Glossary Archive

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...

A pole extending forward from a vessel's prow, to which the forestays of the mast are fastened. The bowsprit is a distinctive feature of certain types of sailing vessels, particularly older ones. It's a long, slender, wooden or metal pole that extends forward from the vessel's prow, often overhanging the water. The primary purpose of...

Pronounced: BRAH-voh The term for the letter B in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

A structure constructed on a coast as part of a coastal defense system or to protect an anchorage from the effects of weather and longshore drift.

When a vessel loses control and turns broadside to the waves, often leading to a dangerous situation. A broach is a critical and often hazardous event in marine navigation, particularly for sailing vessels or small craft. It occurs when a vessel, under the influence of wind or waves, loses its intended course and turns sideways...

A point of sail where the wind comes from behind the beam of the boat, typically at an angle of 90 to 160 degrees relative to the vessel's heading. A broad reach is one of the most efficient and comfortable points of sail, falling between a beam reach and a run. When sailing on a...

A type of claw-shaped anchor designed to provide strong holding power in a variety of seabed conditions.  The Bruce anchor, also known as a claw anchor, was originally designed by Peter Bruce in the 1970s for use on offshore oil rigs. It has since become popular among recreational boaters due to its reliable holding power...