Glossary Archive

A clove hitch is a versatile, easy-to-tie knot commonly used to secure a rope to a post or pole temporarily. One of its most common uses is securing fenders to the guardrail. A clove hitch is one of the most widely used knots in sailing due to its simplicity, quick application, and ability to hold...

A deck fitting used to grip and hold a rope or line under load while allowing for controlled release when needed.  A clutch is a specialised deck fitting commonly found on sailing yachts, designed to secure a line while still enabling it to be adjusted or released under tension. Unlike a simple cleat, which requires...

The raised portion of a boat's deck, typically over the cabin, providing additional headroom and space below deck. The coachroof, also known as the cabin top, is an elevated section of a boat's deck that sits above the main cabin area. Its primary function is to provide extra headroom inside the cabin, making the interior...

The raised edge of a hatch, cockpit or skylight to help keep out water.

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Motor) course is designed for experienced motor cruisers preparing for extended coastal passages. Participants learn advanced navigation, passage planning, and handling motorboats in challenging conditions. Practical exercises include night cruising, managing tidal streams, and dealing with emergencies. By the end, participants will feel confident skippering motor cruisers on coastal voyages,...

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Sail) course is for experienced sailors preparing for extended coastal passages. Participants learn advanced navigation, passage planning, and skippering in challenging conditions. The five-day course includes night sailing, emergency drills, and managing a crew effectively. By the end, participants will have the confidence to take responsibility for longer voyages in...

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex navigation, advanced meteorology, and passage planning in tidal waters. Participants also learn about collision regulations and safety protocols for offshore passages. This course is essential for those preparing for the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

The organisation responsible for search and rescue operations in UK waters. His Majesty's Coastguard (HMCG) is a section of the MCA responsible for initiating and coordinating all maritime search and rescue within the UK Maritime Search and Rescue Region. This includes mobilising, organising and tasking adequate resources and assets, such as the RNLI or coastguard helicopters, to respond to persons in distress...

The small triangular area formed when three position lines on a nautical chart intersect but do not meet at a single point, indicating a degree of uncertainty in the vessel's position. The term "Cocked Hat" originates from traditional navigation practices, where sailors would use celestial or terrestrial observations to determine their position at sea. When...

The area of a boat, typically located towards the stern, where the helm, controls, and seating for the crew are situated. The cockpit of a boat is a critical operational area, usually found in the aft (rear) section, though on some vessels, it can be positioned amidships. It serves as the command centre for the...