Glossary Archive

See Fairway mark.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest), each representing a range of sustained wind speeds and associated impacts. The scale was developed in the early 1970s by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert...

A saildrive is a transmission system from the vessel's inboard engine. It closely resembles an outboard engine but is fixed in place and sticks through the hull of the vessel.

A sail drive is a transmission system for a boat whose inboard engine has a horizontal output shaft. The sail drive's input shaft is, therefore, also horizontal. That input shaft is geared to drive a vertical intermediate shaft extending downward through the hull. The intermediate shaft is then geared to drive a horizontal propeller shaft mounted on...

Sailing directions, also known as nautical directions or pilots, are publications that provide detailed information for navigating coastal and inland waters. They typically include descriptions of navigational hazards, recommended routes, tidal information, port facilities, and other relevant details to assist mariners in safely navigating a specific area. Sailing directions are essential resources for sailors, boaters,...

Place where sails are stowed

Lines used to lash a lowered sail to the boom or guardrails to prevent it blowing about

Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or as a percentage. In marine environments, salinity plays a crucial role in determining the density of seawater, which in turn affects ocean currents, marine life, and other important oceanographic processes. Salinity levels can vary depending on evaporation, precipitation,...

The main cabin of a vessel

The coordinated efforts undertaken to locate and assist individuals in distress or imminent danger, typically at sea, and to bring them to safety.  Search and Rescue (SAR) is a critical operation in maritime environments, designed to respond to emergencies where individuals are lost, injured, or in peril. These operations are often carried out by specialised...