Glossary Archive

The RYA Multihull Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of racing multihulls. Participants practice starting techniques, boat positioning, and mark rounding. The course emphasizes teamwork and tactical decision-making under competitive conditions. By the end, sailors will be ready to compete in local or regional multihull racing events.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

An intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949 aimed to ensure the collective defence of its member state through political and military means. NATO was founded in the aftermath of World War II, with the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) signed on April 4, 1949. Its primary purpose was to create a...

A comprehensive publication containing astronomical data and navigational information essential for maritime navigation. A Nautical Almanac is an indispensable resource for mariners, providing the celestial data required for accurate navigation at sea. Published annually, it contains detailed information about the positions of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and selected stars, at specific...

A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in maritime navigation that is equivalent to one minute of latitude or approximately 1.852 kilometres (1.1508 miles). A nautical mile is specifically designed for marine and air navigation because it is directly related to the Earth's geometry. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of latitude,...

A maritime communication system used for the automatic broadcast of navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and urgent safety information to ships. Navtex, short for "Navigational Telex," is integral to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It operates on medium frequencies (518 kHz internationally for English messages and 490 kHz for local language broadcasts)...

A system of coloured and white lights displayed on a vessel to indicate its position, heading, and status to other vessels, especially during low visibility or nighttime. Navigation lights are an essential safety feature on all vessels, from small recreational boats to large commercial ships, and are mandated by international maritime regulations, such as the...

A maritime communication system used for the automatic broadcast of navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and urgent safety information to ships. Navtex, short for "Navigational Telex," is integral to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It operates on medium frequencies (518 kHz internationally for English messages and 490 kHz for local language broadcasts)...

The International Maritime Signal Flag November. Meaning Negative.

A radio transmitter at a fixed location that emits signals in all directions, used in marine navigation to help vessels determine their position relative to the beacon. A Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) is a fundamental navigational aid in the maritime world, providing mariners with a reliable method to ascertain their position and course. Unlike directional or...