Glossary Archive

The stand on which the ship's compass is mounted, usually in front of the wheel. May also carry navigation instruments.

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers the Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France and north coast of Spain. Covering the Bay of Biscay (named after the Biscayne people), Biscay is exposed to Atlantic lows that produce winter gales of Force 8–9 and 10 m swells. Its legendary storms inspired...

This shape represents the Letter B (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 2 (Flag Semaphore).

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter B.

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...

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