Glossary Archive

A lever attached to the rudder head by which the helmsman moves the rudder

A measure used in satellite navigation systems, such as GPS, to quantify the effect of errors in the timing of satellite signals on the accuracy of position calculations. It represents how much the timing errors in the satellite signals dilute the overall precision of the position solution. A lower TDOP value indicates better timing accuracy...

A measure used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts to estimate the time until two moving objects (e.g., ships or aircraft) reach their closest point of proximity to each other, assuming their current courses and speeds remain unchanged. It is a crucial parameter in collision avoidance systems. Key Concepts: Closest Point of Approach (CPA): The...

Estimated time remaining to a waypoint giving an indication of arrival time

A region of the Earth where the same standard time is used. A time zone is a geographical area that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. The Earth is divided into 24 primary time zones, each generally corresponding to 15 degrees of longitude, reflecting the Earth's rotation and the division...

Flag semaphore indicating the letter T.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter T.

A low, raised edge running along the outer perimeter of a boat's deck, designed to provide footing stability and prevent gear or crew from slipping overboard. A toe rail is a critical feature on many sailing yachts and motorboats, serving both functional and safety purposes. Typically made from materials such as wood, aluminium, or fibreglass,...

Tomasz Schafernaker is a well-known meteorologist and television weather presenter for the BBC. Born on January 8, 1979, in Gdańsk, Poland, he moved to the United Kingdom when he was young and pursued a career in meteorology, developing a reputation for his engaging and sometimes humorous presentation style. Career Highlights Schafernaker joined the BBC Weather...

A line or wire used to support the boom of a sailboat when the sail is not hoisted, or to adjust the height of a spinnaker pole.  A topping lift is an essential component of a sailboat's rigging, serving multiple purposes depending on the type of sailboat and its configuration. Its primary function is to...