SAILING GLOSSARY

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.