Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Waterline lengthThe length of the vessel at the point where it sits in the water. It excludes the total length of the boat, such as features that are out of the... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Water Track
The vessel’s course through the water, derived from the compass course steered, allowing for leeway but not tide. A line representing the water...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Way
Speed, progress, or momentum through the water. More technically, the point at which there is sufficient water flow past a vessel's rudder for it...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Waypoint (WPT)
A waypoint is a specific geographic location or position used in navigation, typically identified by its coordinates (latitude and longitude)....
More Details - Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Whiskey (W)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Whiskey.
Meaning
I require medical assistance.
- General Nautical Terminology Weather HelmThe tendency of the vessel to turn her bow to windward making it necessary to turn the rudder to maintain a straight heading
- General Nautical Terminology Weigh AnchorTo heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing.
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation 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 WheelThe wheel is used to steer the vessel. This yacht has two wheels so that the helmsman or woman has a clear view up either side of the vessel.
- General Nautical Terminology WhippingTwine bound round the ends of a rope to keep it from fraying
- General Nautical Terminology WhiskerLight spar to hold out the clew of a headsail when running, particularly when goosewinged
- Did you know?, Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Whiskey
Pronounced: WISS-key
The term for the letter W in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- General Nautical Terminology White HorsesBreaking waves with foamy crest. Not surf breaking on the shore
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Whole Gale
Beaufort Scale – Force 10
A Whole Gale is a term used in meteorology to describe a wind of force 10 on the Beaufort scale, corresponding to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Winch
A mechanical device used on boats to haul in or let out heavy loads, typically consisting of a drum or spool around which a rope, cable, or chain...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Winch HandleA removable handle used for operating a winch
- 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
- General Nautical Terminology Windward More Details
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter W (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter W.