Glossary

Farther towards the stern than a stated point or object on a vessel.

It is a relative positional term: equipment abaft the mast lies on the...

Located or bearing behind a vessel's beam.

The expression covers directions between the beam and the stern and is relative to the vessel...

To become less intense or severe, especially when describing wind, sea or weather.

A forecast, log or report may state that a gale, swell or...

Directly to either side of a vessel, approximately at right angles to its fore-and-aft line.

An object abeam bears about 090 degrees or 270...

A predetermined position or condition beyond which a manoeuvre or passage cannot be safely continued as planned.

It provides an explicit...

An expression meaning open, honest and free from concealment or deception.

The expression is commonly linked to conduct visible above a...

The exposed or upper part of a vessel situated on or above its weather deck.

The phrase distinguishes deck-level and superstructure spaces or...

An unintended gybe in which the boom and mainsail cross the vessel abruptly as the apparent wind moves across the stern.

It may result from...

An International Code of Signals flag meaning “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed” when flown alone.

Code flag Alpha is...

Floating freely without being secured to the shore, seabed or another fixed point.

A vessel, boat or object may be adrift after parting a...

An RYA practical or specialist training activity developing pilotage in confined, tidal, poor-visibility or night conditions.

Work may include...

An RYA high-level windsurfing development course extending advanced technique and personal performance.

Coaching targets the sailor’s selected...

An RYA advanced practical course refining high-wind windsurfing, efficient planing and advanced manoeuvres.

Content may include fast tacks and...

Supported by the water and not resting on the bottom or shore.

A vessel is afloat when buoyancy supports its weight and it is free of the...

Towards or in the rear part of a vessel.

Aft may describe direction, as in “move aft”, or location, as in “the aft cabin”. Its opposite is...

A deck or part of a deck situated towards the stern of a vessel.

Also commonly called the aft deck, its precise boundaries and use depend on...

In contact with or resting on the seabed, shore or other ground instead of floating freely.

A vessel may take the ground deliberately or run...

In front of a vessel or in the direction of its bow.

An object dead ahead lies approximately on the vessel’s fore-and-aft line beyond the bow....

A traditional spoken hail used to attract attention at sea or between a vessel and the shore.

It can follow the subject being hailed, as in...

A craft supported wholly or partly by a pressurised cushion of air close to the surface.

A hovercraft is the familiar example. Lift fans...