Glossary Archive

To loosen a line, rope, or sheet on a vessel, reducing tension. A term commonly used in maritime contexts to describe the act of easing or reducing the tension on a rope, line, or sheet aboard a vessel. This action is often performed to adjust the position or strain of a sail, mooring line, or...

The short period of still water occurring at the turn of the tide, when the tidal current changes direction and its speed is minimal. Slack water is a term used in marine and tidal contexts to describe the brief interval of calm water that occurs between the ebb and flood tides. During this period, the...

The underpart of the forward part of the hull hitting the water when pitching in heavy seas

Flag semaphore indicating the letter S.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter S.

A metal or plastic fitting on the luff or foot of a sail running in a track on the mast or boom

Ropes or lines used to temporarily secure a vessel to a dock or mooring point in such a way that they can be released from onboard without requiring crew ashore. Slip lines are commonly employed when a vessel needs to depart quickly or when shore access is limited. They are typically run from the vessel...

The act of releasing a vessel's mooring lines in a controlled manner, allowing it to depart from a berth or dock without assistance from shore personnel. Slipped lines describe both the action and the result of releasing a vessel from its moorings. When a vessel is ready to depart from a dock, quay, or pontoon,...

A sloped structure or ramp leading into the water, used for launching, retrieving, or repairing boats and ships.  A slipway, also known as a boat ramp, is an essential feature of many harbours, marinas, and waterfronts, designed to facilitate the movement of vessels between land and water. Typically constructed from concrete, timber, or stone, the...

A small to mid-sized sailboat larger than a dinghy, with one mast bearing a main sail and head sail.