Glossary Archive

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter X.

Pronounced: ECKS-ray The term for the letter X in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

The lateral distance and drift between a vessel's actual position and the intended navigational track or course. Cross Track Error (XTE) is a useful concept in marine navigation, particularly when using electronic navigation systems such as GPS or chart plotters. It measures how far a vessel has deviated from its planned course, expressed as a...

A yacht is a recreational boat or ship, typically larger than a standard pleasure craft. Yachts are often used for private cruising, racing, or chartering. They can range in size from small sailing to large motor yachts and are designed for leisure activities on the water.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course teaches celestial navigation and advanced passage planning for long-distance offshore sailing. Participants learn to use a sextant for position fixing, analyze global weather systems, and plan transoceanic voyages. This course is essential for those pursuing the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification or preparing for extended offshore adventures.

Pronounced: YANG-kee The term for the letter Y in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

A horizontal spar on a sailing vessel attached to the mast and used to support and spread a square sail. A yard is an essential component of the rigging on traditional sailing ships, particularly those with square-rigged sails. It is a long, horizontal spar secured to the mast at its midpoint. The yard's primary function...

Nickname for the Beaufort Scale - Force 6 "Yachtsman's gale" is often used to describe the wind strength of Force 6. It gets its name because many skippers decide that it is too strong for relaxed, safe sailing and choose to stay in the harbour in the wind this strength or above.

A two-masted sailing vessel with the smaller mizzen mast positioned aft of the rudder post. A yawl is a type of sailing craft characterised by its two masts: a larger mainmast and a smaller mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is located aft (behind) the rudder post, which distinguishes it from a ketch, where the mizzenmast is forward...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Yankee. Meaning I am dragging my anchor.