Glossary Archive

A thin, flat strip of wood, plastic, or fibreglass inserted into a sail to help maintain its shape and improve performance A batten is an essential component in the design of many sails, particularly in modern sailing vessels. Traditionally, sails were made from natural fibres, and their shape was maintained primarily by the tension applied...

A reinforced sleeve sewn into a sail to hold a batten, which helps maintain the sail's shape. A batten pocket is an essential feature of many sails, particularly on mainsails and some headsails, where it serves to hold battens securely in place. Battens are long, thin strips made from materials such as fibreglass, carbon fibre,...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Bravo. Meaning I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.

Running a vessel deliberately onto the shore or a drying area. This may be done with suitable craft for landing, inspection, emergency action or taking the ground in a planned location. The surface, gradient, tide, wave action and hull shape all matter. A falling tide can leave the vessel unsupported or exposed to damage if...

A fixed or floating signal, often a light or radio transmitter, used to guide mariners or mark hazards in navigable waters. A beacon is an essential navigational aid in maritime contexts, serving as a visual or electronic signal to assist vessels in determining their position, avoiding dangers, or steering towards safe passages. Beacons can take...

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....

Altering course away from the wind. This moves the vessel onto a wider wind angle, such as from close-hauled to a reach or from a reach towards a run. The sails normally need to be eased as the apparent wind moves aft. It may be done to avoid another vessel, follow a planned course, reduce...

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,...

The direction from a vessel's current position to a predetermined navigational point or waypoint. In marine navigation, Bearing to Waypoint is a concept used to guide a vessel towards a specific location, often defined by coordinates or a known landmark. The bearing is expressed in degrees, typically relative to true north or magnetic north, depending...