Glossary Archive

Sports boats are sailing vessels designed with one thought in mind - speed! There are many different classes (designs) of sports boats that often race in 'one design' classes which mean there are no handicap calculations to take into account. It's all down to the crew to fight out for the final podium positions.

A protective canvas or fabric structure, often supported by a metal frame, installed over the companionway of a boat to shield the cockpit and crew from wind, spray, and rain. A spray hood, also known as a dodger in some regions, is a key feature on many sailing yachts and motorboats, designed to enhance comfort...

Horizontal or angled spars attached to a yacht's mast, used to hold the shrouds away from the mast and improve the stability and tension of the rigging. Spreaders are a component of a sailing yacht's rigging system, playing a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the mast and sails. They are...

The difference in height between HW and LW on a Mean (average) spring tide.

Mooring lines fastened to prevent a boat moving forwards or backwards relative to the quay or other boats alongside

A tide with the greatest difference between high and low water occurring when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during new and full moons. A spring tide is a natural tidal phenomenon that occurs twice each lunar month during the new and full moon phases. It is characterised by the largest tidal range, the...

A sudden increase of wind speed often associated with a line of low dark clouds representing an advancing cold front

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest), each representing a range of sustained wind speeds and associated impacts. The scale was developed in the early 1970s by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert...

Vertical post or support, typically made of metal, used on a vessel to hold lifelines, guardrails, or other safety barriers in place. Stanchions are an essential component of a vessel's safety infrastructure, providing support for lifelines or guardrails that prevent crew and passengers from accidentally falling overboard. These upright posts are usually constructed from durable...

A set of internationally agreed-upon phrases used to ensure clear, concise, and unambiguous communication at sea, particularly between vessels and shore stations. Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) were developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance safety at sea by reducing the risk of misunderstandings caused by language barriers. They provide a structured and...