation
Mariner's Compass: A type of compass that is used on boats and ships, typically featuring a magnetized needle that points towards magnetic north.
Man Overboard (MOB): A situation in which someone falls off a boat and into the water

N

The sailing terms beginning with the letter N are:

Nautical Mile: A unit of measuring distance at sea that is used in navigation, equal to 1.85 kilometers
Navigation Lights: lights required by international regulations to be displayed on boats in order to indicate the boat's position and direction of travel at night
Navigation: The process of planning, tracking, and controlling the movement of a boat or ship
Navigator: The officer responsible for charting the sailboat's course, using navigation instruments and maps
Navigational Aids: Any device or system that helps a boat or ship navigate, such as buoys, lighthouses, and radar.
Nautical Chart: A map specifically designed for navigation on the water, showing water depths, coastlines, navigational hazards, and other important information
Natural Navigation: the traditional method of navigation using natural cues such as the stars, sun, moon, and the movement of ocean currents and waves
Navigation Rules: A set of regulations that govern the movement of boats and ships in order to prevent collisions
Navigation Software: Computer programs that assist in navigation by providing information such as navigation chart, water depth, weather forecasts and routes
Navigation Lights: Lights that are required by international regulations to be displayed on boats and ships in order to indicate the vessel's position and direction of travel at night
Navigational Sextant: An instrument used for measuring the angle between two visible objects, typically the horizon and a celestial body, used for navigation and determining a vessel's position at sea

O

The sailing terms beginning with the letter O are:

Outboard: Also called outboard motor, an outboard refers to a motor or engine that is mounted outside the boat, as opposed to an inboard motor which is located inside the boat.
Overboard: When something falls or is thrown off the boat into the water
Offshore: Away from the shore
Off The Wind: Sailing with the wind blowing from behind the boat.
Outhaul: A line or rope used to adjust the position of a sail.
Outrigger: An extension or framework that is attached to the side of a boat to increase stability.
Overfall: A type of wave that forms when the wind and current are opposing, leading to steep, breaking waves.
Overhead: The highest point in a boat, typically the top of the cabin or the coach roof
Owner's Cabin: A room in a boat that is reserved for the owner, usually the largest and most comfortable cabin

P

The sailing terms beginning with the letter P are:

Paddle: A tool used for propelling a boat through the water, typically consisting of a long shaft with a flat blade on one end
Piling: A vertical structural member driven into the bottom of a body of water to support a dock or pier
Porthole: A small window in the hull of a boat that provides light and ventilation to the interior
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): A device worn by people on boats to keep them afloat in case of emergency, also known as a life jacket
Port: The left side of a boat when facing the bow (front)
Pitch: The up-and-down movement of a boat caused by waves
Planking: The process of covering a boat's hull with thin wooden planks
Planking Seam: The joint between two adjacent planks on a boat's hull
Point Of Sail: This is the direction you are going relative to the direction from where the wind is coming
Propeller: A device that is attached to the bottom of a boat's hull, used to propel the boat through the water

Q

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Q are:

Quartering Sea: Waves that are coming from the side of a boat at a 45-degree angle
Quarterdeck: The area of a sailboat located at the aft (rear) of the main deck, traditionally reserved for the ship's officers on larger boats
Quartermaster: A crew member responsible for steering the sailboat, and also sometimes responsible for navigation. They are most commonly found on large sailboats and ships
Quay: A man-made structure built alongside a body of water to provide a place for boats to tie up and load or unload cargo
Quicksilver: An older term for Mercury, it was used to refer to a liquid in a barometer or thermometer
Quartering: When a boat is sailing at an angle to the wind, with the wind blowing from the side
Quartering Wind: A wind that is blowing on the side of the boat
Quilting: A technique used to make a piece of clothing or sail that involves stitching together multiple layers of material
Quoins: Blocks of wood or metal used to adjust the tension on a sail
Quick Release: a device that allows you to quickly release a rope or line under load

R

The sailing terms beginning with the letter R are:

Rudder: A flat underwater structure located at the stern of a boat. It is used to steer the boat
Reef: To reduce the size of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it and fastening it in place to reduce the sail's wind-catching surface
Rope: a strong cord made of natural or synthetic fibers, used for a variety of purposes on a boat, including hoisting sails, tying up to a dock, and securing gear
Running Lights: Lights that are required by international regulations to be displayed on boats and ships in order to indicate the vessel's position and direction of travel at night
Rigging: The ropes, cables, and chains that are used to support the mast and control the sails of a boat
Rode: The anchor line and chain used to secure a boat to the sea floor
Rocker: The curvature of a boat's bottom from the centerline to the keel
Roller Furling: A system for rolling up a sail and securing it to the mast or boom when not in use
Roller Reefing: A method of reefing a sail in which the sail is rolled around a foil on the mast or boom
Right Of Way: The responsibility of a vessel to give way to other vessels as per the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGS)

S

The sailing terms beginning with the letter S are:

Safe Harbor: A safe harbor is considered a symbol of good luck for sailors
Sheet: A rope used to control the position of a sail
Shroud: A rope or cable that runs from the mast to the side of the boat to provide support for the mast
Starboard: The right side of the boat when facing forward
Stern: The rear end of the boat
Starboard Tack: Sailing with the wind coming from the right side of the boat
Steward/Stewardess: A crew member responsible for the provisioning, cleaning, and maintenance of the sailboat's interior
Spinnaker: A large, triangular sail used when sailing downwind
Sail: A sheet of fabric that is attached to a mast and used to propel a boat through the wind
Skipper: The person in charge of a sailboat
Spar: A wooden or metal pole that supports a sail
Shackle: A U-shaped metal fastener with a pin that is used to connect ropes or cables to the boat
Scull: A method of steering a boat by using a oar or paddle at the stern of the boat
Shrouds: A set of ropes or cables that run from the top of the mast to the sides of the boat to provide support for the mast
Scuttlebutt: A nautical term for gossip or rumors
Sea Room: The amount of space around a boat that is necessary to safely navigate
Sea State: The condition of the surface of a body of water, often used to describe the roughness of the water during bad weather
Sextant: An instrument used for navigation at sea, used to measure the angle between two visible objects, typically the horizon and a celestial object, in order to determine the ship's position
Spinnaker: A spinnaker is a sail designed specifically for sailing off the wind on courses between a reach (wind at 90° to the course) to downwind (course in the same direction as the wind)
Storm Sail: A sail that is designed for use in heavy weather
Steering Compass: A compass mounted on or near the helm of a boat that is used to help the helmsman steer the boat
Shipshape: A term used to describe a boat that is well-maintained and in good condition
Squall: A sudden, strong wind often accompanied by rain or snow
Swell: Large ocean waves that are caused by distant storms or winds

T

The sailing terms beginning with the letter T are:

Tack: The direction in which a sailboat is moving
Topsail: A sail set above the main sail on a ship's mast
Tiller: A handle or lever used to steer a boat
Trim: The adjustment of a sail's angle to the wind to optimize the boat's speed and direction
Tacking: The act of turning a sailboat into the wind in order to change direction
Tender: A small boat used to transport people or goods to and from a larger boat
Tumblehome: The inward slope of a sailboat's sides above the waterline
Topsides: The upper side of a ship's hull above the waterline
Tugboat: A powerful boat used to tow or move other boats or ships
Thwart: A seat that runs across a boat, typically used in a canoe or rowboat
Tarpaulin: A heavy-duty waterproof sheet used to cover and protect equipment on a boat
Telltale: A small flag or ribbon used to indicate the direction of the wind
Topsheets: The sheets that control the uppermost sails of a square-rigged vessel
Towing: The act of pulling a boat or ship behind another using a line or cable
Toe Rail: A narrow rail along the edge of the deck used to prevent water from running onto the deck
Trough: An elongated area of low pressure often associated with stormy weather
Thunder Squall: A sudden, severe thunderstorm with high winds and heavy precipitation

U

The sailing terms beginning with the letter U are:

Underway: Describes a boat that is not anchored or aground
Upwind: Sailing towards the direction from which the wind is blowing
Unfurl: To release and extend a sail from a furled position
Uphaul: A rope or line used to raise a sail
Underwater Gear: Equipment or gear used for activities under the water surface, such as diving gear or fishing gear
Upstream: Against the direction of a current or flow
Underbody: The bottom of a boat or ship's hull
Underwater Lights: Lights used to illuminate the underwater area around a boat
Underwater Soundings: Measurements taken to determine the depth of water beneath a boat
Unfurl: To release and extend a sail from a furled position
Unstep: To remove a mast from a boat
Upwind: Sailing towards the direction from which the wind is blowing
Unbend: To remove a sail from a boat or to remove a rope from a cleat or winch
Unmoor: To release a boat from its moorings

V

The sailing terms beginning with the letter V are:

Veer: To change the direction of the wind
VHF Radio: A radio used for communication on boats and ships, operating on very high frequency
Vang: A rope or lever used to control the angle of a sail
Ventilator: A device used to allow air to flow into a boat
Vane: A device used to determine wind direction
Velocity: The speed at which a boat or ship is moving
Valve: A device used to control the flow of fluids or gases
VHF Antenna: A type of antenna that is used for VHF radios
Velocimeter: An instrument used to measure the speed of a boat through the water.
Visibility: The maximum distance at which an object can be seen
Vent: A hole or opening on the sailboat that allows air or gases to escape

W

The sailing terms beginning with the letter W are:

Wake: The trail of water left behind a sailboat as it moves
Waterline: The line where the water meets the side of a boat or ship
Windward: The direction from which the wind is blowing
Watertight: Describes a boat that is designed to prevent water from entering
Wharf: A platform or dock used for loading and unloading boats and ships
Warps: Ropes or lines used to secure a boat or ship to a dock or buoy
Windlass: A mechanical device used to raise or lower an anchor
Watertight Bulkhead: A partition that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat or ship
Watertight Door: A door that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat
Windlass: A mechanical device used to raise or lower an anchor
Whipping: A method of securing the end of a rope to prevent fraying
Watertight Hatch: A hatch that is designed to prevent water from penetrating the interior of a boat or ship
Waterspout: A type of tornado that forms over water
Wench: A mechanical device used for hauling or lifting heavy loads on a boat

X

The sailing terms beginning with the letter X are:

X-Yachts: A brand of luxury performance sailing yachts
X-Bow: A type of bow design that features a sharp, vertical bow that is designed to reduce slamming in heavy seas

Y

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Y are:

Yard: A spar that extends horizontally from the mast of a sailboat, used to support and shape the sails
Yaw: When a boat deviates from its course, typically caused by wind, waves, or steering issues

Z

The sailing terms beginning with the letter Z are:

Zephyr: A light breeze often used to refer to a gentle wind in sailing terms
Zigzag: A course that changes direction frequently, often used to avoid obstacles or to make progress in difficult wind conditions
Zone of Confidence: The area around a sailboat where the skipper is confident of his/her ability to handle the sailing vessel safely

Frequently Asked Questions About Sailing Terminology

Below are the most commonly asked questions about sailing terminology.

What Are The Most Popular Sailing Terms?

The most popular sailing terms are bow, port, stern, starboard, helm, keel, rigging, rudder, sails, deck, below deck, above deck, inboard, outboard, jib, anchor, skipper, aft, captain, rope, berths, knot, tack, mast, boom, mainsail, heading, furling, visibility, buoy, batten, main sheet, dock, offshore, inshore, nautical mile, man overboard, personal flotation device, reef, life jackets, hull and mooring.

What Are The Least Popular Sailing Terms?

The least popular sailing terms are iron mike, irons, toe rail, zephyr, scuttlebutt, rocker, luffing, shipshape, sea room, zigzag, quartering sea, beat, piling, and quilting.

What Are Sailing Terms For Wind?

Sailing terms for wind are windward, leeward, close-hauled, beam reach, running, tacking, jibing, true wind, apparent wind, fetch, and beaufort scale.

What Are Sailing Terms For Good Luck?

Sailing terms for good luck are bon voyage, all hands on deck, fair winds and following seas, godspeed and safe harbor.

What Are Sailing Terms For The Crew?

Sailing terms that pertain to the crew include captain, first mate, navigator, bosun, deckhand, quartermaster, able seamen, steward/stewardess, engineer and cook.

What Are Sailing Terms For Sails?

Sailing terms for sails are mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker, boom, halyard, sheet, clew, tack, reef, leach, and luff.

What Are Sailing Terms For Bad Weather & Storms?

Sailing terms for bad weather and storms are squall, gale, storm, hurricane, trough, front, sea state, swell, thunder squall and fetch.

What Are Sailing Terms For Beginners?

Sailing terms for beginners are hull, mast, sail, boom, rudder, keel, anchor, port, starboard, bow, captain, skipper, stern, deck, cabin, cleat and tack.

What Are Sailing Terms For Parts Of The Sailboat?

Sailing terms for parts of the sailboat are hull, mast, boom, rigging, standing rigging, running rigging, bow, stern, deck, cabin, bow pulpit, stern pulpit, gunwale, keel, rudder, tiller, winch, cleat, chocks and chain plates.