![]() ![]() ![]() Chocks are wedges used to secure moving objects and a block and tackle is a pulley system used on sailing ships to hoist the sails. Chock a block – crammed tightly together to prevent movement.It would have to be watertight and would need filling or caulking regularly, which would require a sailor to stand on the very edge of the deck or even be suspended over the side. The “devil” is the seam between the deck planking and the top plank of the ship’s side. The derivation seems obscure, but try this one. Between the devil and the deep blue sea – faced with two dangerous alternatives.When bad weather was expected the hatches were covered with tarpaulins and edged with thin wooden battens to stop them from blowing off. Ships hatches were often open or covered with a wooden grating. Battening down of walkways and hatches was done when bad weather was imminent. Batten down the hatches – prepare for trouble.“Tying up loose ends” is used to mean finalising details of a matter as a sailor makes fast the loose ends to ensure the boat is shipshape. Nautically, loose ends are unattached ones which are not doing their job. So if you are at a “loose end” and want to “know the ropes”, then “sling your hook”, “batten down the hatches” and “get underway” with these Nautical Sayings. Therefore, whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, learning these sailing terms can enhance your enjoyment of this exciting and rewarding sport!Įditor’s Note: This article was updated in April 2023.While many everyday sayings certainly have genuine nautical origins, there are others which have unproven claims and still more where it is easy to find a logical link….even though not necessarily valid. It also enhances safety and reduces the risk of accidents on the water. It enables sailors to communicate effectively with each other and understand the different parts of the boat and their functions. In conclusion, knowing sailing terms and phrases is an essential skill for anyone who wants to take up sailing as a hobby. Conclusion: Learn Nautical Terms Before Setting Sail! ![]() Jibing is a less common technique than tacking since it involves turning a boat directly into the wind. The boom of a boat will always shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe. The opposite of tacking, this basic sailing maneuver refers to turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. The boom of a boat will constantly shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe. The opposite of jibing, this basic sailing maneuver refers to turning the boat’s bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. Larger sailboats control the rudder via a wheel, while smaller boats will have a steering mechanism directly aft. Located beneath the boat, the rudder is a flat piece of wood, fiberglass, or metal used to steer the boat. This is done by adjusting the boom towards the direction of the wind. The sailboat can harness wind power to move forward or backward. The boom is the horizontal pole extending from the mast’s bottom. Sailboats tend to move with the wind, making the windward direction an important sailing term to know. Windward is the opposite of leeward (the opposite direction of the wind). The direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, starboard defines the right-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow or front.Īlso known as lee, leeward is the opposite direction of the wind blowing (windward). Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, port defines the left side of the boat as it relates to the bow or front. Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Knowing the location of the bow of the boat is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port (left of the bow) and starboard side (right of the bow). If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. If you’re learning how to sail-or if you’re thinking about purchasing a sailboat of your own-these handy terms can provide a helpful overview of sailing basics you need to become familiar with.Įxplore Sailboat Brands & Manufacturers 10 Nautical and Sailing Terms Everyone Should Know 1. ![]()
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