Glossary Archive
Lateral Mark
Buoy, or post used to mark Port and Starboard sides of a channel
Latitude
The angular distance of a location on Earth's surface, measured in degrees(°), minutes('), and seconds('') north or south of the equator which is defined as 00° (degrees). Latitude is one of the two primary coordinates used in navigation and cartography to pinpoint a specific location on the Earth's surface. It is expressed in degrees (°),...
Lazarette
A storage compartment located in the stern (aft) of a boat, typically used for stowing gear, equipment, or provisions. A lazarette is a compartment found in the aft section of a boat or ship, often beneath the deck. It is primarily used for storage and can hold a variety of items, such as ropes, fenders,...
Lazy Jacks
A network of cordage rigged to a point on the mast and to a series of points on either side of the boom that cradles and guides the sail onto the boom when the sail is lowered.
Code Flag Lima (L)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Lima. Meaning Stop immediately.If appended by a Numeral Pennant, Latitude (the first 2 digits denote degrees; the last 2 denote minutes.)
Leading Lights
Lights positioned to assist entry into harbour or safe passage through a channel. Usually one light above another marks the correct course.
Leadline
An instrument used in navigation to measure water depth; a line attached to some lead. Usually the line is marked with knots at regular intervals.
League
A unit of length, normally equal to three nautical miles.
Learn to Wingsurf
The RYA Learn to Wingsurf course introduces participants to the basics of wingsurfing. Participants learn how to control the wing, balance on the board, and steer effectively in light winds. The course emphasizes safety, fun, and building confidence. By the end, participants will have the foundational skills needed to progress to wingfoiling or more advanced...
Lee
The direction towards which the wind blow