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Sailing Terms We thought it would be helpful to include a very basic list of sailing terms you may hear while sailing aboard “Recovery”. Have no fear; however, we do speak plain English on board as well! Bow---the front of the vessel. Boom---a pole attached perpendicularly to the mast on which the foot of the mainsail is attached. Bimini---a canvas awning which covers the cockpit area. Bitter end---the very end of a rope or line. Cockpit---sitting area at the stern of “Recovery”. The wheel, compass, and engine controls are in this area. Companionway---the opening in the cockpit which leads below deck. Dingy---a small boat either carried aboard or pulled behind. Dodger---a canvas and clear plastic “windshield” attached to the front of the cockpit. Forestay---the shroud (steel cable) attached to the top of the mast that is also attached to the bow. Head---a marine toilet. Helmsman---the person steering the vessel. Jib---the sail attached to the forestay at the bow. Keel---the backbone of a vessel that runs from the bow to the stern. The weight in the keel is what keeps a sailboat upright especially while under sail. Leeward---the opposite side of the boat from where the wind is coming from. Line---ropes once they are on board a boat are called lines. Mainsail---the big sail which is attached to the mast and the boom. Mast--- the big pole sticking up from the center of a sloop. Steel cables called shrouds hold it up. Port---the left side of the vessel. Left and port both have four letters! Rudder---the board attached to the stern for steering. Sea room---being at a safe distance from an obstacle or from shore. Sloop---a sailboat with two sails. Starboard---the right side of the vessel. Stern---the rear of the vessel. Stow---to put gear on board in its proper place. Windward---the side of the boat the wind is coming from. When under sail it is best to sit to windward. It helps keep the boat in balance. |
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