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...

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 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.

Used to empty unwanted water from the vessel. Can be automatic, manual and mobile and are usually positioned to collect the water from the lowest part of the bilges.

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...