Glossary
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TermDefinition
- 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 Wheel
A steering control used to turn the rudder or drive system.
This allows the helmsman or helm to control the direction of the vessel. On...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Whipping
To bind the end of a rope with small cord or twine to prevent it from fraying.
Whipping is a traditional and essential technique in ropework,...
More Details - 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, Weather (Meteorology) Wight
Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers the Solent and waters around the Isle of Wight off southern England.
After the Isle of...
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 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 Windlass
A mechanical or powered device used to raise and lower the anchor.
This equipment handles the anchor rode, which may be chain, rope or a...
More Details - 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

