Glossary Archive

The lateral distance and drift between a vessel's actual position and the intended navigational track or course. Cross Track Error (XTE) is a useful concept in marine navigation, particularly when using electronic navigation systems such as GPS or chart plotters. It measures how far a vessel has deviated from its planned course, expressed as a...

The part of an anchor where the shank meets the arms, forming the base from which the flukes extend. The crown controls how the anchor sits and turns as it reaches the seabed. Its shape and weight help the anchor roll into the correct attitude so a fluke can dig in, improving setting speed and...

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 compass direction a vessel must follow to reach a planned destination, taking into account the effects of wind, tide, and current. It is not simply the straight line between two points but an adjusted heading that compensates for any forces that might push the boat off track. By calculating a course to steer, a...

The continuous, directed movement of seawater or other bodies of water caused by various factors such as wind, tides, and differences in water density. In a marine context, a current refers to the horizontal or vertical flow of water through the ocean or other bodies of water. Ocean currents are driven by a combination of...

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.

A Cutlass bearing is a water-lubricated bearing used in marine applications to support rotating shafts, such as propeller shafts. It is self-aligning and typically made of rubber or a composite material. Cutless bearings reduce friction and wear on the shaft, allowing it to rotate smoothly and efficiently. They are commonly used in boats and ships...

A cyclone is a large-scale atmospheric circulation system characterised by inward-spiralling winds around a low-pressure centre. In marine terminology, a cyclone is often called a tropical cyclone or hurricane when it occurs over warm ocean waters and is accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Cyclones can produce high winds, storm surges, and intense precipitation, posing...

Cyclonic refers to a weather system characterised by air rotation around a low-pressure centre, typically in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. Cyclonic systems can produce strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes severe weather, such as thunderstorms or tornadoes. Cyclonic storms include hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical...