A

ABAFT

Toward the rear (stern) of the boat. Behind

ABEAM

At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat. Note: Ocean rowing boats do not have a keel. In this context, the word refers to right angles to the boat.

ABOARD

On or within the boat

ABOVE DECK

On the deck (not over it - see ALOFT)

ABREAST

Side by side; by the side of

ADRIFT

Loose, not on moorings or towline

AFT

Toward the stern of the boat

AGROUND

Touching or fast to the bottom

AHEAD

In a forward direction

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters

ALEE

Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward

ALOFT

Above the deck of the boat

AMIDSHIPS

In or toward the centre of the boat

ANCHORAGE

A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom

ASTERN

Back of the boat, opposite of ahead

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B

BATTEN DOWN

Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck

BEAM

The greatest width of the boat

BEAM SEAS

Direction of the sea is at right angles to the keel of the boat (abeam). Large beam seas can result in an uncomfortable rocking motion as the sea meets the side of the boat

BEARING

The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat

BELOW

Beneath the deck

BIGHT

The part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed

BILGE

The interior of the hull below the floor boards where water often collects

BOAT HOOK

A short shaft with a fitting at one end shaped to facilitate use in putting a line over a piling, recovering an object dropped overboard, or in pushing or fending off

BOOT TOP

A painted line that indicates the designed waterline

BOW

The forward part of a boat

BOW LINE

A docking line leading from the bow

BOWLINE

A knot used to form a temporary loop in the end of a line

BREAKING SEAS

Large waves form crests in high winds, even in deep water, resulting in the tops to tumble forward

BRIDLE

A line or wire secured at both ends in order to distribute a strain between two points

BULKHEAD

A vertical partition separating compartments

BUOY

An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring

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C

CABIN

A compartment for passengers or crew

CAPSIZE

To turn over

CAST OFF

To let go

CHAFING GEAR

Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface

CHART

A map for use by navigators

CLEAT

A fitting to which lines are made fast

CLOVE HITCH

A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling

COCKPIT

An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled

COIL

To lay a line down in circular turns

COURSE

The direction in which a boat is steered

CURRENT

The horizontal movement of water

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D

DEAD AHEAD

Directly ahead

DEAD ASTERN

Directly aft

DECK

A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof

DISPLACEMENT

The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, thus, a boat's weight

DOCK

A protected water area in which vessels are moored

DOLDRUMS / ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

An area of low-pressure between the northeast and southeast trade winds, which migrates with the seasons but is generally situated between 3 and 11° north. The windless void is caused by intense heating at the equator that makes the hot, volatile air rise. This band of light airs is interspersed with tropical storm cells as a result of the volatile air, so sailors can face the frustration of grinding to a complete halt, only to encounter sudden violent squalls producing rapid and dangerous changes in wind speed and direction.

DRAFT

The depth of water a boat draws

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E

EBB

A receding current

EQUATOR

An imaginary line round the centre of the earth at a latitude of 0°

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F

FATHOM

Six feet

FENDER

A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage

FIGURE EIGHT KNOT

A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block

FLARE

The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal

FLOOD

An incoming current

FLYING FISH

There are 70 species of Exocoetidae or flying fishes. They are found in all the major oceans in warm tropical and sub-tropical waters. They have unusually large pectoral fins which allow them to take short flights out of the water to escape predators. Some species also have large pelvic fins, so they look like they have four wings.
Generally they grow up to 30cm in length but some can be as big as 45cm. They live near the surface and feed on plankton.

FOLLOWING SEA

An overtaking sea that comes from astern

FORE-AND-AFT

In a line parallel to the keel

FOREPEAK

A compartment in the bow

FORWARD

Toward the bow of the boat

FOULED

Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied

FREEBOARD

The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale

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G

GALE

Storm with wind speeds of approximately 34- 40 knots; force 8 on Beaufort Scale, described as producing moderately high waves with breaking crests, breaking twigs and causing cars to veer

GEAR

A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment

GIVE-WAY VESSEL

A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations

GPS

Abbreviation for Global Positioning System, a system of satellites allowing position to be accurately determined

GRAB RAILS

Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat

GREAT CIRCLE

A circle drawn around the Earth so that the centre of the circle is at the centre of the Earth, plotting the shortest distance between any two points

GUNWALE

The upper edge of a boat's sides

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H

HATCH

An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover

HEADING

The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time

HEADWAY

The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway

HELM

The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder

HELMSPERSON

The person who steers the boat

HITCH

A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope

HOLD

A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo

HULL

The main body of a vessel

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I

INBOARD

More toward the centre of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside a boat

INMARSAT-C

A system of satellites that allow two way communications

ITCZ / DOLDRUMS (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

An area of low-pressure between the northeast and southeast trade winds, which migrates with the seasons but is generally situated between 3 and 11° north. The windless void is caused by intense heating at the equator that makes the hot, volatile air rise. This band of light airs is interspersed with tropical storm cells as a result of the volatile air, so sailors can face the frustration of grinding to a complete halt, only to encounter sudden violent squalls producing rapid and dangerous changes in wind speed and direction.

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J

JACOBS LADDER

A rope ladder, lowered from the deck, as when pilots or passengers come aboard

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K

KEEL

The centreline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel

KNOT

A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour

KNOT

A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a stopper, to enclose or bind an object, to form a loop or a noose, to tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together

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L

LATITUDE

The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees

LAZARETTE

A storage space in a boat's stern area

LEE

The side sheltered from the wind

LEEWARD

The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward

LEEWAY

The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current

LINE

Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel

LOG

A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed

LONGITUDE

The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England

LUBBER'S LINE

A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed

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M

MARLINSPIKE

A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing

MIDSHIP

Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern

MOORING

An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier

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N

NAUTICAL MILE

One minute of latitude, approximately 6076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet

NAVIGATION

The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another

NAVIGATION RULES

The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules

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O

OUTBOARD

Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern

OVERBOARD

Over the side or out of the boat

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P

PILOTING

Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc

PLANING

A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water

PORT

The left side of a boat looking forward. A harbour

PRIVILEGED VESSEL

A vessel that, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way (this term has been superseded by the term "stand-on")

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Q

QUARTER

The sides of a boat aft of amidships

QUARTERING SEA

Sea coming on a boat's quarter

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R

RADAR

Electronic device using radio waves to determine the position of other objects, used to avoid collisions

REEFING

As wind speed increases the boat becomes overpowered and heels over (leans) too much. This not only slows the boat down but also makes it vulnerable to damage. To maintain the right power for the prevailing conditions, the sails are reefed, which means to reduce their area by partially lowering or furling them to a pre-determined mark. In an ocean rowing boat the weight needs to be adjusted.

ROARING FORTIES

A region between 40° South and 50° South where westerly winds circle the earth unobstructed by land

RODE

The anchor line and/or chain

ROPE

In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store

RUDDER

A vertical plate or board for steering a boat

RUN

To allow a line to feed freely

RUNNING LIGHTS

Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and dawn

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S

SATELLITE NAVIGATION

A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment

SCUPPERS

Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself

SEA ANCHOR
          A large underwater parachute manufactured from high strength materials, impervious to sea               water and resistant to wear. The Sea Anchor is operated when deployed over the vessels bow,           where it opens beneath the oceans surface. Its resistance brings the vessels head to sea,           providing stability and safety.
SEA COCK

A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea

SEAMANSHIP

All the arts and skills of boat handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work, and rigging

SEA ROOM

A safe distance from the shore or other hazards

SEAWORTHY

A boat or a boat's gear able to meet sea conditions

SECURE

To make fast

SET

Direction toward which the current is flowing

SOUNDING

A measurement of the depth of water

SPREADERS

Spars extending sideways from the mast allowing the shrouds to support the mast

SPRING LINE

A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock

SQUALL

A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain

SQUARE KNOT

A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot

STANCHION

Post near the edge of the deck supporting lifeline, which extends from bow to stern to prevent crew being separated from boat

STANDING PART

That part of a line which is made fast. The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end

STAND-ON VESSEL

That vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation

STARBOARD

The right side of a boat when looking forward

STAY

Lines running fore and aft of the mast for support, also used to carry some sails

STEM

The forward most part of the bow

STERN

The aft part of the boat

STERN LINE

A docking line leading from the stern

STOW

To put an item in its proper place

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T

TACK

The direction the boat is sailing in relation to the wind; change a boat's direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind

THWARTSHIPS

At right angles to the centreline of the boat

TIDE

The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans

TILLER

A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor

TOPSIDES

The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck

TRADE WIND

Consistent, reliable winds found in the equatorial region

TRANSOM

The stern cross-section of a square sterned boat

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U

UNDERWAY

Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground

UTC

Stands for Coordinated Universal Time, (although this is not a true acronym as it is a variant of UT - Universal Time). UTC replaced GMT as the World Standard Time in 1986. It is based on atomic measurements rather than the rotation of the earth.

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V

VEER

Change of wind direction, clockwise in the northern hemisphere, anti-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere

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W

WAKE

Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters

WATERLINE

A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed

WAY

Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway

WINDWARD

Toward the direction from which the wind is coming, opposite of leeward

X

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Y

YAW

To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea

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Z

SOLAR PANELS: Flush mounted into the cabin roof and "T-top" structure, these (6) panels, using monocrystalline silicon cells, will passively generate electricity (approximately 59.4 amps/day total) to meet the vessel's electrical demands.
BATTERIES: Two (2) banks of 12-volt, Gel Cell, Deep-Cycle marine batteries. This is the "storage closet" containing the critical amps necessary to power all electrical needs. Gel technology provides crucial advantages, i.e. thick calcium plates won't sulfate, are maintenance free, can be turned upside down and submerged underwater without damage and are 10-15 percent more efficient during charging than normal wet cells.

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ELECTRONICS

HAM/SSB RADIO TRANSCEIVER: This 100-watt, 2-way radio is the critical voice link between the vessel and the headquarters. Networking with other operators, this radio is capable of global transmissions and communications. It's main purpose is for voice communications with the more powerful headquarters-based unit and certainly capable of ship-to-ship transmissions for knowledge or emergencies. It also has the capability to patch through the main phone system and speak to any land-based person with a standard telephone.
VHF/RADIO: This is a standard 25-watt radio that most vessels carry and is used primarily for close proximity communications ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore.
EPIRB 406: (Emergency Position Indicator Rescue Beacon) is a small transmitter that sends out a personalized coded satellite emergency to rescue services. It transmits on 406 MHZ, an internationally monitored frequency. This Category 1 EPIRB is deployed and activated automatically by hydrostatic release or may be deployed manually.
C.A.R.D. 060: (Collision Avoidance Radar Detector) is a safety aid for offshore awareness of a potential collision with another vessel. It monitors radar equipped vessels and gives distance, direction and speed of the oncoming ship, signaling the skipper with an audio alarm of a potential collision.
GPS: (Global Positioning System) a navigational unit capable of giving precise coordinates(longitude/latitude) within a few meters anywhere in the world. It coordinates satellite signals to get the vessel's position and provides other valuable data such as velocity, graphic cross-track error and navigation to hundreds of waypoints.
COMPUTER SYSTEM: Interfacing with one of the telecommunication satellite uplink systems (Inmarsat/Orbcom) the computer is the heart of the vessel's communications and data management system. This system is comprised of a laptop PC and monitor, cellular modem, weather fax, printer and satellite uplink transceiver. It will provide instant telex communications (capable of sending communications to and from shore), up-to-the-minute satellite weather data and forecasts, complex navigational functions, vessel maintenance schedules and will hold the ship's log. Coordinating with the headquarters, the computer will provide communication with anyone that has a computer and the accessibility to one of the world's on-line services.
SOLAR CHARGING CONTROLLER: A small monitor linked to the solar panels/electrical system and using a charge relay and sophisticated sensing circuitry regulates the charge to protect the batteries from gassing.
AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMP: Located in the lower part of the vessel, this device pumps out seawater automatically at 2,000 gallons per hour, activated by a float sensitive switch. The ship's back up system will be a high-capability manual diaphragm pump.
BATTERY ISOLATOR/COMBINER: Connected to the vessel's battery banks, this device is engineered to combine the batteries in parallel for charging purposes, but then for security reasons, to isolate them when being used, to avoid draining all the power accidentally.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR: A multi-stage monitor that regulates the voltage output from the charger to the batteries. This is to maximize the charging process and prevent the batteries from gassing.
AMP HOURS + METER: A monitoring device connected to the ship's electrical system to gauge the used amperage. Sophisticated algorithms recompute charge efficiency during each recharging, helping to balance the electrical system.
DC-AC POWER INVERTER: Linked between the vessel's battery banks and the on-board computer system, this unit "inverts" the battery's direct current to alternating current for better stabilization.

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DOCUMENTATION

VIDEO CAMERAS: An 8mm video camera will be mounted on the vessel for complete documentation of the voyage. The camera can be mounted outside in specially designed waterproof housings and the other will be mounted inside the cabin. To insure documentation, the cameras will be powered independently of the vessel's main electrical system. To augment this recording, a 35mm weatherized still camera will be aboard.
DAT RECORDER: This Digital Audio Recorder is a small cassette tape stereo recorder mounted in the aft bulkhead to capture exterior and interior cabin sounds for documentation.

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OPERATIONS

RADAR REFLECTOR: A multi-angled anodized device of intersecting planes (octahedral) mounted on the vessel to echo a radar signal to an oncoming radar-equipped ship to prevent collision.
SEA ANCHOR: Designed to prevent the vessel from capsizing in gale force weather conditions, this parachute type device is deployed off the bow of the vessel and not only retards the drift, but also keeps the craft pointed into the oncoming wind and waves to prevent broaching. It will be necessary to carry a spare, as this is a most critical piece of equipment.
SEXTANT: A mariner's instrument to measure the angle of the sun, moon and stars relative to the horizon, so as to get the vessel's position at sea. The advantage of this instrument is that it requires no power.
BAROMETER: A mariner's gauge used for measuring the change in atmospheric pressure, thus being able to forecast the weather.
CHRONOMETER: A very precise and accurate timepiece. This is an integral of calculating position via celestial navigation.
DESALINATOR: Using an extreme high pressure reverse osmosis process, this unit will remove all bacteria, viruses and salt from the seawater, providing all drinking water needs. It works either in a 12-volt electrical form or can manually be pumped by hand. A spare pump will be brought along as well.