Glossary
-
TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Halyard
A line or rope used to hoist or lower a sail, flag, or spar on a boat.
The term "halyard" comes from the phrase "haul yard," which refers to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Hand Bearing Compass
A hand-bearing compass is a portable compass held in the hand that is used to take bearings of objects or landmarks to determine their location...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Handrail
A handrail is a rail designed to be grasped by the hand for support and stability. On a typical sailing yacht, one is usually mounted on the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Handy BillyA loose block and tackle with a hook or tail on each end, which can be used wherever it is needed. Usually made up of one single and one double block.
- General Nautical Terminology HankA fastener attached to the luff of the headsail that attaches the headsail to the forestay. Typical designs include a bronze or plastic hook with... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Harbour
A harbour is a sheltered body of water where ships, boats, and other watercraft can anchor or dock safely. Harbours are typically protected from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Harden InTo haul in the sheets to bring the sail closer to the centreline; the opposite of ease out
- General Nautical Terminology Harden UpTurn towards the wind; sail closer to the wind.
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation HAT
The highest level of sea water that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology HatchA covered opening in a ship's deck through which cargo can be loaded or access made to a lower deck; the cover to the opening is called a hatch cover
- General Nautical Terminology Haul InTo pull in, usually a sheet, halyard or anchor line
- Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Hotel (H)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Hotel.
Meaning
I have a pilot on board.
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation HDOP
Used in satellite navigation and positioning systems to quantify the accuracy of horizontal position measurements. It is a unitless factor that...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Head
Head (heads) refers to the toilet or bathroom on a boat. The heads on a boat may be equipped with a marine toilet designed to safely handle waste...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Heading
The direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, typically measured in degrees relative to true north or magnetic...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology HeadlandA fairly high and steep part of the land that projects into the sea
- General Nautical Terminology Headsail
A headsail is a sail set forward of the mast on a sailboat. It is typically smaller than the mainsail and is used to help propel the boat forward...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Head to WindTo point the stem of the vessel into the wind
- General Nautical Terminology HeadwayMovement through the water stem first
- General Nautical Terminology Heave To More Details