Glossary Archive





Block

A type of pulley system used to change the direction of a line, rope, or cable on a boat. Blocks consist of one or more grooved wheels, called sheaves, mounted within a frame. The line runs through the sheaves to create a mechanical advantage, making it easier to control sails, rigging, or other equipment on...


Boat Hook

A pole with a hook on the end, used to reach into the water to catch buoys or other floating objects.


Boat Wind

Just like running down the road or cycling downhill you will feel the wind on your face; boat wind is just the same. As the boat moves through the water she will be travelling forward so you will feel the effect on your face. Boat wind travels straight down the middle of the boat whichever...


Bollard

Strong fitting, firmly bolted to the deck, to which mooring lines are made fast. Large bollards are on quays, piers and pontoons


Boom

A horizontal spar used to extend the foot of a sail and control its angle to the wind.  A boom is an essential part of a sailing vessel's rigging, typically attached to the mast and extending along the bottom edge (foot) of a sail, most commonly the mainsail. Its primary function is to hold the...


Boom Out

On a run to thrust the Genoa out to windward so that it fills with wind


Bora

A strong, cold, and dry northeasterly katabatic wind that blows from the land to the sea, particularly along the eastern Adriatic coast. The bora is a regional wind phenomenon most commonly associated with the Adriatic Sea, particularly affecting areas such as the Croatian and Montenegrin coastlines, as well as parts of Italy and Slovenia. It...


Bosun

Short for boatswain, the Bosun is a senior crew member responsible for the vessel's maintenance, repair, and overall operation. The bosun oversees the deck crew, assigns tasks, and ensures all equipment and rigging are in good working order. They also play a key role in communicating orders between the captain and the deck crew.