Glossary

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...

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...

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...

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.

Beaufort Scale - Force 10 (Storm Force 10)

A storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds, reaching at least 48 knots (55...

A small, durable triangular sail used on sailing vessels during severe weather conditions to maintain control and stability.

A storm jib is an...

A compact cooking appliance or heating device, often found aboard vessels, used for preparing meals or warming the cabin. 

The stove primarily...

To put away in an appropriate place.  Being stowed implies that something has been safely stored and lashed down to stop if from moving when at sea.

The velocity at which a vessel moves relative to the water it is travelling through, excluding the effects of current or tidal flow.

Speed...

Large buoys, generally more than 5 m in diameter, are distinguished on charts because their unusually large size renders them a potential hazard...

Electronic navigation standards for commercial vessels less than 24m .

Equipment meeting the requirements of this performance standard is...

The area around a vessel at anchor where it can safely swing with changes in wind or tide without risk of collision or grounding.

Swinging...

A large, lightweight, balloon-shaped sail used when sailing downwind, designed with identical halves to allow it to be flown on either side of...

A graphical representation of meteorological data over a specific area at a particular time, used to display weather patterns and...

The alignment of three celestial bodies—typically the Earth, Moon, and Sun—along a straight line, often resulting in phenomena such as tides,...

Verb: To change the direction of a sailing vessel by turning its bow through the wind, allowing the wind to shift from one side of the sail to...

The lower forward corner of a sail, where it is secured to the boat or rigging. 

The tack of a sail is the point where the luff (leading edge)...

To manoeuvre or turning a sailing vessel's bow through the wind to change direction, allowing it to sail in a zigzag pattern upwind.

Tacking...