Glossary Archive

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

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...

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

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...

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

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.

The forward part of a vessel, designed to cut through the water and reduce resistance. The bow of a vessel is its frontmost section, typically shaped to minimise drag and allow the boat to move efficiently through the water. It is a critical part of a vessel's design, as its shape and structure influence the...

A rope used to secure the bow of a vessel to a dock or another fixed object. A bow line is a critical part of a vessel's mooring system, specifically designed to secure the front (bow) of the boat to a dock, pier, or another vessel. This line prevents the boat's bow from drifting away...

A type of knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope, commonly employed in maritime settings for securing or towing. The bowline is one of the most widely used and trusted knots in the maritime world due to its reliability and ease of untying, even after being subjected to a...

A mooring line that runs diagonally from the bow of a vessel to a fixed point on a dock, used to control forward and backward movement while berthed. A bow spring is an essential mooring line used in securing a vessel to a dock or quay. Unlike standard bow lines, which are typically fastened perpendicular...