Navigating Sailing Speak: Basic Sailing Terms to Know

If you’re reading this, chances are, you are new to the world of sailing and would like to know more.

As you’re doing research, you’ve probably encountered a variety of confusing terms. For example, what exactly is a ‘baggywrinkle’, and what do they mean by ‘abandon ship’?

Before you start panicking, take a deep breath!

BASCO has got you covered with our comprehensive list of sailing terms you need to know.

Nautical Directions

We use different words for directions at sea, as directions are based on the boat’s direction relative to the points of a compass.

When you are out on open waters, it can be hard to tell which is left or right. Nautical directions refer unequivocally to the left and right sides of the ship, not the observer.

In other words, the port side of the boat always refers to the same structure, regardless of the observer’s orientation.

This practice enables crew members to communicate and navigate without needing to know which direction they are facing, making it crucial for maritime safety.

Adrift

This refers to the boat’s unmanned state. It is not attached to anything, so it will simply float where the wind or current takes it.

Afloat

If you see a vessel that is floating freely (neither aground nor sunk), then it is afloat. Though it is pretty similar to ‘adrift’, ‘afloat’ can also refer to objects and people.

Aloft

The stacks, masts, rigging, or other area above the ship’s uppermost solid structure.

Port Side

The port side refers to the left side of a ship when an observer is facing the bow (front). It is the opposite of the starboard side.

Starboard Side

Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became “starboard side” by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning “steer”) and bord (meaning “the side of a boat”).

Common Boat Sailing Terms

Abandon Ship

This is a rather literal phrase, and you might’ve even heard it in movies!

Basically, it means that you need to evacuate the ship, often due to some sort of danger to those onboard. So if you hear this phrase, be sure to find a lifeboat.

About

This means that you need to prepare to change the course of the boat. If you hear ‘ready about’, you’ll need to prepare the tacking.

Anchor

This is also another term you might be familiar with!

A sea anchor is an object that functions to slow or stop the boat from drifting further. It is commonly made of metal, with hooks designed to grip onto whatever it can below water.

Baggywrinkle

There are many points where the sails would come into contact with the standing rigging. A ‘baggywrinkle’ is a soft covering that helps to lessen sail chafing.

For instance, it would cover the anchor cable, shrouds, stays, and all sorts of other rigs.

Ballast

The ‘ballast’ is a heavy material located in a low position of a vessel to provide stability. It is either a moveable object, such as stone, or it can be permanently installed to the boat.

Bareboat Charter

This is an arrangement for those who want to hire or charter a boat. However, ‘bareboat’ indicates that there will be no crew or services provided.

In this case, you would need to cover such things out of your own pocket.

Beam

The ‘beam’ represents the width of the boat, typically measured from its’ widest point. It may also be used to describe the maximum width of the ship’s hull.

Bermuda Sloop

A sailing vessel with a single mast and a single headsail.

Berth

Berths, in terms of ‘mooring’, is a designated area in a port or harbour meant to moor your vessel when not at sea.

A ‘berth’ can also refer to the sleeping accommodations on a ship.

Bilge Keel

Found on most boats, a ‘bilge keel’ is situated on the sides of the boats to reduce rolling.

Cockpit

Like in aeroplanes, a boat’s ‘cockpit’ is where all the controls are located.

Deck

This is a permanent covering over a hull or compartment of a ship.

Fender

A ‘fender’ basically acts as a bumper that absorbs the shock of impact against jetties, quay walls or other boats. These are typically found on the side of the boat.

Fore and Aft Sail

Usually triangular, this sail is set completely aft of a mast or stay, parallel to the ship’s keel, and takes the wind on either side.

Hull

The watertight body of the ship is referred to as the ‘hull’. It may be open at the top, or it can be fully/partially covered by a deck, depending on the vessel.

Keel

This is a longitudinal structure found at the very bottom of a boat. On certain vessels, it functions to provide a counterbalance.

Luff

The forward edge of a sail. To luff up is to turn the boat’s head right into the wind.

Mooring

A ‘mooring’ is a permanent structure to which you can secure your vessel. You can find them on jetties, piers, quays, and many more.

Naval Ships

A naval ship is a military ship used by a navy.

These ships can be differentiated from civilian ships by construction and purpose. It can typically sustain damage and is armed with weapon systems.

Rudder

The main control used to steer a vessel is called a ‘rudder’, and it typically moves through a fluid medium such as water and air.

Square Sail

A square sail is a four-cornered sail supported by a yard attached to a mast.

Tack

Port tack is when the wind is coming over the port side of the boat, while starboard tack is when the wind is coming over the starboard side.

Easily navigate the new waters of boating with BASCO!

There is much confusion and uncertainty for newcomers, from sailing etiquette to getting the right paperwork in order. It can be hard and discouraging to brush up on all this knowledge before you can even buy your boat.

How would you know which information is reliable? Does this boat dealer have your best interest at heart?

And if you are completely new to the boating community, you probably feel like a fish out of water – how (and who) do you ask for guidance when you don’t know what you don’t know?

As leading experts in the boating industry, BASCO has utilised our years of expertise to create a comprehensive, all-you-need-to-know guide for First Time Boat Buyers (FTBB) and First Time Boaters (FTB).

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