Boating glossary

Sailing a boat requires not only maritime skills but also an understanding of your surroundings, being able to name and describe them accurately. This lexicon of boating and yachting is designed to familiarize you with the essential keywords to better appreciate your experiences at sea.

This guide compiles technical terms, common expressions, and the names of various parts of a boat, along with concepts of marine meteorology.

From “port” to “starboard,” through “rigging” and “shrouds,” each term is explained clearly and concisely. This lexicon is intended for all sea enthusiasts, whether they practice sailing, motor boating, or simply wish to enhance their maritime knowledge. Dive into this linguistic universe and let yourself be guided through the words that make up the vast world of boating and yachting.

Term Definition 
Boat A floating vessel designed for navigation on water, used for transport or leisure. 
Sail A fabric or material used to catch the wind and propel a sailing boat. 
Anchor A device used to secure a boat by fixing it to the seabed. 
Captain The person in charge of navigating and managing the boat. 
Mast A vertical pole on which sails are mounted. 
Rudder A device used to steer a boat. 
Cabin A sheltered space inside a boat used for resting or storage. 
Compass A navigation instrument that shows magnetic north. 
Crew The group of people working on board a boat. 
Porthole A round window on the hull of a boat. 
Deck The upper surface of a boat where one can walk. 
Keel The bottom part of a boat, used to stabilize and keep the course. 
Hull The outer structure of the boat, ensuring its buoyancy. 
Sailor A person working on a boat, usually at sea. 
Mooring line A rope or cable used to secure a boat to a dock or buoy. 
Buoy A floating marker used as a reference or signal on the water. 
Harbor/Port A facility designed for the docking and mooring of boats. 
Propeller A rotating device under the water that propels the boat. 
Bay A coastal indentation providing natural shelter for boats. 
Wave A surface undulation on the water caused by wind. 
Wind A natural air movement that influences sailing navigation. 
Lighthouse A tower with a light used as a navigational aid for mariners. 
Mooring The act of securing a boat to a dock or other fixed support. 
Dinghy A small boat used to reach a larger boat or for activities close to shore. 
Starboard The right side of a boat when facing forward. 
Port (side) The left side of a boat when facing forward. 
Beacon/Buoy A floating or fixed device indicating hazards or safe passages for navigation. 
Depth sounder An instrument used to measure the depth of water beneath a boat. 
Nautical chart A map detailing the characteristics of a navigable area. 
Fender A protective device placed on the sides of a boat to prevent damage when docking. 
Boom A horizontal pole attached to the mast, supporting the bottom of the sail. 
Bow The forward part of the boat. 
Stern The rear part of the boat. 
Tiller The part of the rudder used to steer the boat. 
Capstan A winch used to wind ropes for maneuvers. 
Winch A mechanical device used to tighten or release ropes. 
Hatch An opening on the deck of a boat allowing access to the interior spaces. 
Stem The forward part of the boat’s hull. 
Stay A cable supporting the mast from the front. 
Shroud A cable supporting the mast laterally. 
Pulpit A metal structure at the front of the boat, serving as a guardrail. 
Pushpit A metal structure at the rear of the boat, serving as a guardrail. 
Gunwale A reinforced band protecting the hull of the boat. 
Mizzen sail A sail located aft of the mainmast on a sailing boat. 
Sheet A rope used to adjust the tension of sails. 
Halyard A rope used to hoist sails. 
Spinnaker pole A pole used to extend the spinnaker on a sailing boat. 
Steering compass An instrument showing the direction being followed by the boat. 
GPS A satellite positioning system used to determine the location of a boat. 
Radar A detection system using radio waves to identify objects around the boat. 
Log An instrument measuring the speed of a boat on the water. 
VHF radio A very high frequency radio used for communication at sea. 
Anemometer An instrument measuring wind speed. 
Barometer An instrument measuring atmospheric pressure. 
Wind vane A device indicating wind direction. 
Marine electronics A collection of electronic equipment used for navigation and communication on board. 
Windsock A fabric tube used to show wind direction and strength. 
Life jacket A flotation garment used to ensure personal safety in case of falling overboard. 
Lifebuoy A circular flotation device used to rescue someone who has fallen overboard. 
Navigation light Lights used to indicate the position and direction of a boat at night or in low visibility. 
Flag A piece of cloth used to indicate the nationality of a boat or to signal specific information.