Glossary Archive

A type of plough anchor renowned for its hinged shank and ability to reset itself effectively in various seabed conditions. The CQR anchor, often pronounced as "secure," is a widely recognised and trusted design in the world of recreational and professional boating. Invented in 1933 by Sir Geoffrey Ingram Taylor, the CQR anchor derives its...

A type of plough anchor renowned for its hinged shank and ability to reset itself effectively in various seabed conditions. The CQR anchor, often pronounced as "secure," is a widely recognised and trusted design in the world of recreational and professional boating. Invented in 1933 by Sir Geoffrey Ingram Taylor, the CQR anchor derives its...

The group of individuals who work together on a vessel or ship to operate, maintain, and navigate it. Depending on the type and size of the vessel, crew members may have various roles and responsibilities, such as captains, officers, engineers, deckhands, and other specialised positions. The crew plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe...

A cringle is a small metal ring or grommet typically sewn into a sail to provide a point for attaching lines or other rigging. Cringles reinforce the edges of the material and make it easier to secure and manipulate.

Cross Track Error (XTE) is a nautical term used to describe the distance between a vessel's actual track and its intended track over the ground. It measures how far off course a vessel has deviated laterally. The XTE is typically displayed on a navigation system or chartplotter to help the navigator make adjustments to steer...

The RYA Cruising Level 1 - Start Sailing course introduces participants to the basics of cruising. Topics include sail handling, steering, and safety procedures on a cruising yacht. The course is designed to build confidence and provide a foundation for further training. By the end, participants will have the skills to sail under supervision and...

The RYA Cruising Level 2 - Basic Skills course builds on Level 1, focusing on independent sailing and decision-making. Participants practice tacking, gybing, and navigating in various conditions. The course also covers safety drills and anchoring. By the end, sailors will feel confident handling a cruising yacht independently in light to moderate conditions, setting the...

The magnetic or compass course given to a helm to steer the boat having taken account of tidal stream and leeway. https://videopress.com/v/Q79FQTY0 [wpdm_package id='2730']

Currents are the continuous, directed flow of seawater in the ocean. They can be caused by various factors, including wind, temperature differences, salinity variations, and the Earth's rotation. Currents are crucial in distributing nutrients, heat, and marine life throughout the ocean. They can be classified into two main types: surface currents, which occur in the...

A cutlass is a short, broad sword with a slightly curved blade, often used by sailors and pirates in naval combat. It is typically designed for slashing and chopping motions rather than thrusting. Cutlasses were commonly used aboard ships in the 17th to 19th centuries.