Glossary Archive

The widest part of a vessel, measured at its broadest point across the hull. The term beam is a fundamental concept in nautical terminology, referring to the maximum width of a boat or ship, typically measured at the midpoint of the vessel's length. The beam is a critical dimension in naval architecture, as it directly...

The point of sail where the wind is coming from directly abeam, or at a right angle to the boat's centreline.  A beam reach is one of the most efficient and comfortable points of sail, as the wind is blowing across the side of the boat, typically at a 90-degree angle to the vessel's direction....

To alter course away from the wind

The direction or angle between a reference point, typically true north, and an object or destination, usually expressed in degrees. A bearing in maritime navigation refers to the horizontal angle between a reference direction, commonly true north or magnetic north, and the direction to a specific object or destination. Bearings are typically measured in degrees,...

Bearing to waypoint refers to the direction to reach a specific point, known as a waypoint. The bearing is given as the crow flies and does not consider navigational hazards or land between the vessel and the waypoint. It is given as an angle in degrees relative to true north. Bearing to waypoint is a...

Sailing towards the wind with the sails hauled in tight

A scale used for estimating and reporting wind speeds based on observed sea conditions. British Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort developed it in the early 19th century. The scale ranges from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force), with each number corresponding to a range of wind speeds and their effects on the sea. The Beaufort Scale...

Below deck refers to the interior spaces of a vessel located beneath the main deck or upper deck. These areas typically include crew quarters, engine rooms, storage compartments, and other functional spaces not visible from the vessel's exterior. "Below deck" is a common term used in the maritime industry to differentiate between a ship's above-deck...

A triangular mainsail, without any upper spar, which is hoisted up the mast by a single halyard attached to the head of the sail. This configuration, introduced to Europe about 1920, allows the use of a tall mast, enabling sails to be set higher where wind speed is greater.

A type of sail rig characterised by a tall, triangular mainsail set behind a single mast, commonly used on modern sailing yachts and dinghies.  The Bermuda rig, also known as a Marconi rig, is the most prevalent sail configuration in modern sailing vessels. It consists of a single mast with a triangular mainsail and often...