Glossary Archive

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...

The interior spaces of a vessel that are located beneath the main deck, typically encompassing living quarters, storage areas, and machinery spaces. Below deck describes all areas of a boat or ship that lie beneath the main deck, which is the primary horizontal structure forming the upper surface of a vessel. These spaces are integral...

A type of sail plan characterised by a triangular mainsail set aft of the mast, with the mast typically taller than the length of the boat. A Bermudan rig, also known as a Marconi rig, is one of the most common types of sail configurations used on modern sailing vessels, particularly yachts. The rig consists...

A place where a vessel can be tied up;  A sleeping place on a vessel; To give an obstruction wide clearance by keeping well clear

Combined red (port) and green (starboard) light positioned on the bow

A loop created in the standing part of a rope.

A pump used to remove unwanted water from the lowest internal parts of a vessel. It may be electric, manual or portable, and is normally arranged so water collecting in the bilges can be discharged overboard. Automatic pumps often use a float switch, while manual pumps provide a backup if electrical power is unavailable. The...

The compartment at the bottom of the hull of a ship or boat where water collects and must be pumped out of the vessel.

A canvas or fabric top supported by a metal frame, typically found on boats to provide shade and protection from the sun.  A Bimini is a popular addition to many boats, particularly those used for leisure and fishing, as it offers protection from the sun while allowing for an open-air experience. It is usually made...