Skip to content
Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
  • Chandlery
Sign In Join now—it’s Free
Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
  • Chandlery
Sign In Join now—it’s Free

Glossary

Nautical chart abbreviations are like the secret code of the seas—except instead of buried treasure, they lead to rocks, buoys, and mysterious dashed lines that scream, 'Don’t sail here.' Learning them can feel like cracking a pirate’s encrypted diary, but don’t worry, matey! With clever tools, quirky mnemonics, and a splash of humour, we’ll help you go from 'What’s "FOUL" mean? to confidently navigating the “Wk” wrecks and “Fl G” flashes like a salty sea captain. Think of it as Rosetta Stone, but for avoiding sandbanks!
ALL0-9ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Results: 1147
  • Term
    Definition
  • General Nautical Terminology Winch Handle

    A detachable lever used to operate a winch, providing mechanical advantage for tightening or loosening lines on a sailing vessel.

    A winch...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Windage

    Windage refers to the resistance or drag experienced by a boat or ship as it moves through the air. Windage is influenced by the vessel’s shape,...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology WindlassThe winch used for lifting the anchor
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Advanced RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Advanced Racing course is for competitive windsurfers looking to improve their race performance. Participants learn advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Foiling First FlightsThe RYA Windsurfing Foiling First Flights course introduces windsurfers to the exciting world of foiling. Participants learn how to set up and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Foiling Performance FlightsBuilding on initial foiling skills, the RYA Windsurfing Foiling Performance Flights course focuses on refining control and increasing speed.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Foiling Sustained FlightsThe RYA Windsurfing Foiling Sustained Flights course is for experienced foilers looking to master continuous foiling. Participants focus on... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Intermediate RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Intermediate Racing course introduces windsurfers to the fundamentals of racing. Participants learn starting procedures, mark... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Start RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Start Racing course is perfect for beginners looking to enter the world of competitive windsurfing. Participants learn basic... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Windward

    The direction from which the wind is blowing, or the side of a vessel or object that faces into the wind.

    Windward is a crucial concept that...

    More Details
  • Courses, RYA Wingfoiling First FlightsThe RYA Wingfoiling First Flights course is designed for those new to wingfoiling. Participants learn how to handle the wing, balance on a foil... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Wingfoiling Sustained FlightsThe RYA Wingfoiling Sustained Flights course is for those who have mastered the basics of wingfoiling and want to focus on continuous flight.... More Details
  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter W (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter W.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter W.

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter W (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter W.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) WMO

    An intergovernmental organization with a membership of 191 Member States and Territories that works to facilitate international cooperation in...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Working End

    The Working end of a rope refers to the part of the rope that is actively being used for a specific task, such as tying a knot, securing a line...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)

    A standard in satellite-derived positions. Charts will indicate if they are calibrated to WGS84 or another system.

    WGS84 is the standard...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

    An intergovernmental organization with a membership of 191 Member States and Territories that works to facilitate international cooperation in...

    More Details
  • Organisation World Sailing (ISAF)

    World Sailing, formerly known as the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), is the governing body for the sport of sailing...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation WPT

    A specific location or reference point on a navigational route, often used to mark progress or changes in course.

    A waypoint is a...

    More Details
  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Xray (X)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Xray.

    Meaning

    Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter X (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter X.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter X.

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter X (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter X.

  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication X-Ray

    Pronounced: ECKS-ray

    The term for the letter X in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation XTE

    The lateral distance and drift between a vessel's actual position and the intended navigational track or course.

    Cross Track Error (XTE) is a...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Yacht

    A yacht is a recreational boat or ship, typically larger than a standard pleasure craft. Yachts are often used for private cruising, racing, or...

    More Details
  • Courses, RYA Yachtmaster Ocean TheoryThe RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course teaches celestial navigation and advanced passage planning for long-distance offshore sailing.... More Details
  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Yankee

    Pronounced: YANG-kee

    The term for the letter Y in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

  • General Nautical Terminology Yard

    A horizontal spar on a sailing vessel attached to the mast and used to support and spread a square sail.

    A yard is an essential component of...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Yatchsman's Gale

    Nickname for the Beaufort Scale - Force 6

    "Yachtsman's gale" is often used to describe the wind strength of Force 6. It gets its name because...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Yawl

    A two-masted sailing vessel with the smaller mizzen mast positioned aft of the rudder post.

    A yawl is a type of sailing craft characterised by...

    More Details
  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Yankee (Y)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Yankee.

    Meaning

    I am dragging my anchor.

  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter Y (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Y.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Y.

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter Y (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter Y.

  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Start RacingThe Youth Sailing Scheme Start Racing course introduces young sailors to the fundamentals of dinghy racing. Participants learn starting... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 1The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 1 is an entry-level course for children aged 8–12. This program introduces young sailors to the... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2Building on Stage 1, the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2 equips young sailors with more advanced techniques. Participants learn... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 3The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 3 focuses on refining skills and building self-reliance on the water. Young sailors learn how... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 4The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 4 is the culmination of the youth sailing program, focusing on advanced boat handling and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1 course introduces children aged 8–12 to the basics of windsurfing in a safe and engaging environment.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 2Building on the basics, the RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 2 course focuses on developing greater control and confidence. Young participants learn... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 3The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 3 course takes young windsurfers to the next level by introducing more advanced techniques. Participants practice... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 4The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 4 course is the final stage of the youth windsurfing progression. It focuses on high-performance techniques,... More Details
  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Zulu (Z)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Zulu.

    Meaning

    I require a tug.
    By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: I am shooting nets.
    If...

    More Details
  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter Z (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Z.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Z.

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter Z (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter Z.

  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Zulu

    Pronounced: ZOO-loo

    The term for the letter Z in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

    ">
  • <<
  • <<
  • (...)
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

Quick Links

  • Join NowJoin now and get access to great content and free courses.
  • Nautical Know HowEverything nautical, explained simply.
  • Marine DirectoryFind Courses and Course Providers.
  • Community Views & NewsNews, views, tips’n’tricks.
  • Contact UsGet in touch, we love talking to people on our wavelength.

RYA Recognised Training Centre No: 920567214

Crafted with

Made with love

by My Sailing Course

Follow us:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Running on

Powered by

© 2026 – My Sailing Course (Part of The Sailing Business Ltd) | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Partnership Programme

Join for Free!

Join for free and get access to lots of resources and downloads, including our Sailing Essentials course.

Forgot Password?
Lost your password? Enter your email address and you will receive a unique code enabling you to create a new password.
Change
Please choose a new password for your entry in our ship's log.
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on X
  • Email this Page

What are you looking for?

  • Sign In
  • Register
Forgot Password?
Lost your password? Enter your email address and you will receive a unique code enabling you to create a new password.
Change
Please choose a new password for your entry in our ship's log.
body::-webkit-scrollbar { width: 7px; } body::-webkit-scrollbar-track { border-radius: 10px; background: #f0f0f0; } body::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { border-radius: 50px; background: #dfdbdb }