Glossary Archive

A rotating mechanism at the base of a headsail furling system that enables the controlled rolling and unrolling of the sail around the forestay.  A furling drum is an essential component of a headsail furling system, commonly found on modern sailing yachts to facilitate easier sail handling. It is typically mounted at the base of...

A spar attached to a mast, used to support the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail, such as a gaff rigged mainsail or topsail.  A gaff is an integral part of traditional sailing rigs, particularly in gaff-rigged vessels, which were commonly used before the widespread adoption of the Bermuda rig. It is a horizontal or...

A sailing rig where the sail is four-sided and controlled by a spar (the gaff) at its top, which is hoisted at an angle to the mast. A gaff rig is a traditional type of sail configuration commonly seen on classic sailing vessels, particularly workboats, yachts, and smaller traditional craft. The defining feature of a...

Beaufort Scale - Force 8 (Gale Force 8) A gale refers to a strong wind between 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 mph or 63 to 74 km/h) on the Beaufort scale. Gales can create rough sea conditions and significantly challenge maritime activities, including sailing and navigation.

An area where food is prepared and cooked

The International Maritime Signal Flag Golf. Meaning I require a pilot.By fishing vessels: I am hauling nets. If appended by a Numeral Pennant, Longitude (The first 2 or 3 digits denote degrees; the last 2 denote minutes.)

A measure in marine navigation that quantifies the effect of satellite geometry on the accuracy of position determination. It is a factor used to assess the quality of the satellite configuration in relation to the receiver's position. A low GDOP value indicates good satellite geometry, resulting in more accurate position fixes, while a high GDOP...

The outer unreinforced layer of resin in a GRP hull

A term that collectively refers to the three organisations responsible for maintaining maritime navigation aids—such as lighthouses, buoys, and beacons—in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom and Ireland. These organisations ensure safe navigation for all mariners in their respective regions and work together to standardise navigational practices across British and Irish waters. The Three General...