SAILING GLOSSARY

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!