Boat Direction & Movement
Bow
The front of the boat.
Stern
The back of the boat.
Port
The left side of the boat when you are facing forward.
Starboard
The right side of the boat when you are facing forward.
Ahead
Moving forward.
Astern
Moving backward.
Sails & Rigging
Sail
The fabric that catches the wind to move the boat.
Mainsail
The main sail on the boat, attached to the mast and boom.
Boom
The pole at the bottom of the sail that swings side to side.
Mast
The tall pole that holds the sail up.
Halyard
Sheet
The line used to control the sail in and out.
Shroud
Spreader
A short metal bar that sticks out from the sides of the mast to keep the shroud away from the mast.
Wind & Direction
Wind
Moving air that makes the boat go.
True Wind
The wind you feel when the boat is not moving.
Apparent Wind
The wind you feel while the boat is moving.
Windward
The side of the boat closer to the wind.
Leeward
The side of the boat farther away from the wind.
No-Go Zone
The area where a sailboat cannot sail because it is pointed too close to the wind.
Boat Control
Rudder
The flat blade at the back of the boat that helps steer.
Tiller
The handle used to move the rudder.
Centerboard/Daggerboard
The blade under the boat that helps keep it from sliding sideways.
Trim
Adjusting the sail to the correct position.
Manoeuvres (Boat Turns)
Tack (non)
The direction the boat is sailing relative to the wind.
Tack (verb)
Turning the bow of the boat through the wind to change direction.
Gybe/Jibe
Turning the stern of the boat through the wind.
Head to Wind
Pointing the boat directly into the wind.
In Irons
When the boat is stuck pointing into the wind and not moving.
Balance & Body Position
Hiking
Leaning out over the side of the boat to keep it flat.
Heel
When the boat leans to one side.
Flat Boat
A balanced boat that is not leaning too much.
Crew
The sailor(s) who are not steering.
Skipper
The sailor who is steering the boat.
Safety & Awareness
Capsize
When the boat tips over.
Righting the Boat
Getting the boat back upright after a capsize.
PDF (Life Jacket)
A safety jacket that helps you float.
Pinnie
A pinnie is a light vest that sailors wear over their life jacket, showing what team they’re on.
Look Around
Checking for other boats, wind changes, and obstacles.
Learning & Practice Words
Points of Sail
The different directions a sailboat can travel compared to the wind.
Practice Area
The part of the water where the lesson happens.
Coach Boat
The powerboat used by the sailing coach.
Signal
A whistle, hand sign, or voice command from the coach.