Glossary Archive

The velocity at which a vessel moves relative to the water it is travelling through, excluding the effects of current or tidal flow. Speed through water refers to the rate at which a vessel progresses through the water itself, as opposed to its speed over the ground, which includes the influence of currents and tides....

To ease the sheets so that the sail is only partly filled by the wind, the rest being spilt

A large, lightweight, and often colourful sail designed for use when sailing downwind, typically set forward of the mainsail to maximise speed and efficiency. A spinnaker is a specialised sail used on sailing vessels to take advantage of wind coming from behind the boat, known as downwind sailing. It is distinct from other sails due...

A spar used on sailing vessels to control one clew of a spinnaker sail when sailing downwind. A spinnaker pole is a key piece of equipment used in sailing, specifically when deploying a spinnaker sail, which is a large, lightweight sail designed for use when sailing with the wind behind the boat. The spinnaker pole...

A projecting shoal or strip of land connected to the shore

A method of joining two ropes or lines by interweaving their strands to form a strong, secure connection. A splice is a fundamental technique in marine ropework, used to create a permanent or semi-permanent connection between two ropes or to form a loop (eye) at the end of a rope. Unlike knots, which can weaken...

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels above certain power or length limits in German waters.  The Sportbootführerschein (SBF) is a mandatory licence for recreational boaters in Germany, covering both inland and coastal waters. It is divided into two main categories: the Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen) for inland waterways and...

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels on inland waterways.  The Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen) is a mandatory licence in Germany for those operating recreational boats with an engine of 15 horsepower (11.03 kW) or more on inland waterways, including rivers, lakes, and canals. The licence is available for both...

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels with an engine of more than 15 horsepower in coastal waters.  The Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See) is the official German boating licence for navigating coastal and offshore waters beyond inland waterways. It is mandatory for operating recreational boats with an engine exceeding 15...

A German recreational boating licence required for operating yachts under sail or power in coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles offshore.  The Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS) is a voluntary but widely recognised German boating licence for recreational sailors and motorboat operators. It is intended for those who wish to skipper yachts in coastal waters, specifically within...