Sailing lingo: the most important sailing terms

Prepare for your next sailing trip! Basic knowledge is helpful so that you know what is being talked about on board. In this article, we take a look at some Sailing terms and explain nautical vocabulary. The terms and phrases used are part of a clear communication method for easier understanding. As a detail for your Cruise preparation you will find here the most important terms from the sailor's language.

Both on board large traditional sailing ships such as the Eye of the Wind and on smaller sailing yachts, there are commands, equipment and traditions that you first have to hear about in order to understand them. When you are on your next Sailing trip some technical terms with the Crew and your fellow travellers, you will find a few common words from seafaring jargon here.

The most important terms on the sailing ship

Ahoy (ahoy): Sailor's greeting, used both when greeting and saying goodbye.

aftaft, rear part beyond the centre of the ship (stern = completely aft).

Aft ship: rear part of the ship.

lay on keelWhen a shipyard starts building a boat. Similar to laying the foundation stone of a house.

Shooting up as a snailRoll up an unused line so that it lies flat on the deck in the shape of a snail.

Leakage: The ship leaves the harbour.

DisembarkationPassengers disembark.

BuoyA floating body on the surface of the water that indicates danger under water or marks a position.

Portleft in the direction of travel.

Beaufort scaleScale for determining the wind force.

Mizzen mast: the rear mast.

turn, enclose: reduce speed and turn a ship against a storm so that it offers little resistance.

Bugfront end of the ship.

Davit: Holding device for lifeboats and dinghies.

Dinghy, dinghyThe small inflatable boat that is attached to the ship. For transferring between the ship and land or two ships.

Dock(also quay or pier) Mooring place for ships.

Embarkation: board the ship.

FenderBalloon-like protective body that dangles from the side of the ship or a pontoon to prevent damage to the outer skin of the ship during harbour manoeuvres and when lying against the quay wall or in a packet (ship to ship).

Fieren: let out the sails, slacken strained lines.

JibForesail (in front of the mast).

Foremast: the front mast.

FigureheadA figure attached under the bowsprit to bring good luck. Usually in the form of a pretty woman.

YawTurning the boat back and forth along its longitudinal axis.

Large mast: the second mast.

JibeTurn round, change course with the stern through the wind.

Tail: rear end of the ship.

BunkSleeping place on board, sleeping chamber or small storage room on a ship.

choppychoppy sea, due to swell coming from two different directions.

WakeFairway of a ship. To "swim in the wake" also means to be close on the heels.

Keellower longitudinal stiffening of the ship.

Galley: the kitchen of a ship.

Jib boom: a spar that protrudes over the foresail at the bowsprit and to which foresails are attached

Crow's nestLookout on the front mast.

Lateen sailtriangular sail.

Lee: Windward side. Opposite of windward.
Windward: Side facing the wind. Opposite of lee.

amidshipscentre part of a ship between bow and stern.

Square sailRectangular or trapezoidal sail, which is guided by a round timber, the yard.

RailingRailings on the ship. 

Strap: Rudder.

Soul sellerterm for a ship that is unfit to sail but still wants to set sail.

Nautical mileDistance measurement: 1.852 km.

Smutje: cook.

Starboardright in the direction of travel.

Rigging: all ship sails.

Shoal: if there is not enough water under the ship, e.g. a pile of sand or rocks or stones, also known as chippings.

So you are well prepared for your first and many more sailing trips. Have a look at our Cruise plan inside.