Boating terminology: Top 10 Nautical terms
Impress your nautical-minded friends
Welcome to TMG Yachts’ “Inspire and Learn” series. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of nautical terminology, sharing the top 10 essential terms for use onboard a boat or among nautical-minded people. From port to starboard, and everything in between, join us as we unravel the origins and significance of these captivating terms.
Watch the full video on YouTube to reveal the origins of the following terms:
Halyard: A halyard is a line on a boat that lifts the sail up the mast. There’s a jib halyard for the sail at the front and a mainsail halyard for the mainsail, which is directly mounted onto the mast.
Port and Starboard: These terms refer to the left and right sides of the vessel when facing forwards. Regardless of orientation or position on the vessel, starboard is always the right side, and port is the left.
Head: The head on a boat is the toilet.
Galley: The galley, another term for the kitchen on a vessel.
Sheet: A sheet on a vessel is a rope used for controlling the movable end of a sail.
Lazy Jack: The Lazy Jack guides the sail into a bag when it comes down, making sail handling easier.
Jack Stay: This is a line or webbing running along the deck from one end of the vessel to the other, aiding in crew safety when sailing offshore.
Main Sail: The main sail, mounted on the main mast, is the driving force of a sailing boat, providing 80% of its power.
Jib/Genoa: The jib is a sail on the front of the vessel that comes forward of the mast. If it has more overlapping area with the main sail, it’s called a Genoa.
Gunwale: The gunwale, is the reinforced section of the hull at the top edge of the deck.
As you dive deeper into the world of boating and sailing, you’ll uncover a wealth of fascinating knowledge. From quirky terms to intriguing stories, each discovery adds a new dimension to your sailing experiences. These insights aren’t just for show; they’ll also help you communicate clearly and connect with the rich history of the sea.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Why Owning a Lagoon Catamaran is More Than Just Sailing
When you buy a Lagoon Catamaran, you join a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts. Experience annual events, forge lasting friendships, and share unforgettable adventures both on the water and on land.
Lagoon 40th Anniversary Special Offer
Celebrate Lagoon’s 40th anniversary! Get €40,000 in free equipment with any 2024 Lagoon catamaran purchase. Limited to first 40 orders. Sail in style!
Lagoon World Escapade, Australia: Celebrating 40 Years of Lagoon Catamarans
The annual Lagoon Escapade looked a little different this year for several reasons, marking a significant milestone—Lagoon Catamarans’ 40th Anniversary. This grand celebration unfolded globally over the same weekend, featuring 25 events around the world. Among them, the Australian event stood as our biggest ever, with 20 boats and 62 enthusiastic participants gathering to celebrate, connect, and enjoy a fantastic time.