Sailing Glossary
The vocabulary of the boat — defined plainly, indexed alphabetically.
Steering away from the wind.
The horizontal spar that holds the foot of the mainsail.
The bottom edge of a sail.
A line used to raise a sail.
Steering closer to the wind.
The body of the boat — the part that sits in the water.
The headsail set forward of the mast.
A turn that brings the stern of the boat through the wind.
The fixed fin under the boat that resists sideways motion.
The course on which a boat can fetch the next mark without tacking or jibing.
The trailing edge of a sail.
The side of the boat (or course) the wind is going to.
The leading edge of a sail, or the fluttering that happens when a sail loses pressure.
The primary sail, set behind the mast on the boom.
The left side of the boat when facing forward.
Sailing with the wind coming from the side.
The underwater fin used to steer.
A line used to control the trim of a sail.
The right side of the boat when facing forward.
A turn that brings the bow of the boat through the wind.
Speed measured toward the next mark, not through the water.
The side of the boat (or course) the wind is coming from.