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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Published:25th October 202411th February 2025 Last Updated:11th February 2025
General Nautical Terminology

Coachroof

The raised portion of a boat’s deck, typically over the cabin, providing additional headroom and space below deck.

The coachroof, also known as the cabin top, is an elevated section of a boat’s deck that sits above the main cabin area. Its primary function is to provide extra headroom inside the cabin, making the interior space more comfortable for crew members or passengers. The coachroof is generally located amidships and runs longitudinally along the boat’s centreline. It is often fitted with windows or hatches to allow natural light and ventilation into the cabin below. The design of the coachroof can vary depending on the type and size of the vessel, but it is usually slightly curved or sloped to help with water runoff and to maintain the boat’s aerodynamic profile. 

On many sailing yachts, the coachroof also serves as a convenient platform for mounting winches, handrails, or other deck hardware, as it is a structurally reinforced part of the boat. Additionally, the coachroof can provide a secure area for crew members to walk or sit when the boat is in motion, as it is typically surrounded by coamings or raised edges to prevent slipping. While the coachroof enhances the functionality of the boat, it also plays a role in its aesthetic design, contributing to the overall silhouette and style of the vessel.

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