A Beginner’s Guide to Sailing Terminology

If you've ever stepped onto a yacht and felt like everyone was speaking another language, you're not alone! Sailing, like most sports, comes with its own rich vocabulary, and while it might sound like nautical nonsense at first, getting to grips with the basics will make your time on the water smoother, safer and far more enjoyable.

Sailing terms explained

Basic Sailing Terms and Terminology

Get your bearings with the lingo every sailor needs to know

Term	Definition
Abeam	At right angles to the centre-line of the boat.
Aft	Towards the back (stern) of the boat.
Bow	The front part of the boat.
Stern	The rear part of the boat.
Port	The left-hand side when facing forward.
Starboard	The right-hand side when facing forward.
Windward	The direction the wind is coming from.
Leeward	The direction the wind is blowing towards.

Equipment and Rigging

Know your bits of boat – from mast to rudder and everything in between.

Term	Definition
Mast	The tall vertical pole that supports the sails.
Boom	The horizontal pole along the bottom of the mainsail.
Rudder	A flat blade at the stern used to steer the boat.
Keel	A fin-like structure under the boat that provides stability.
Halyard	Rope or line used to raise or lower the sails.
Sheet	Rope used to adjust the angle of a sail to the wind.
Cleat	A fitting for securing ropes.
Winch	A mechanical device that helps pull in or tension ropes.

Common Actions and Manoeuvers

Essential manoeuvres and sailing moves you’ll be learning from day one

Term	Definition
Tacking	Turning the bow through the wind to change direction.
Jibing (or gybing)	Turning the stern through the wind – needs care in stronger winds.
Bearing Away	Turning the boat away from the wind.
Heading Up	Turning the boat towards the wind.
Heaving To	Slowing or stopping the boat’s motion using sail and rudder position.
Reefing	Reducing the area of sail to handle stronger winds.

Points of Sail

Understanding how your boat moves in relation to the wind is key!

Term	Definition
No-Go Zone	The area directly into the wind – the boat can't sail here.
Close-Hauled	Sailing as near into the wind as possible (about 45°).
Close Reach	Wind is slightly off the bow – a good, fast point of sail.
Beam Reach	Wind is coming from the side – often the most stable and comfortable.
Broad Reach	Wind comes from behind at an angle – a fast and easy ride.
Running	Wind is directly behind – sail carefully to avoid accidental gybes.

Safety and Navigation

Some of the most important terms you’ll want to remember first.

Term	Definition
Mayday	Emergency distress call – only used when there’s immediate danger.
Pan-Pan	Urgent but not life-threatening – for serious situations.
Man Overboard	Someone has fallen into the water – immediate action required.
Chart	A map designed for marine navigation.
Bearing	Direction to a specific point, measured in degrees.
Waypoint	A marked position used for navigation planning
Buoy	A floating marker indicating hazards, channels or safe water
Knot	A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour (roughly 1.15mph).

Ready to Set Sail?

Now that you know your port from your starboard and your sheets from your halyards, you're well on your way to becoming confident on the water. Bookmark this guide or print it off and stash it in your sailing bag; even seasoned sailors still glance at a glossary from time to time!

Our RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction programme designed for beginners. The ideal course to learn the ropes!