Glossary

A fitting or clip used to attach a sail, typically a headsail, to a stay or forestay on a sailing vessel.

A hank is a small, often metal or...

To attach a sail to the forestay using hanks or piston hanks. 

In sailing, when a sail is hanked on, it means that the sail is attached to the...

A sheltered body of water where vessels can anchor or dock, offering protection from the elements, often also where ports are, providing...

Pulling the sheets in to bring a sail closer to the centreline.

This adjusts the sail for sailing closer to the wind. As the vessel turns up...

Turning a sailing vessel closer towards the wind.

This changes the point of sail so the sails need to be trimmed in and the boat sails on a...

The highest level of sea water that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical...

An opening in the deck or bulkhead of a vessel, typically covered by a door or lid, providing access to the space below.

A hatch is a crucial...

Pulling a line towards the vessel or taking up slack.

This action is used with sheets, halyards, mooring lines, anchor rodes and other control...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Hotel.

Meaning

I have a pilot on board.

Used in satellite navigation and positioning systems to quantify the accuracy of horizontal position measurements. It is a unitless factor that...

Head (heads) refers to the toilet or bathroom on a boat. The heads on a boat may be equipped with a marine toilet designed to safely handle waste...

The direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, typically measured in degrees relative to true north or magnetic...

A coastal landform characterised by a high, narrow piece of land that juts out into the sea, often forming a prominent point along the...

Any sail set forward of the mainmast on a sailing vessel, typically used to enhance speed and manoeuvrability.

A headsail is a critical...

Pointing the bow directly into the wind.

This position is used when hoisting, lowering or reefing sails, because it reduces pressure in the...

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers waters around the Hebridean islands off western Scotland.

Covering the Hebridean...

Tilt or lean to one side, typically due to wind pressure on a sailing vessel's sails.

The term "heel" is widely used in recreational and...