A Beginners Guide To Sailing Terms And Jargon
Many terminologies are used in the sailing world, so If you are thinking about taking yachting or sailing up as a hobby or sport, then you need to learn a couple of sailing terms before you get started. By learning these terms and jargon, you will know a lot about what the sailing is. It will also make your training easier. If you do not know what a stern or starboard is, read this article to the end to find the answer.
The front of the yacht is termed as the Bow, while the Stern is the back of the yacht. On your left is the Port side of a yacht, while the Starboard is on the right side.
Hull is the body of the yacht, while the vertical fin connected to the Hull is called the Keel. It maintains the stability of the boat. The sitting or standing place for the crew to control the boat is known as a Cockpit. So, these are some very basic terms sailors use to communicate with the crew to operate the boat. Now, let us know more about some more technical terms.
The Rigging is a very important part of a yacht. It is the adjustable lines that are used in order control, hoist or lower the sails. The ropes that are used by sailors to move the sails of a yacht in and out are called the Sheets. On the other hand, Halyards are the components used to move the sails up and down.
The larger sail is called the Mainsail and it sits behind what is called the mast. The Mainsheet is connected to the Boom. The Boom is a Spar or pole that runs along the front and rear sail. This is used in order to keep control over the Mainsail. Without it, it is not possible to control the Mainsail properly. That is why the Boom is considered a very important part of a boat or yacht.
The sail set amid the Headstay and the forward-most mast is called a Jib. A line of steel rod that gives support to the mast as well as adjusts its bend is termed as the Headstay.
A track is the direction in which the yacht is moving with respect to the wind. Actually, tracking is the act of changing the direction of the boat from one side of the wind to another. Tracking is done while sailing in the direction of the wind.
This list, however, does not cover all the terms related to sailing. Aside from these, there are scores of terms you can learn. This article discusses the most common and important terms used by sailors. By learning these terms, you will familiarize yourself with the main terms and jargon associated with sailing yachts or boats.
After sailing a yacht or boat once or twice, you will find it easier to remember these terms. So, read these terms a couple times and search on the web to see pictures of the components of a boat we have discussed in this short article. In this way, you can easily keep these terms in your mind.
Check out a comprehensive glossary of sailing terms on NauticEd.
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