THE LANGUAGE OF SAILING
Sailing glossary
The words we use aboard, explained simply. Each entry shows how a term fits into our journey.
Anchor
An anchor is a device used to keep a boat in place by gripping the bottom of the water. It is generally connected to the boat by a chain, sometimes supplemented by rope. Its effectiveness depends, among other things, on its design, the type of bottom, and the length of chain and rope deployed. Because an anchor that doesn’t hold is mostly an invitation to go visit the neighbours.
Anchor light
An anchor light is a white light visible all around the horizon, used by a boat when it is at anchor to indicate its presence to other vessels. On a sailboat, it is generally positioned high up, often at the top of the mast. It must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility, in accordance with the applicable navigation rules. In short, even while we’re sleeping, the boat keeps saying, “I’m here!”
Anchorage
An anchorage is a place where a boat is stopped at anchor, as well as the system made up of the anchor, chain, and rope used to keep it in place. More generally, to anchor means to drop the anchor and stop the boat. A good anchorage is a place where you can sleep without waking up wondering whether the boat is still in the same place.
Anemometer
An anemometer is an instrument that measures wind speed. On a sailboat, it is generally installed at the top of the mast and allows you to know the apparent wind speed. Some models also indicate its direction. Very useful for knowing whether the wind is 15 knots or whether we are starting to quietly wonder why we are still out there.
Barge
A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel generally designed to transport goods, materials, or equipment. It is often unpowered and moved by a tugboat, but some barges are powered. Barges are particularly used on rivers, canals, lakes, and in ports. On the water, it’s better to know where they’re going, because a barge generally doesn’t make much effort to get out of your way.
Bay
A bay is a portion of a sea, lake, or ocean that extends into the land and is partially surrounded by it. It generally provides some shelter from the wind and waves, which can make it a favorable place for sailing, anchoring, or mooring. The size and shape of a bay can vary considerably, from a small, well-protected bay to a large body of water that is almost open.
Boat hook
A boat hook is a long pole fitted with a hook or tip, used aboard a boat to grab, push, or move something that is out of reach. It can be used, for example, to retrieve a dock line, catch a mooring buoy, or push the boat away from the dock. It’s a simple tool, but surprisingly useful.
Boom
The boom is a horizontal spar attached to the mast that holds the lower part of the mainsail and allows its position to be controlled. It swings from one side of the boat to the other depending on the position of the sail and the wind. It can also support various lines and equipment related to the mainsail. And since it can move quickly, it’s better to know where it is before changing tacks!
Bosun's chair
A bosun’s chair is a suspended seat that allows a person to be hoisted into the rigging, particularly to the top of the mast, to perform maintenance or inspections. It is usually hoisted using a halyard. It’s much more comfortable than simply tying a line around your waist, but it’s still a chair hanging several meters above the deck… so it’s best not to think too much about what could happen.
Canal
A canal is an artificial waterway built to allow navigation between two bodies of water or to connect different regions. Its width and depth are generally controlled to allow vessels to pass through. Some canals have locks to overcome differences in elevation. For a sailboat, a canal can be a great way to discover inland areas, as long as you don’t forget that the rules of the game sometimes change completely compared with sailing at sea.
Cargo Ship
A cargo ship is a vessel designed primarily to transport goods. It can carry different types of cargo, including containers, vehicles, bulk goods, or other merchandise. Cargo ships are generally much larger than recreational vessels and follow busy commercial routes. For a small sailboat, it’s therefore better to keep an eye on them and give them all the room they need!
Chop
Chop refers to short, closely spaced, and often irregular waves, generally caused by local wind. Unlike a regular swell, chop can make sailing uncomfortable and cause the boat to move in several directions at once. It can be light and simply annoying, or become significant enough to complicate maneuvers and slow down a sailboat. In short, small waves, but with a lot of attitude!
Cleat
A cleat is a device attached to a boat that is used to secure and hold a line. There are several types of cleats, including mooring cleats, used to secure dock lines, and sheet cleats, used to hold the lines used to control the sails. Their shape varies depending on their purpose, but their goal remains the same: to keep the line from going where you don’t want it to go.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is an organization responsible for various aspects of maritime safety, including search and rescue, assistance to vessels in distress, and support for navigation. Its responsibilities vary from one country to another. In Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard is responsible, among other things, for maritime search and rescue operations, maintaining navigation aids, and providing icebreaking services. In the United States, the United States Coast Guard also carries out maritime law enforcement and national security duties. At sea, it’s a service you hope you’ll never need to call for yourself, but are very glad to know is available!
Crab Pots
Crab pots are traps used to catch crabs. They are placed on the bottom of the water and connected to a surface buoy by a line, making them easier to locate and retrieve. They generally contain bait that attracts crabs inside, where they become trapped. When boating, it’s important to keep an eye out for the buoys and avoid running over the lines, which could become tangled around the propeller or keel. In short, these little buoys can hide a very real trap for boats!
Current
A current is the movement of water in a given direction. It can be caused by tides, wind, differences in temperature or salinity, as well as the flow of a river or stream. In navigation, a current can affect the boat’s speed and direction relative to the bottom. It can be favorable and help us save time, or against us and make it feel like the boat is moving much more slowly than it should.
Dinghy
A dinghy is a small boat used to travel between the sailboat and shore, a marina, a dock, or a beach, particularly when the main boat is at anchor. It can be rigid or inflatable and is generally propelled by oars or a small outboard motor. Basically, it’s our personal little shuttle when Eolo decides to stay away from the dock.
Dock line
A dock line is a rope used to keep the boat secured to a dock, a buoy, or another mooring point. Depending on its purpose, it can hold the boat forward, aft, or on the sides. We commonly refer to a bow line, stern line, and spring line.
Drop anchor
Dropping anchor means lowering the anchor to the bottom to keep the boat from drifting away. At least, that’s the theory! The anchor needs to dig into the bottom and hold firmly enough to withstand the wind, current, and movement of the boat. The amount of chain and line deployed, called the **rode**, also plays an important role. Because an anchor that doesn’t hold is basically just a big piece of metal going for a ride with us.
Fenders
Fenders are soft protective devices, generally made of plastic or rubber, placed between the boat and a dock, another boat, or a structure. They absorb impacts and prevent the hull from rubbing against or being damaged. They are often hung along the side of the hull using lines. In short, they are the boat’s safety cushions, particularly useful when the wind decides to make docking more complicated.
Ferry
A ferry is a vessel designed to transport passengers, and sometimes vehicles, from one shore to another or between two relatively close points. Ferries generally follow regular routes and can carry a large number of people. When recreational boating, it is important to take their route and limited ability to maneuver into account when you are in their path. In short, they have a schedule to keep, and so do we… but not necessarily the same one!
Fuel Dock
A fuel dock is a dock located in a marina or harbor where boats can refuel. It is generally equipped with gasoline and diesel pumps and may sometimes offer other services, such as oil or boat maintenance products. It’s often a quick stop… unless everyone has decided to refuel at the same time!
Genoa
A genoa is a large headsail located in front of the mast. It is attached to the forestay and generally extends aft past the mast when fully deployed. It uses the power of the wind to propel the sailboat and, together with the mainsail, is one of the main sails on a sailboat. On Eolo, our genoa is mounted on a roller furler, which allows us to gradually deploy or furl it depending on the wind conditions.
Halyard
A halyard is a line used to hoist a sail, flag, or certain equipment aboard a sailboat. It is generally attached to the upper part of whatever is being hoisted and runs through a pulley located higher up. Depending on the type of rig and sail, there may be a mainsail halyard, genoa halyard, jib halyard, or flag halyard. In short, without a halyard, you have to find another way to get things up… and that’s usually not any simpler.
Harbor
A harbor is a place developed along a body of water to accommodate vessels and allow them to shelter, load or unload goods, refuel, or access various services. It can be intended for recreational boats, commercial vessels, or both. A harbor can also provide protection from wind and waves, depending on its configuration.
Heading
Heading is the direction in which the front of the boat is pointing, expressed in degrees from 0° to 360° starting from north. For example, a heading of 090° means that the boat is pointing east. The heading can be determined using a compass or an electronic navigation instrument. It should not be confused with course over ground, which corresponds to the direction the boat is actually traveling over the bottom, especially when wind or current causes it to drift.
Heel
Heel is when the boat leans over under the pressure of the wind in the sails. It can heel a few degrees up to around 30° and still be fairly comfortable. Ideally, we try to stay under 20°, because beyond that, things start to become less comfortable and less efficient. At 45°, let's just say you start seriously questioning some of your decisions.
Hoist
To hoist means to raise a sail, flag, or piece of equipment using a line, usually a halyard. A sail is hoisted into its sailing position and then trimmed according to the wind conditions. Basically, it’s the opposite of lowering a sail.
Jacklines
Jacklines are straps or ropes installed on a sailboat to allow people on board to clip in with a safety harness while moving around the deck, especially in rough seas or difficult conditions. They may be temporarily rigged or form part of a permanent system. They help reduce the risk of falling overboard, but they do not replace other safety precautions. They must be securely attached and used with a suitable harness. At sea, it’s best to clip in before the boat reminds you that the deck isn’t exactly a stable floor!
Knots
A knot is the unit of measurement used in navigation to express the speed of a boat or the wind. One knot corresponds to one nautical mile per hour, or approximately 1.852 km/h. For example, a boat traveling at 6 knots covers about 6 nautical miles in one hour, while a 20-knot wind blows at approximately 37 km/h. And contrary to what the name might suggest, no rope is needed to measure speed!
Locks
A lock is a structure built along a navigable waterway that allows boats to move from one water level to another. It consists of an enclosed chamber with gates, where the water level is adjusted to raise or lower the boat. The process is based on a simple principle: the boat enters the chamber, the gates close, and water is either added or released until the level matches that of the next section of the waterway. The gates then open, allowing the boat to continue on its way. Locks are commonly found on canals and some modified rivers. For recreational boaters, they require a little preparation, good lines, and sometimes a healthy dose of patience, especially when there’s a queue!
Lower the sail
Lowering a sail means bringing it down, usually by releasing the halyard and allowing the sail to come down onto the deck or into its storage system. You lower a sail to reduce sail area, finish a passage, or simply because you’ve had enough of wrestling with the wind. Technically, **lowering** a sail is the opposite of **hoisting** it.
Mainsail
The mainsail is the boat’s main sail. It is attached to the mast and boom and provides a significant part of the sailboat’s propulsion. On Eolo, our mainsail is installed inside the mast and rolls into it when we put it away. It’s usually the first sail that comes to mind when we think of a sailboat, and the one that quickly reminds us that the wind sometimes gets to decide the day’s schedule.
Marina
A marina is a place designed to accommodate recreational boats. It generally offers docks or mooring buoys, as well as various services such as water, electricity, restrooms, showers, and sometimes fuel, a boat launch ramp, or maintenance services. Some marinas also offer onshore storage areas and services for boaters. In short, it’s a bit like a parking lot for the boating world, with a lot more water.
Mast
The mast is the vertical structure that supports the sails and part of a sailboat’s rigging. It also transfers the forces generated by the sails to the boat’s structure. It can be made of aluminum, wood, carbon, or other materials. It’s also that tall vertical structure you start looking at very differently when you have to climb all the way to the top.
Mast Structures
Mast supports are structures installed on the boat to support the mast when it has been removed. They allow the mast to be safely placed on the boat during transport or when navigating a waterway where the mast must be lowered. Their shape and location vary depending on the type of boat and how the mast is stored.
Mooring ball
A mooring is an anchoring system secured to the bottom of the water, usually with a concrete block or another heavy weight. A chain connects the weight to a floating buoy, to which the boat can be attached. Unlike an anchor, a mooring remains permanently in the same location and allows several boats to use designated mooring spots.
MPPT
An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is a controller mainly used with solar panels to optimize the energy they produce. It continuously adjusts the panels’ operating point to extract the maximum available power, then converts that energy to match the voltage of the battery system. It is particularly useful when sunlight conditions change, for example because of clouds, panel orientation, or partial shading.
Nautic miles
A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in maritime and aviation navigation to express distances. One nautical mile is exactly 1.852 kilometres. This unit is linked to the Earth's geographic coordinates: it corresponds to one minute of latitude. Distances on nautical charts are generally measured in nautical miles, as are the distances travelled by a sailboat. It should not be confused with the statute mile, which is shorter and equals approximately 1.609 kilometres. In navigation, when someone says there are 20 miles to go, that’s not quite the same trip as 20 kilometres!
Nautical chart
# English translation A nautical chart is a representation of a maritime area or waterway that provides the information needed to navigate safely. It shows, among other things, water depths, shoals, underwater hazards, buoys, markers, channels, and other features useful for navigation. It can be printed on paper or viewed digitally using a navigation device. Nautical charts help plan a route, identify hazards, and choose areas that are deep enough to pass through. Because even if the water looks calm, that doesn’t mean there’s enough water underneath!
Port
Port refers to the left side of the boat when facing forward, toward the bow. The opposite side is starboard. For French-speaking Quebecers, it’s a term we quickly have to get used to when traveling, since port is used everywhere on the water in English. And no, it’s not the port where you dock.
Public dock
A public dock is a dock accessible to vessels without being reserved for a marina or private property. It can allow boaters to moor temporarily to go ashore, shop for supplies, visit a town, or access certain services. The conditions of use vary depending on the location, particularly regarding maximum docking time, fees, and restrictions. A public dock is therefore very convenient… especially when it’s free!
Pump-out
A pump-out is a service used to empty a boat’s wastewater holding tank. A pump draws the wastewater out of the tank and transfers it to a designated disposal system, generally located on a dock or at a dedicated station. Some marinas offer this service directly at the dock, while others have a pump-out station accessible to boats. In short, it’s not the most glamorous service at the marina, but we’re always glad it exists!
Radar
Radar is a device that uses radio waves to detect objects around a boat and determine their distance and direction. It can be used to detect other vessels, obstacles, land, or structures, even when visibility is reduced by fog, rain, or darkness. In navigation, it is a complementary tool to other instruments and visual observations. In short, when you can’t see much anymore, it’s reassuring to know that something is still keeping watch!
Radar reflector
A radar reflector is a device installed on a boat to improve its detection by other vessels’ radar systems. It receives radar waves and reflects them back, making the boat more visible on radar displays, particularly when its own radar signature is weak. It is often installed high up in a sailboat’s rigging to provide a clearer view of the horizon. Several models are available, including passive reflectors that reflect incoming radar waves. Its effectiveness varies depending on its design, orientation, and operating conditions. It does not guarantee detection by every radar system, but it can help improve a boat’s visibility. At sea, being visible is important, but keeping an eye on your surroundings is just as essential!
Regatta
A regatta is a sailboat race in which several boats compete to complete a designated course as quickly as possible. Participants must take the wind, currents, other boats, and racing rules into account. Regattas can be held over short distances or several days, depending on the type of competition. Even though all boats have the same basic elements, strategy, sail trim, and crew decisions can make a big difference.
Release
To release or let go means to free or untie something, usually a sail, dock line, or other line. In sailing, for example, you can release a dock line to leave the dock, or release a sheet to allow a sail to open further. The exact meaning therefore depends on what is being released.
Sailing
Navigation refers to traveling on the water aboard a vessel, either by motor or by sail. It can take place on a lake, river, canal, or at sea, to reach a destination, explore an area, or simply enjoy the journey. It can last a few minutes or several days, depending on the type of trip.
Sails
Sails are large surfaces made of fabric or synthetic material attached to a sailboat’s rigging and designed to use the force of the wind to propel the boat. Their shape and size vary depending on their purpose and the direction of the wind. The main sails on a sailboat are generally the mainsail and headsails, such as the genoa or jib. Some sails, such as the spinnaker, are specifically designed for downwind points of sail. In short, they’re what allow the boat to move without making the engine do all the work!
Shoal
A shoal is an area where the seabed or riverbed lies at a relatively shallow depth, which can pose a hazard to boats, especially those with a deeper draft. It may consist of sand, mud, rocks, or other materials. Some shoals are natural, while others can form or shift over time, particularly under the influence of currents and tides. They are marked on nautical charts to help navigators avoid running aground. When sailing, it’s wise to keep an eye on the depth: a shoal can quickly turn a pleasant outing into an unexpected stop!
Shrouds
Shrouds are cables that connect the mast to the hull and keep it in place laterally. They are part of the standing rigging and work together with the stays and other rigging components to provide stability to the mast. They are generally made of stainless steel or wire rope and are kept under tension. In short, they prevent the mast from suddenly deciding it would rather go in another direction.
Spinnaker
A spinnaker, or “spi,” is a large, lightweight sail used mainly when the wind is coming from behind or from the side. Very large once deployed, it allows a sailboat to significantly increase its power on downwind points of sail. There are different types of spinnakers, including symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers. It’s a sail that can turn a sailboat into a real kite… with a lot more lines to manage.
Starboard
Starboard refers to the right side of the boat when facing forward, toward the bow. The opposite side is port. In English, tribord is called starboard. Like port, this term is used everywhere on the water in English, so it’s worth getting used to it quickly!
Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet service that allows users to connect to the Internet in places where terrestrial connections are limited or unavailable. The system uses an antenna that communicates with a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. Aboard a boat, it can provide an Internet connection even when far from land-based infrastructure, provided there is a sufficiently clear view of the sky and a service plan suitable for use at sea.
Stepping the mast
Stepping the mast consists of putting the mast back in place on a sailboat after it has been removed. The operation generally includes putting the mast back in place, reconnecting the standing and running rigging, as well as adjusting the tension of the shrouds and other rigging components. It is often carried out using a crane and requires good coordination. Once it is finished, everything still needs to be checked to make sure it is properly in place before resuming sailing.
Swell
Swell is a regular movement of the surface of the water formed by waves that have traveled over a certain distance, often well beyond the area where they were created. Unlike chop, which is generally shorter and more irregular, swell is characterized by longer and more regular waves. It can come from an area of bad weather located very far away and continue to travel even when the local wind is light or absent. When sailing, a significant swell can make a boat move quite a lot, even on a beautiful day.
Swivel
A swivel is a mechanical fitting that allows two connected components to rotate independently without twisting the chain, rope, or cable attached to them. In boating, it can be used in an anchoring system, particularly between the anchor and the chain, to help limit twisting as the boat swings around its anchor in response to wind or current. Swivels come in different designs and must be suitable for the loads and stresses they will encounter. However, a swivel is no substitute for a strong, properly rated connection. When a boat swings around its anchor all night, this small fitting can keep the chain from turning into a corkscrew!
To plane
To plane is when a dinghy accelerates enough for its bow to rise and part of its hull to lift out of the water. The boat then planes across the water, allowing it to reach a higher speed. Not all dinghies can plane: it depends on factors such as hull shape, weight, engine power, and the load on board. With a small engine, just a few extra pounds can make all the difference between planing and moving along slowly while pushing water!
To Run Aground
In navigation, to run aground means that a boat touches the bottom and becomes stuck, either intentionally or accidentally. This can happen when the water is too shallow, for example near a shoal or when the tide goes out. Some boats with a shallow draft can intentionally be grounded in suitable locations, particularly to carry out maintenance or wait for the tide. An unintentional grounding, however, can damage the hull, keel, or rudder, depending on the circumstances. If a boat runs aground, the situation should be assessed before attempting to get moving again, taking the tide, the bottom, and the surrounding conditions into account. When navigating, checking the depth before entering a passage can save you from turning an impromptu stop into a refloating operation!
Topping lift
A topping lift is a line that runs from the mast to the end of the boom and is used to support the boom when it is not supported by the mainsail. It helps keep the boom at the proper height when the sail is lowered. Without it, the boom has a rather unfortunate tendency to come down where it wasn’t invited.
Trimaran
A trimaran is a sailboat or vessel with three parallel hulls: a central hull and two side hulls, called floats. This configuration provides great stability and generally allows for good sailing performance. The three hulls are connected by a transverse structure that forms the boat as a whole. In short, three hulls instead of one, because apparently one wasn’t enough!
Tugboat
A tugboat is a boat designed to move or assist other vessels or barges by pushing or pulling them. They are particularly used in ports, on rivers, and in areas where large ships need assistance maneuvering. Tugboats are generally small compared with the vessels they move, but their engines allow them to develop significant pulling power. In short, small boat, big muscles!
Unstepping the mast
Unstepping the mast consists of removing the mast from a sailboat. It can be done to transport the boat, carry out work or repairs on the mast or rigging, or to pass under a bridge or navigate certain waterways. The operation generally requires a crane and must be carried out carefully, since the mast, cables, and various rigging components must be disconnected and handled.
Vessel registration number
A vessel registration number is an identification number assigned to a vessel by a maritime authority. Depending on the country, it can be used for boat registration, official identification, and certain administrative procedures. It should not be confused with the HIN (Hull Identification Number), which is a unique number assigned to the boat by its manufacturer.
VHF
VHF, short for Very High Frequency, is a radio system used to communicate between boats and with shore stations, marinas, and emergency services. When sailing, it can be used to communicate with other vessels, obtain information about navigation conditions, and contact emergency services. Maritime communications use specific channels, including Channel 16 for distress, urgency, and safety calls. In short, it’s a bit like the telephone of the boating world, except you can’t call just anyone on any channel!
Waterspout
A waterspout is a rotating column of air that forms over the water and is generally associated with a thunderstorm cloud. It can take the form of a funnel connecting the surface of the water to the cloud. Some waterspouts are relatively weak, while others can produce very strong winds and pose a danger to vessels. At sea, it’s the kind of phenomenon you’d rather admire from a distance.
Yacht
A yacht is a recreational vessel designed primarily for comfort, leisure, and travel. The term can refer to either a motorboat or a sailboat, and its size can vary considerably. In common usage, “yacht” often suggests a relatively luxurious vessel, but there is no specific size at which a boat officially becomes a yacht. In short, it doesn’t necessarily mean a huge boat with a crew in uniform… fortunately!