Glossary
-
TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Starboard
The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.
Starboard is a fundamental directional reference used to describe the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Starboard Beam
The side of a vessel that is directly to the right, at a 90-degree angle from the centreline, when facing forward.
The term starboard beam is...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Starboard Bow
The forward section of a vessel's right-hand side when facing the bow (front) of the ship.
The term "starboard bow" is a specific nautical...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Starboard Quarter
The rear right-hand section of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.
The term "starboard quarter" is a specific navigational and...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Starboard Tack
The condition of a sailing vessel when the wind is coming over its starboard (right) side, with the sails set accordingly.
A starboard tack...
More Details - Courses, RYA Start Motor CruisingThe RYA Start Motor Cruising course is a beginner-friendly introduction to motor boating. Participants learn the basics of boat handling, safety,... More Details
- Courses, RYA Start WindsurfingThe RYA Start Windsurfing course is designed for complete beginners, teaching the fundamentals of windsurfing in a fun and supportive environment.... More Details
- Courses, RYA Start YachtingThe RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction to the basics of yacht sailing. Participants learn steering, sail handling, and onboard... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Statute Mile
A unit of distance equivalent to 5,280 feet or 1,609.34 meters. It is commonly used on land but is sometimes used in inland waterways.
In...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology StayPart of the standing rigging which provides support fore-and-aft
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Steering Quadrant
A mechanical device used in steering systems on boats, consisting of a quadrant-shaped gear connected to the rudder to control the direction of...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology StemThe forward most part of the hull
- General Nautical Terminology Stern
The rear or aft-most part of a vessel.
The stern is a critical part of any boat or ship, as it is the section located at the very back of the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Stern Drive
A stern drive is a propulsion system commonly used in recreational motor vessels. It consists of an inboard engine connected to a steerable drive...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Stern Light
A white navigational light mounted at the rear of a vessel, visible from directly behind and within a specified arc, used to indicate the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Stern Line
A mooring line used to secure the aft (stern) of a vessel to a dock, quay, or another fixed structure.
A stern line is an essential component...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Stern Spring
A mooring line that runs diagonally from the stern of a vessel to a point further forward on a dock or another vessel to help control...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Stock
The crosspiece fitted at right angles to an anchor’s shank that helps the anchor turn onto its side so a fluke can dig into the seabed.
The...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Knot Stopper Knot
A knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to stop it from passing through a hole; most commonly a figure of eight knot.
- Weather (Meteorology) Storm
Beaufort Scale - Force 10 (Storm Force 10)
A storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds, reaching at least 48 knots (55...
More Details

