Yachting glossary.
Boat talk, made simple.

A sail is aback when wind presses against the side opposite its normal working side. It may happen deliberately or unexpectedly during a manoeuvre.

Off to either side of a boat, approximately at a right angle to its centreline. A landmark abeam lies beside you rather than ahead or astern.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

On or inside a boat. When somebody welcomes you aboard, they are welcoming you onto the vessel and into its little floating world.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Floating without being secured to the shore or seabed, and without being controlled as intended. Wind and current can carry an adrift object or boat.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Towards the stern, or rear, of a boat. The word describes a direction aboard, so walking aft means moving towards the back.

In front of the boat or moving forwards. It describes the vessel’s own orientation, rather than a fixed compass direction such as north.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The height of a vessel above the waterline, including its highest fitted equipment. It matters when checking clearance beneath bridges and overhead structures.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A berth where a boat lies with one side next to a jetty, wharf or pontoon, allowing access along that side of the vessel.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Around the middle of a boat. Depending on context, it can describe the central area along its length or a position near its centreline.

Equipment designed to hold a vessel in place by engaging with the seabed. A line, chain, or combination connects the anchor to the boat.

An area where boats may lie at anchor. Charts and cruising information can describe its depths, shelter, seabed and local restrictions.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An instrument that measures wind speed. Some sailing instruments combine it with a direction sensor to show both how strongly the wind blows and where it comes from.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A coating system designed to discourage marine growth on submerged parts of a boat. The appropriate product depends on the hull material, use and maintenance plan.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The wind felt by someone on a moving boat. It results from the actual wind combined with the effect of the boat’s own movement.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Behind a boat or moving backwards relative to its normal forward direction. A vessel can be astern of yours even when neither is moving.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A large, light sail with different luff and leech lengths, typically flown forward of the boat for reaching and some downwind sailing angles.

A mast support running towards the stern. On rigs that have one, its tension can also influence mast bend and the tension in the forestay.

A scoop, container or fitted device used to remove water from a boat. A self-bailer uses water flowing past the hull to help draw water out.

Weight carried to influence a boat’s stability and balance. Many sailing yachts carry dense ballast low in a keel; some designs use water ballast.

An instrument that measures air pressure. Changes in its reading are one clue to changing weather, considered alongside forecasts and other observations.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A slender strip fitted into a sail pocket to support the sail’s shape. Battens may extend across the full sail width or only part of it.

A boat’s width, usually stated at its widest point. The word also appears in directions such as abeam and in the sailing angle called a beam reach.

A point of sail with the wind coming roughly across the side of the boat. It lies between a close reach and a broad reach.

To turn the boat’s bow further away from the direction the wind comes from. It describes the change of angle, not a particular compass heading.

The direction from one position to another object or place, usually expressed in degrees. A bearing needs a reference such as true or magnetic north.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Making progress towards an upwind destination by sailing close to the wind on alternating tacks. The course forms a zigzag because a sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind.

A scale that describes wind force using numbered levels and associated conditions. Marine forecasts may use it alongside measured or forecast wind speeds.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Either a sleeping place on a boat or an allocated place where a boat lies alongside. The surrounding conversation tells you which meaning is intended.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A curved or doubled section of rope between its ends. Unlike a closed loop, the word does not require the rope to cross itself.

The low internal area of a hull where water can collect. It is a part of the boat, rather than the name of the water itself.

The build-up of living organisms on a vessel’s submerged surfaces, including its hull and underwater fittings. Moving boats can carry these organisms into other waterways.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A fitting containing one or more grooved wheels through which a line runs. Blocks redirect lines or form part of a system that reduces the effort needed to pull.

A spar extending aft from the mast on many rigs, supporting or controlling the lower part of the mainsail. It moves as the sail’s angle changes.

A tackle or rigid fitting that controls the boom’s upward movement. It helps influence the mainsail’s shape, particularly the tension along its trailing edge.

The forward end of a boat. Its shape helps the hull meet the water, and its location provides the reference for port and starboard.

A knot that forms a fixed loop in a rope. Sailors use it for various connections, with its suitability depending on the rope, loading and application.

A spar projecting forwards beyond the bow. It provides an attachment point ahead of the hull for certain headsails or spinnakers.

An uncontrolled change of direction, often towards the wind, when the boat’s normal steering balance is lost. It can occur while sailing in challenging conditions.

A point of sail with the wind coming from behind the beam but not directly from astern. It sits between a beam reach and a run.

A dividing wall inside a boat. Some bulkheads support the structure, while others separate accommodation, lockers or compartments within the hull.

A floating object kept in a position for a purpose such as navigation, marking equipment or providing a mooring. Its shape, colour and markings help identify its role.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An enclosed space inside a boat, commonly used for accommodation or shelter. Larger yachts may have separate sleeping cabins as well as shared living areas.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The curvature across a sail’s surface. Sailmakers and sailors discuss camber when describing how full or flat the sail’s aerodynamic shape is.

An overturning of a boat beyond its normal sailing position. A boat may lie on its side or turn further until it is upside down.

A boat with two main hulls connected by a structure. Sailing catamarans range from small beach boats to large cruising vessels with accommodation.

A retractable underwater board that usually pivots within a case. It helps a sailing boat resist sideways movement while allowing its depth to be changed.

An imaginary line running along the middle of a boat from bow to stern. Designers and sailors use it as a reference for positions and angles.

Wear caused by repeated rubbing between surfaces. On a boat, it can affect ropes, sails and other equipment where they contact fittings or rough edges.

A strong attachment that transfers loads from standing rigging into the boat’s structure. Despite the name, its design is not always a simple flat metal plate.

A map made for navigation on water, showing information such as depths, coastlines, hazards and navigation marks. Charts may be printed or displayed electronically.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The reference level used for depths on a nautical chart. Tide heights must use the relevant datum before they can be sensibly compared with those charted depths.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An angle or pronounced change in direction where parts of a hull’s surface meet. A hard chine is sharper than a softly rounded hull transition.

Short, relatively steep waves, often generated by local wind. Their closely spaced crests can make a small boat’s motion feel bumpy.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A fitting used to secure a line. Horn cleats, cam cleats and other designs hold rope differently, so the term covers several shapes.

The lower rear corner of a triangular sail. On a mainsail it is near the outer end of the boom, where the outhaul commonly attaches.

A point of sail between close-hauled and a beam reach. The wind comes from ahead of the boat’s side, but the boat is not pointing as high as possible.

Sailing as close to the wind’s direction as the boat can effectively manage. The precise angle varies with the boat, sails and conditions.

A raised edge around an opening or cockpit. It helps limit water entering that space and may provide support for fittings or seating.

A shallow bank of sand or sediment near a river or estuary entrance. Channels and breaking-wave conditions can change, making a crossing a separate planning decision.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The working and sitting area from which a boat is commonly steered. On many sailing yachts it is recessed into the deck towards the stern.

The entrance linking the deck or cockpit to the interior accommodation. It often combines an opening, a sliding hatch and a set of steps.

An instrument providing a directional reference. A magnetic compass aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, while electronic systems may calculate or display heading in other ways.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A direction a boat intends to follow, or the route set for an activity such as a race. It differs from the direction its bow happens to point.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The direction a boat is actually travelling across Earth’s surface. Current and sideways movement can make it different from the boat’s heading.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A mooring made available for visiting boaters to use temporarily. Vessel limits, permitted duration and local conditions must be checked before taking it up.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The people taking part in operating a boat. On a small dinghy, the word can also specifically mean the sailor working alongside the person steering.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Sailing for the journey, enjoyment or visiting places, rather than principally to race. A cruise might last an afternoon or extend over many months.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A sail control that applies tension near the lower luff. It helps adjust sail shape, including where the sail’s fullest section sits.

Water moving in a particular direction. Tides, rivers, wind and broader ocean circulation can all produce currents that influence a boat’s movement over the ground.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A board that slides up and down through a case in the hull to resist sideways movement. Unlike a typical centreboard, it does not pivot.

Estimating a new position from a previously known position using the boat’s course, speed and elapsed time. It is an estimate rather than an independently observed fix.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The upper surface covering the hull, forming an outside floor on many boats. Different deck areas include the foredeck and side decks.

A small boat, often open and lightweight. The term can mean a sailing dinghy used for sport or a small tender serving a larger vessel.

The weight of the water a floating boat pushes aside, equal to the boat’s total weight. Published figures depend on the loading condition specified.

In the direction towards which the wind is blowing. Sailing downwind includes several angles away from the wind, not only sailing directly with it astern.

The vertical distance between the waterline and the boat’s deepest underwater point. It indicates how much water depth the boat occupies, before any clearance beneath it.

Movement caused by wind or moving water rather than the boat’s intended progress. In tidal navigation, drift can specifically mean the speed of a tidal stream.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The generally less rainy part of the year across tropical northern Australia. It can still bring strong trade winds and local hazards, so dry does not mean calm.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

To let a line out in a controlled way, reducing its tension or changing the position of the equipment it controls. Easing is the opposite of pulling in.

The phase of a tidal stream flowing generally away from an estuary or towards the sea. Local timing does not always match the falling water level exactly.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A loop formed by working the end of a rope back into its own structure. Its construction depends on the rope’s material and design.

A fitting that guides a line along its intended path. It may be a smooth opening, a ring or a fitting incorporating a small sheave.

A cushion placed between a boat and another surface, such as a pontoon. Common designs are inflatable cylinders or round shapes.

The distance over open water across which wind blows. Together with wind strength and duration, it influences the waves that can develop.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A stopper knot shaped roughly like the number eight. It creates a bulkier section near a rope’s end and is distinct from a figure-eight loop.

A narrow floating walkway extending from a main marina walkway. It provides access beside an individual berth rather than along the entire marina frontage.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A position determined from observations or a positioning system at a particular time. It provides a reference for checking progress and planning the next part of a passage.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The phase of a tidal stream flowing generally towards an estuary or inland. Its timing and direction depend on the local waterway.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A shaped surface that generates lift as air or water moves around it. Sails, rudders, keels and hydrofoils use this principle in different ways.

The lower edge of a sail, running between its lower corners. On many mainsails the foot lies along, or just above, the boom.

The forward part of a boat’s deck, ahead of the main accommodation or mast area depending on the design. It commonly carries anchoring and headsail fittings.

A support running from the mast towards the bow. On many boats, a headsail is attached to it or rolls around a furling system fitted over it.

The height of a boat’s side above the waterline, measured to the deck edge at a stated point. Loading changes how much freeboard remains.

To gather or roll a sail so it is no longer fully set. The method depends on whether the boat uses a rolling system or other sail arrangements.

A spar supporting the upper edge of a four-sided sail on a gaff rig. It sits at an angle above the boom.

A Bureau of Meteorology marine warning for average winds of 34–47 knots. It identifies a wind category, rather than a complete description of local wave or harbour conditions.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The area where food is prepared on a boat. It may be a compact cooking corner or a fitted kitchen with storage and appliances.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An overlapping headsail whose rear corner extends aft of the mast when viewed from the side. Its size is often compared with the boat’s foretriangle.

The joint connecting a boom to a mast. It allows the boom to move while transferring loads between these parts of the rig.

A brief increase in wind speed, usually lasting only a few seconds. It is stronger than the surrounding average wind rather than a separate wind direction.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A change of tack in which the stern passes through the wind’s direction and the sails move to the other side. It differs from a tack through the wind.

A line used to raise a sail or another item such as a flag. Once the sail is raised, the halyard also helps maintain its intended position.

A closable opening in a deck or other surface, providing access, ventilation or light. Its cover is also commonly called the hatch.

The process of lifting or moving a vessel from the water onto land for inspection, repair or storage. Operators need accurate boat dimensions and lifting information.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The top corner of a triangular sail. In a different onboard context, “the heads” means the toilet, so the same word can lead to very different places.

The direction the boat’s bow points. Wind and current can carry the boat along a different track, so heading is not always its direction over the ground.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A sail set forward of the main mast, commonly a jib or genoa. Boats may carry different headsails for different sailing angles and conditions.

A boat’s sideways lean away from upright. Sailing forces and the positions of weight aboard influence the amount and direction of heel.

The steering position or steering equipment, such as a tiller or wheel. “Taking the helm” means taking responsibility for steering the boat.

The main body of a boat that contains its buoyant volume. A monohull has one main hull, while a catamaran has two.

A headsail commonly set ahead of the mast, usually with less overlap than a genoa. Its shape and size vary with the boat and purpose.

A structure extending below a hull that commonly helps resist sideways movement. On many sailing yachts it also carries ballast to contribute to stability.

An informal name for an exceptionally high tide. It describes tidal height and does not, by itself, explain extra water caused by wind, pressure or waves.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, or 1.852 kilometres per hour. In ropework, a knot instead means an arrangement tied in a line.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A position’s angular distance north or south of the equator, expressed in degrees. Together with longitude, it identifies a location on Earth.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The rear edge of a triangular fore-and-aft sail, between the head and clew. Its shape and tension affect how air leaves the sail.

The side or direction away from where the wind comes from. It is the opposite of windward and changes when the wind’s direction changes.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The sideways component of a boat’s movement through the water caused by wind. It helps explain why the boat’s path may differ from where its bow points.

The full length of a vessel, usually shortened to LOA. Ask which projections a marina includes when it measures a boat for a berth.

A rope serving a particular job aboard a boat. Its specific name often tells you its purpose, such as a mooring line or reefing line.

A person who uses a boat as their home, or the arrangement allowing that use. A normal berth booking does not automatically include permission to live aboard.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A position’s angular distance east or west of the prime meridian, expressed in degrees. Longitude combines with latitude to describe a location.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The leading edge of a sail. As a verb, luffing can describe a sail fluttering as its angle to the wind becomes too small for it to draw properly.

A temporary period of lighter wind within otherwise stronger conditions. It is a change in wind strength, rather than a guarantee that the weather has settled.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The direction a magnetic compass points towards, influenced by Earth's magnetic field. It differs from geographic true north, and that difference changes with location.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The principal sail carried behind a boat's main mast. On many beginner boats it is the large triangular sail connected to both mast and boom.

The line used to adjust the mainsail through its connection to the boom. Its effect on sail angle and shape depends on the boat's rig.

A managed boating facility with berths and walkways where boats can stay. Available services vary, but may include water, electricity, showers and maintenance businesses.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The division of a marine park into areas with different activity rules. Check the current official map and rules for your exact location and intended activity.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The tall spar that carries sails above the deck. Some boats have one mast and others have several, with different names and sail arrangements.

The fitting or structural support on which the bottom of a mast sits. Its position and construction depend on the boat's rig and hull design.

The top of a mast, where fittings may include lights, instruments, halyard sheaves or rigging attachments, depending on the boat's design.

The smaller sail set on the aft mast of a ketch or yawl. The same word is often used informally for that aft mast.

A boat with one main hull, unlike a catamaran with two or a trimaran with three. Monohulls range from small dinghies to large cruising yachts.

A seasonal reversal of tropical winds that can bring prolonged rain, thunderstorms and squally conditions to northern Australia. Active periods alternate with breaks rather than lasting continuously.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An arrangement that secures a boat in a place on the water, often using a permanent seabed attachment connected to a buoy and pickup line.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A boat supported by more than one hull. Catamarans and trimarans are familiar examples, with different layouts and handling characteristics from monohulls.

A distance unit used at sea, equal to exactly 1,852 metres. A speed of one knot means travelling one nautical mile in one hour.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The process of working out where a boat is and planning or monitoring its movement. It combines position, direction, distance, conditions and relevant chart information.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Lights displayed by vessels to communicate aspects of their presence, direction and status. The required arrangement depends on the vessel and what it is doing.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A tide in the part of the tidal cycle with a relatively small difference between high and low water compared with nearby spring tides.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The range of headings too close to the wind for a sailing boat to maintain normal forward sailing. Its width varies with boat and conditions.

An official notice conveying information relevant to navigation, such as chart corrections, changed aids or local works. Check the notices appropriate to the waters and products you use.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Wind blowing from the land towards the water. The term describes its direction relative to the shore, rather than whether the wind is strong or gentle.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Wind blowing from the water towards the land. Its local effect depends on the coastline, terrain, wind strength and the surrounding weather pattern.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An engine mounted outside a boat's hull, usually at the stern, with its propulsion equipment in the same assembly. Small sailing boats may carry one.

A sail control that pulls the mainsail's clew towards the outer end of the boom. Changing its tension influences the shape near the sail's foot.

Beyond the side of a boat and into the water. The word can describe a dropped object or a person, with very different consequences.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A line attached near the bow of a dinghy or other small boat, commonly used for securing it or as part of a towing arrangement.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A journey by boat between places, often used for a voyage longer than a short local sail. Passage planning considers the route and its practical demands.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

To let a length of rope, chain or cable run out in a controlled way. The phrase describes movement, rather than a particular type of line.

The upper outer corner of a gaff sail, where the outer end of the gaff supports it. This differs from the sail's upper inner throat corner.

A flag that is often long and tapering, used aboard boats or by sailing organisations for identification or signalling. Its meaning depends on the particular design.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Equipment worn to provide buoyancy in the water, commonly shortened to PFD. Different types and performance levels serve different activities and are not automatically interchangeable.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Navigation using nearby features, marks, depths and detailed local information, often around harbours and coastal waters. It involves interpreting the surroundings as well as the chart.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Sailing closer to the wind than the boat can efficiently manage, usually at the expense of speed or sail performance. It is not simply another word for close-hauled.

The boat's fore-and-aft rocking motion, with the bow and stern rising and falling in turn. It is different from rolling from side to side.

A description of the boat's direction relative to the wind, such as a reach or run. It describes a relationship, not a compass direction.

A floating platform commonly used as a marina walkway or boarding place. It moves with the water level while its connections keep it located.

The left-hand side of a boat when facing towards its bow. This name stays with the boat even when a person turns around.

The usual description for sailing with the wind arriving over the boat's port side. Formal racing definitions also account for special downwind and head-to-wind situations.

A rigid guard structure around the bow of many yachts, often made from metal tubing and connected to the side guard wires.

A facility or service that removes sewage from a vessel holding tank into an appropriate shoreside system. Access and compatible connections should be confirmed before arrival.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A rigid guard structure around the stern of many yachts, commonly made from metal tubing. It is the aft counterpart to the bow pulpit.

The area of a boat's side towards the stern. Sailors may describe something approaching from the port quarter or starboard quarter to locate it.

The fore-and-aft inclination of a mast from vertical. Mast rake is part of a rig's setup and influences how the boat and sails work together.

Sailing with the wind arriving from the side at an angle between close-hauled and running. Close, beam and broad reaches describe different parts of that range.

A short tie or reinforced attachment in a sail associated with gathering spare cloth when reefed. It is distinct from the main load-bearing reef attachments.

Reducing the area of sail exposed to the wind using a system designed for the particular sail and boat. It changes how much sail is working.

An organised event featuring a series of boat races. A sailing regatta may involve one class of boat or many fleets and supporting shore activities.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A line crossing every meridian at the same angle, representing a constant true compass direction. On a Mercator chart, it appears as a straight line.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The overall arrangement of a boat's masts, sails and supporting equipment. Names such as sloop or ketch describe different types of sailing rig.

The wires, rods and ropes associated with supporting the mast and controlling the sails. Sailors distinguish standing rigging from the adjustable running rigging.

The sail area extending beyond a straight line drawn between the head and clew, giving the leech an outward curve. Battens often support this additional area.

The connection between an anchor and the boat, made from chain, rope or a combination. The word describes the whole connecting length, not the anchor itself.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The side-to-side rocking motion of a boat around its lengthwise axis. It differs from pitch, which moves the bow and stern up and down.

A system that rolls a sail around a stay or spar for storage, and sometimes for reducing its area. Capabilities depend on the particular equipment.

To turn the boat's bow towards the wind, often used when describing an unplanned turn caused by an imbalance of forces on the boat.

The underwater blade used to influence the direction of a boat by redirecting water flow. A tiller or wheel commonly controls its angle.

A point of sail with the wind coming from behind the boat. A dead run describes sailing directly downwind, while nearby angles differ slightly.

The adjustable ropes and associated equipment used to raise, lower and control sails. Halyards and sheets belong to this group, unlike the mast's standing supports.

An identifying number displayed on a sail, often with letters or a class symbol. It helps distinguish boats in events, fleets and sailing administration.

The intended arrangement and shapes of a boat's sails, often shown in a drawing. The term can also describe which combination of sails is carried.

The material from which a sail is made, including woven fabrics and composite constructions. Different choices balance shape retention, weight, durability and intended sailing use.

A sailing rig with at least two masts, with the aft mainmast at least as tall as the forward mast. Schooners can carry several different sail shapes.

An opening or drainage passage that allows water to leave a deck or similar area. The exact arrangement differs between boat designs.

A local wind from sea towards land, commonly developing as land warms more than the neighbouring water. Its timing and strength depend on surrounding weather conditions.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The overall condition of the water surface, including the character of waves. It may reflect both locally generated wind waves and swell arriving from elsewhere.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A valve fitted to a hull opening below the waterline, allowing flow through the associated pipe to be controlled. Boats may have several for different systems.

A removable connector, commonly a metal bow or D shape closed by a pin, used to join fittings or lines. Rope-based soft shackles are another type.

The rotating grooved wheel inside a block or other fitting, over which a rope or wire runs. It helps the line change direction.

A line used to adjust a sail's position relative to the boat and wind. Different sails have their own sheets, such as a jib sheet.

An area of relatively shallow water, often formed by a bank of sand, gravel or other material. Charts describe its position and available depth.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Electricity supplied to a berthed vessel from a shoreside connection. Suitable equipment, connection procedures and the marina’s requirements matter; availability alone does not establish compatibility.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A support running from the mast towards the sides of a boat, made from wire, rod or suitable fibre. Shrouds help resist sideways mast loads.

The average height of the highest one-third of waves in a sea or swell assessment. It is not the maximum wave height a vessel might encounter.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A fixed underwater projection, often ahead of or supporting a rudder. Its exact role and shape vary with the boat's hull and steering arrangement.

The person responsible for the boat and the people aboard during a trip. The skipper may share practical tasks while retaining overall responsibility.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A period when a tidal current has little or no flow before changing direction. It does not necessarily occur at the time of high or low water.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A sailing rig with one mast and normally a mainsail plus one headsail set at a time. It is common on both dinghies and cruising yachts.

An elastic or rope component used to soften sudden loads, often in a mooring or anchoring arrangement. Its material and configuration depend on the application.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A rigid member used to support or spread a sail, such as a mast, boom, gaff or spinnaker pole. Spars may use various materials.

A large, lightweight sail used for suitable downwind sailing angles. Designs include symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, with different shapes and handling arrangements.

A join or loop formed by interweaving parts of a rope rather than tying an ordinary knot. Suitable techniques depend on the rope's construction.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A strut projecting from a mast to hold its shrouds farther out, improving their supporting angle. Many rigs have one or more sets.

A mooring line led along a boat towards an attachment point forward or aft, helping limit fore-and-aft movement alongside. It differs from a bow or stern line.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A tide during the part of the cycle with a relatively large difference between high and low water. The term is unrelated to the spring season.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A sudden marked increase in wind that lasts longer than a brief gust, often associated with showers or storms. It may include a change in direction.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

An upright post along a yacht's deck edge that supports guard wires or similar rails. The posts and connecting lines form part of the perimeter arrangement.

The supports that normally stay fixed while sailing and hold the mast in position. Stays and shrouds are typical examples of this rigging group.

The right-hand side of a boat when facing its bow. The name belongs to the boat's side and does not change when someone turns around.

A support that helps hold a mast in position, commonly running forward or aft. Its construction may use wire, rod or specialised fibre.

A sail set on a stay, often used for a smaller headsail carried inside another headsail on a cruising boat. Rig arrangements vary.

The rear part of a boat, opposite the bow. Stern shapes differ, and a flat surface across the back is called a transom.

A small, strongly built headsail intended for severe weather conditions. It has a specific role and is distinct from an ordinary headsail simply rolled smaller.

An increase in sea level caused by a storm above the normal astronomical tide. It can combine with the tide and waves to affect coastal water levels.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A Bureau of Meteorology marine warning for average winds of 26–33 knots. Gusts can be stronger, and conditions below the warning threshold may still be unsuitable for a boat.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Waves that have travelled beyond the area where the wind generated them. They can arrive from distant weather systems even when local winds are light.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A fixed mooring arrangement that allows a secured boat to turn around its attachment point as wind or current changes. Nearby boats need adequate swinging room.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A word with several sailing meanings: the forward lower corner of many sails, a boat's windward-side designation, or a turn with its bow passing through the wind.

A system of rope running through one or more blocks to redirect a pull or provide mechanical advantage. Different arrangements offer different force and travel trade-offs.

A small strip of yarn or fabric that makes airflow visible, often attached to a sail. Its movement helps sailors interpret what the air is doing.

A smaller boat used to carry people or supplies between a larger boat and shore. It may be a rowing dinghy, inflatable or motor-powered craft.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A shaped insert placed inside a rope or wire eye to help preserve its shape and reduce wear at the connection point.

The vertical difference between a high water level and a low water level. It describes height change, rather than the speed of a tidal current.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The horizontal movement of water associated with the tide. Its direction and strength can affect a passage, and changes do not necessarily coincide with local high or low water.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A lever connected to the rudder's steering mechanism, used to influence its angle. It is a common steering control on dinghies and smaller yachts.

A low raised edge or fitting along the outside of a deck. Its design varies, and some versions also provide attachment points for equipment.

A line that supports the outer end of a boom, particularly when the sail is lowered. Some rigs use other equipment for boom support.

Prevailing tropical winds that blow generally from the east or south-east in the Southern Hemisphere. Around northern Australia they are typically strongest during the winter dry season.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Two fixed features seen in alignment, providing a useful position line or direction reference. Navigators can compare that alignment with information on a chart.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The surface across the back of a boat where the hull sides meet at the stern. Some designs have an open transom or a differently shaped stern.

A movable car on a track that changes the position of a sheet's attachment point. A mainsheet traveller helps adjust how the boom is controlled.

The adjustment or resulting setting of sails relative to the wind. The word also describes a boat's fore-and-aft balance or attitude in the water.

A multihull boat with a main central hull and two smaller outer hulls. Its three-hull arrangement differs from a catamaran's two main hulls.

The official Australian tropical cyclone season runs from November to April. Cyclones can also form outside those months, so a calendar alone cannot establish safe cruising conditions.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The wind before the effect of the boat's own motion is included, unlike apparent wind felt aboard. Instrument conventions may reference either the water or the ground.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

Describes a vessel that is not anchored, made fast to shore or aground. It does not necessarily mean the vessel is making progress through the water.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The vertical distance between the lowest part of a vessel and the seabed. Planning adequate clearance involves more than simply comparing draught with a single charted depth.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A marina berth offered for a temporary stay rather than a permanent arrangement. Availability, vessel fit, arrival instructions and booking terms need confirmation with the operator.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The disturbed water and waves left behind a moving boat. Its shape and size vary with the hull, speed and surrounding water conditions.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

The line where the surface of the water meets a floating hull. Its position changes with the boat’s loading and movement, and designs may show a reference waterline.

The time between successive wave crests or troughs passing a fixed position, usually expressed in seconds. Read it alongside wave height and direction when considering the sea state.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A defined position used when planning or following a route, often stored as coordinates in a navigation device. A route may connect several waypoints.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A boat's tendency to turn towards the wind unless countered by the steering. It reflects the balance of forces on sails, hull and underwater surfaces.

A period when forecast conditions appear suitable for a planned activity or passage. Its usefulness depends on the route, boat, crew and available alternatives if conditions change.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗

A rotating drum and mechanism used to help tension a loaded line. Many yachts use winches for sheets and halyards, with manual or powered operation.

Towards the direction from which the wind is coming, or the side nearer that direction. Its opposite is leeward, which is away from the wind.

The boat's side-to-side turning motion around a vertical axis, changing the direction its bow points. It differs from sideways rolling and fore-and-aft pitching.

Another name for Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, often shown with a Z in weather information. It provides a shared time reference independent of local time zones.

Plan a yachting trip in Australia ↗