Sailing terms

Docking

The act of bringing a vessel, such as a ship or boat, close to the shore or a fixed structure, such as a pier, so that the vessel is partially or fully connected to that structure. Its main purpose is to allow the entry and exit of passengers, cargo loading, or to perform maintenance on the vessel.

Halyard

A rope used to hoist, lower, or trim sails on a vessel. Halyards allow the crew to control the surface area of the sails exposed to the wind, thereby affecting the speed and direction of the vessel.

Sinking

The process by which a vessel or object goes to the bottom of a body of water, such as a lake, river, ocean, or sea. When a vessel sinks, it loses buoyancy and descends below the surface of the water until it rests on the seabed or the bottom of the body of water in which it is located.

Water Supply

'Aguada' refers to the process of supplying drinking water to a vessel. It can also refer to the place where this supply is carried out, such as a water supply point in a port or a natural water source found on land.

Compass

A marine compass, also known as a magnetic compass. It is a navigation instrument used on vessels to determine the direction of magnetic north, which helps to orient the vessel in relation to the cardinal points.

Hatch

Glazed, often movable, covering used in various situations to allow light and ventilation into enclosed spaces.

High Pressure

An area of relatively high atmospheric pressure compared to the surrounding regions. This area is often associated with specific weather conditions and has a significant impact on climate and weather. When talking about 'high pressure' in meteorological terms, it is generally referring to an area where the atmospheric air is descending and denser. This leads to higher atmospheric pressure at the surface. As the air descends, it tends to heat up and often dry out, resulting in clear skies or few clouds and more stable weather conditions.

Freeboard

The vertical distance between the waterline and the main deck of a vessel. In other words, it is the vertical measurement of the outside of a ship's hull up to the deck level.

Topping Lift

A rope used to support or raise equipment. The boom of a vessel when the sail is not in use. This rope helps to keep the boom suspended and prevents the sail from being damaged when it is not in use.

Mooring Line

A rope or chain used to secure a vessel to a fixed point, such as a pier, buoy, anchorage, or another vessel.

Anchor

A device used to secure a vessel to the bottom of a body of water, such as the sea, rivers, or lakes. Anchors are essential for maintaining a vessel in a specific position, whether when anchored for rest, awaiting loading or unloading, or during adverse weather conditions.

Antenna

A vertical structure used on vessels to support communication, navigation, or electronic systems equipment. This structure is usually located above the main deck of the vessel, or on top of the mast, allowing for a high elevation for the installation of these devices.

Bulkhead

A wall or partition located inside a vessel. This structure separates different compartments or areas within the ship, contributing to the internal organization and safety of the vessel.

Rigging/Equipment

A term that encompasses a wide variety of equipment, devices, and systems used on vessels for different purposes. The exact meaning depends on the context in which the term is being used.

Harness

A safety device used to attach a person to the body or to a fixed point, usually with the aim of preventing falls or accidents. In nautical terms, the term 'arnês' is often associated with a 'safety harness,' which is used by sailors, crew, and water sports enthusiasts to prevent falls when working on deck or in adverse sea conditions.

Bearing Away

A navigation maneuver in which a vessel turns the rudder to move the bow of the ship away from the wind line. This means that the vessel turns to a more open angle in relation to the wind direction, moving from the windward direction (wind blowing towards the bow of the vessel) to the leeward direction (wind behind the vessel).

Storm Warning

An alert or warning issued by meteorological agencies, maritime authorities, or forecasting centers, informing about the imminence or occurrence of a storm in a certain maritime area. This warning is crucial for the safety of vessels and crew, as it allows them to prepare for the approaching adverse weather conditions.

Azimuth

An angle measured in degrees between a reference point and the north direction, usually clockwise. It is used to indicate a precise direction or course on a horizontal plane. Azimuth is a fundamental measurement for navigation, cartography, and astronomy.

Low Pressure

An area where atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding average. A low atmospheric pressure usually indicates specific weather conditions and can have implications for weather and sea conditions.

Spinnaker

A light, spherical sail, usually used on sailing vessels to increase speed in favorable winds. The term 'spi' is an abbreviation of 'spinnaker,' which is the full name for this type of sail. The 'spinnaker' or 'balão' is a bow sail, usually asymmetrically shaped, that is configured to catch the wind blowing from astern (from behind the vessel). It is designed to take advantage of wind gusts and significantly increase the speed of the vessel in favorable wind conditions. Generally, the 'spinnaker' is used in sailing competitions, where speed is essential.

Life Raft

A floating safety vessel designed to be used in emergency situations at sea. It is essential for the safety of the crew and passengers of a ship in the event of shipwreck, collision, fire, or other dangerous situations.

National Flag

The flag of the country of registration or nationality of a vessel. Hoisted on the mast of the vessel and a fundamental part of nautical protocol, as well as a form of visual identification of the origin of the ship.

Boat

A relatively small and simply constructed vessel, designed to float and navigate in water. Although the term 'barco' can be used generically to refer to various smaller vessels, it is often used to describe a variety of types of vessels that are simpler in construction and size compared to larger ships.

Windward

Wind direction in relation to a vessel or a coast. It is associated with the part from which the wind comes in relation to the position of the vessel or the coast.

Barometer

A measuring instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, which is the force exerted by the weight of air on the Earth's surface. It is an important device in meteorology and navigation, since atmospheric pressure is directly related to weather conditions and wind patterns.

Binoculars

Optical instruments used to magnify the view of distant objects. They consist of two lenses placed side by side that allow observers to see details closer and more clearly.

Beam

Maximum width of a vessel, i.e., the distance between the sides of the hull at the widest part.

Buoy

A floating device placed in the water for various purposes, such as assisting in navigation, marking dangerous areas, indicating depths, or signaling the position of submerged objects.

Bulb

A aerodynamic component, often bulb shaped, that is added to the front hull of some ships to improve their hydrodynamic efficiency.

Weather Forecast

A report that provides updated information on weather conditions in a given area.

Pump

A device used to transfer liquids, such as seawater, fresh water, fuel, oil, or even to control the water level in different compartments of a ship or vessel.

Port

The left side of a vessel when looking towards the bow (front) of the ship. It is the opposite side to 'estibordo,' which is the right side of the vessel.

Dinghy

A small boat, often used as a means of transport or as a lifeboat on larger ships. Dinghies are usually designed to be easily maneuvered and transported, which makes them useful in emergency situations or for access to hard-to-reach areas.

Shroud

Ropes used on vessels to support masts or other structural elements. They help to support the masts, allowing the vessel to maintain the integrity of its structure and help to distribute loads properly.

Rope

Ropes play a fundamental role in the operation of a vessel, being used for various functions, such as supporting masts, controlling sails, docking the vessel, and performing a variety of maneuvers.

Mooring Rope

Type of rope used to tie or fix objects. These ropes are often used in maritime and navigation contexts, but can also be applied in other situations where it is necessary to secure something safely.

Quay

Structure built along the banks of a river, lake, sea, or port, which has the purpose of allowing the docking of vessels.

Draft

Depth of the submerged part of a vessel, i.e., the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the vessel's hull.

Calm

Condition of the sea or ocean in which there are no winds or very weak winds. It can also be used more broadly to refer to a situation of tranquility, calm, or lack of movement in general.

Jibe

Sailing maneuver in which the vessel changes direction so that the stern (rear) of the vessel passes through the wind line, causing the sails to change sides.

Tiller

Final part of the rudder that is usually gripped or handled by the helmsman to steer the vessel.

Navigation Channel

Route or waterway created to allow vessels to navigate safely in areas where the water is shallow, such as estuaries, rivers, or coastal areas.

Communication Channel

Radio frequency or communication channel used to exchange information between vessels or with maritime authorities. For example, the 'emergency channel' is a radio frequency used for maritime emergency situations.

Nautical Chart

Map used by navigators, sailors, and other maritime professionals for navigation in coastal and oceanic waters. These charts are designed to provide detailed and accurate information about the characteristics of the seabed, depths, submerged dangers, tides, currents, lighthouses, landmarks, ports, and all the information necessary for safe navigation.

Hull

Main structure of a boat or ship that is below the waterline. The hull is the part of the boat that comes into contact with the water and provides buoyancy and support to the vessel.

Catamaran

Double-hulled vessel with two parallel keels, also called 'hulls'.

Crow's Nest

Platform or structure that is positioned on one of the vessel's masts, usually on the main mast, at a considerable height above the deck. It is suspended from the mast, creating an elevated platform.

Deck

Surface or flat area that covers the interior of the vessel, providing a platform where the crew can walk, work, and perform various activities on board.

Life Jacket

Safety device designed to help a person float in the water and prevent drowning.

Length Overall

Measurement that describes the total length of a vessel from the tip of the bow (the frontmost part) to the tip of the stern (the rearmost part).

Waterline Length

Measurement that describes the length of the part of the vessel that is submerged in the water.

Backstay

Rope that extends from the top of the mast towards the stern of the vessel, keeping the mast in an upright position and helping to support the force of the sails that pull the mast forward.

Current

Continuous flow of moving water that occurs in oceans, seas, rivers, or other bodies of water. Currents are an important part of the marine environment and play a significant role in navigation and marine life.

Coast

Strip of land that borders a body of water, such as the sea, ocean, lake, or river. It is the area where water meets land and is fundamental for navigation and vessel orientation.

Boat Hook

Pole of variable length with one end equipped with a hook-shaped tip or fork.

Declination

Angular variation between the direction of true north and the direction of magnetic north at a given location on Earth.

Fender

Equipment used on vessels to protect the vessel's hull and prevent damage when docking or during maneuvers close to other vessels or port structures.

Drift

Movement of a vessel due to the action of currents, winds, or other natural forces, which cause it to move without control or specific direction.

Deviation

Variation in the readings of a magnetic compass caused by magnetic influences on board the vessel. These magnetic influences can include components of iron and steel in the vessel, as well as electrical magnetic fields generated by electronic equipment.

Lock

Engineering structure used in river and maritime navigation to raise or lower vessels to different water levels in bodies of water, such as rivers, canals, and ports.

Flood

Significant increase in water level in bodies of water, such as rivers, canals, and estuaries, due to extreme weather events, such as heavy rain or snowmelt.

Furler

Device used to roll and unroll sails on vessels, such as sailboats. It is designed to facilitate sail management and adjust the exposed sail area according to wind conditions, making navigation more convenient and safe.

EPIRB

'EPIRB' (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a nautical safety device used on vessels to transmit a distress signal in case of emergency. When activated, an EPIRB sends a radio signal that alerts search and rescue authorities to the exact position of the vessel in distress, allowing for a quick and effective response.

Ladder

Set of steps used on vessels to facilitate access to different parts of the vessel, such as the main deck, water (for swimming or boarding dinghies), or other areas of the vessel.

Sheet

Rope used to adjust or control the position of the sail on a sailing vessel. Sheets are essential for controlling the shape and position of sails in response to wind conditions and the vessel's course.

Schooner

Type of sailing vessel characterized by having two masts, the front mast (main mast) is larger and the rear mast (staysail mast) is smaller. This two-mast configuration makes schooners distinct from other sailing vessels, such as sailboats with only one mast.

Stay

Rope or wire rope used on sailing vessels to support the masts and ensure their stability.

Watertight

Ability of a vessel to prevent water ingress and maintain stability in adverse conditions. Watertightness is essential for the safety of vessels in all types of navigation.

Foot

Lower area of the sail, especially its lower edge. Also called the 'lower edge of the sail.'

Starboard

Right side of a vessel when someone is facing the bow (front) of the vessel and looking towards the stern (rear).

Turnbuckle

Device used to adjust tension in ropes on a vessel. Turnbuckles are used to maintain proper tension in different parts of a vessel's equipment, such as wire ropes, stays, sheets, and control lines.

Strake

Part of the hull or deck of a vessel or a specific section of a sail, depending on the context and local tradition.

Fire Extinguisher

Safety device used to fight fires on board vessels. Like in terrestrial environments, the nautical fire extinguisher is designed to extinguish or control fires, protecting the crew, vessel, and equipment on board.

Knife

Common tool on board vessels. In the maritime context, a knife is a versatile and essential tool that can have various applications.

Lighthouse

Structure designed to emit visible light over a long distance. Generally used for guidance and navigation on land and sea. Lighthouses play a fundamental role in maritime and terrestrial safety, providing visible landmarks and helping to avoid hazards and accidents.

Fiberglass

Specific type of fiber designed for applications in vessels and the nautical sector. It is known for its thermal insulation and water resistance properties, making it ideal for use in boats, yachts, and other vessels.

Pennant

Small flag or banner that is usually used to represent a group, team, organization, or country in a decorative or symbolic way.

Ease

Relieve or loosen ropes and moorings of a vessel. When we ease a sail rope, we reduce the tension or pressure on the sail, and, consequently, increase the angle of the sail relative to the midship, allowing to correct the angle of the sail to the wind.

Yoke or Rowlock

Piece of wood or metal that is used to fix or support something on a vessel.

Cold Front

Transition region between a warm and humid air mass to a cold and dry air mass. When a cold front moves over a maritime area, it can bring significant changes in weather and sea conditions.

Warm Front

Transition zone between a warm air mass and an advancing colder air mass. It is characterized by a gradual increase in temperature as the warm air mass replaces the cold air mass.

Burgee

Triangular flag, often colorful and decorated with specific symbols or insignia, which is used to represent or identify something related to navigation.

Hank

Hook or clip used to fasten or hold sails on a vessel. 'Garruncho' refers to a device used to fasten or hold a sail, especially on foresails, such as genoas or staysails, to a stay or forestay on the vessel.

Genoa

Type of sail used on sailing vessels, such as sailboats. The genoa is designed to be mounted on the bow of the sailboat. The 'rolling genoa' is a specific type of genoa designed to be easily rolled and unrolled using a rolling system called 'genoa furler' or 'bow furler' and is a common feature on many modern sailboats.

Propeller

Essential rotating part for the operation of engine-powered vessels. The main function of the propeller is to generate thrust, which propels the vessel through the water.

Hypothermia

Medical condition that occurs when the body's core temperature drops dangerously below normal levels due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

Call Sign

'Identification plate' of the vessel within the scope of maritime communications via VHF (Very High Frequency) or HF (High Frequency) radio in use in navigation.

Inflatable Raft

Modern version of a traditional raft, designed to be inflated with compressed air or another gas to provide buoyancy and safety in emergency situations at sea. This type of raft is often used in maritime and aquatic contexts for vessel evacuations, rescues, and as part of safety equipment in diving operations and water activities.

Lantern

Variety of lighting devices used on vessels for signaling, navigation, and safety. Lanterns are essential for identification and communication between vessels, as well as to indicate the position, direction, and status of a vessel at night or in reduced visibility conditions.

Ballast

Additional weight deliberately placed on a vessel to partially sink it or control its balance. Ballast plays a fundamental role in the stability, safety, and performance of a vessel.

Rudder

Device used on vessels to control and direct the vessel's course in the water. The rudder is one of the main steering control tools on board and plays a crucial role in navigation.

Waterline

Mark or line that marks the point on the hull surface of a vessel where the water meets the hull when the vessel is loaded with its normal and balanced load. The waterline is a crucial part of vessel measurement and design and is used to determine the load capacity, stability, and performance of a vessel.

Navigation Lights

Mandatory lighting devices on vessels that aid in identification and communication between different vessels, especially at night or in reduced visibility conditions. They are a fundamental part of navigation safety and follow specific regulations established by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) to avoid collisions in international waters.

Wood

One of the main materials used in shipbuilding due to its natural properties of buoyancy, durability, and ease of handling.

Shackle

Type of link often used to connect ropes and chains, secure anchors, fasten sails, and perform various other tasks related to securing equipment on vessels.

Crank

Lever or rotating device used to transmit force or motion to a machine or mechanism.

Tide

Cyclic movement of the waters of oceans and seas, which results mainly from the gravitational influence of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun, on the Earth. This movement of rise and fall of sea level occurs regularly and predictably in coastal locations and is a fundamental phenomenon in oceanography and navigation.

Mast

Vertical structure found on vessels, especially on sailboats, that supports sails and other equipment related to sailing. The mast plays a fundamental role in the propulsion and maneuverability of the sailing vessel.

Chart Table

Specially designed and equipped table on a ship, vessel, or yacht for navigation and route planning. It serves as a command center where the crew can perform various tasks related to navigation, data collection, and communication.

Block

Pulley used in various nautical applications, as well as in other activities that involve lifting, pulling, or directing loads. Blocks are common on sailboats, boats, and other vessels, where they play an important role in the operation of sails, winches, and the handling of ropes and lines.

Breakwater

Structure built in coastal waters, ports, or estuaries for various purposes related to navigation and coastal protection. Breakwaters are often constructed with resistant materials to withstand the forces of waves, currents, and weather actions.

Windlass

Mechanical device used on vessels, especially on small to medium-sized boats, to raise or lower anchors and lines. Also known as an anchor winch, the windlass is designed to facilitate the handling of heavy cables, such as anchor chains and mooring lines.

Carabiner

Safety and connection device used in various outdoor activities, including climbing, mountaineering, rappelling, caving, mountain rescue, and nautical activities, such as sailing. They are designed to provide a secure connection between ropes, straps, or other equipment, and are often made of durable materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

Outboard Motor

Stern motor used on small vessels, such as rowing boats, inflatable boats, fishing boats, small sailboats, and recreational vessels. It is designed to be mounted externally on the rear (stern) of the vessel, in contrast to inboard motors that are mounted inside the vessel's hull.

Tack

Maneuver to change the direction of a vessel, usually in relation to the wind. This maneuver is fundamental for sailing, as it allows the vessel to sail against the wind or in different directions in relation to the wind direction.

Ship

Large vessel designed to navigate in ocean waters, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. Ships have various purposes and can be used for cargo transport, passenger transport, fishing, maritime exploration, scientific research, naval defense, and much more.

Knot

Junction or interlacing of one or more ropes, wires, or cords to create a secure connection. Knots are used in a wide variety of applications, including navigation, climbing, camping, fishing, rescue, sewing, crafts, and many other activities. There are hundreds of different knots, each designed for a specific purpose.

Bottom

Part of a ship's hull that is below the waterline when the vessel is loaded and floating in the water. This is the submerged part of the hull and is opposite to the 'freeboard,' which is the part of the hull that is above the waterline and is visible when the ship is on the surface of the water.

Odometer

Device that measures the distance traveled by a vessel in nautical miles during a trip. It works similarly to an odometer in a land vehicle, but instead of measuring kilometers or land miles, it measures nautical miles, which are a unit of measurement commonly used in maritime navigation.

Wave

Waves that are formed on the surface of bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. Waves are a natural feature of these bodies of water and can vary in size, shape, and intensity, depending on various factors, such as wind, currents, water depth, and seabed topography.

Head Up

Maneuver in which the vessel turns its bow (front part of the boat) towards the wind.

Osmosis

Phenomenon that occurs in composite materials, such as boat hulls made of fiberglass or other polymeric materials, when they are in contact with water for long periods of time. Osmosis is a chemical and physical process that can affect the integrity and durability of these materials.

Solar Panels

Photovoltaic modules that convert solar energy into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells. Used on vessels, yachts, and ships to provide electrical energy in a sustainable way while at sea.

Transom

Rear part or area at the stern end of a vessel, such as a boat, yacht, or ship. This area is often considered the back of the boat and is where various features and equipment can be found.

Hover

Action in which a vessel or aircraft remains in a static position or close to the same location, suspended in the air or water, without significantly advancing or retreating.

Planking

Part of a vessel's structure, specifically the bottom panel or floorboard. This component is an important part of vessel construction, especially of wooden boats, as it forms the base on which the rest of the structure is built.

Spinnaker Pole

Equipment on sailing boats used specifically to hoist and control the spinnaker sail, also known as spi.

Fishing

Activity of capturing fish and other aquatic organisms from bodies of water, such as seas, oceans, rivers, lakes, and lagoons, for the purpose of human consumption, recreation, or commercialization.

Autopilot

Electronic device used on vessels (including sailboats) to assist in navigation, automating the task of maintaining the desired course and heading.

Cockpit

Specific area in a boat, usually located at the back (stern) of the vessel. The 'cockpit' is more commonly associated with smaller boats, such as motorboats, fishing boats, and recreational vessels.

Depth

Vertical measurement of the height of the vessel's hull from the waterline to the highest point of the upper edge of the hull.

Pontoon

Floating structure or platform that is used for a variety of purposes on the water. Pontoons are commonly used in waterfront facilities, shipbuilding, recreation, cargo transportation, and many other contexts.

Pier

Structure built along the bank of a body of water, such as a river, lake, port, or sea, to provide access to vessels and allow the loading and unloading of cargo or the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Piers play a fundamental role in port operations and in facilitating maritime transport.

Stern

Part of the vessel that refers to the rear or aft part of it. It is the area opposite to the bow, which is the front part of the vessel.

High Tide

Stage of the tides that occurs due to the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun on the liquid bodies on Earth. During high tide, the water level in a coastal area or in a liquid body, such as a river or estuary, reaches its highest point in relation to a reference point, usually called 'low tide.'

Bow

Front or forward part of a vessel, such as a boat or ship. It is the part opposite to the stern, which is the rear or aft part of the vessel. The bow is a fundamental part of the design and operation of a vessel and plays an important role in maneuvers, steering, and navigation.

Electrical Panel

Structure or cabinet that houses the electrical components of an electrical system, such as circuit breakers, switches, fuses, relays, and other control and protection devices. It is also known as 'electrical distribution panel' or 'electrical panel board.'

Keel

Fundamental part of the design of sailboats and some other vessels, such as surfboards and kayaks. It is a blade or plate that extends vertically below the vessel's hull in the water.

Rivet

Mechanical fastener used to join or secure two or more pieces of material. Rivets are often used in applications where a strong and permanent connection is needed, especially in metal structures.

Towing

Action of towing or pulling a vessel, usually another smaller vessel, with the help of a larger or more powerful vessel.

Regatta

Sporting competition involving sailboat or rowing boat races on open water. These competitions are popular worldwide and are practiced in various types of vessels, from small sailboats to large racing boats.

Spring Line

Regionalism or a variant of the word 'spring' in nautical terms. A 'spring line' is a rope used to help dock or undock a vessel. This line is used to control the lateral movement of the vessel, keeping it close to the dock or quay during the maneuver.

Oar

Essential tool used in boats and vessels for manual propulsion. It is a long pole with a paddle at the end that is dipped into the water and moved back and forth by the rower to propel the vessel.

Boom

Piece or beam of wood or metal that is used to reinforce or support a sail on a sailboat. It is part of the sail support system, helping to maintain the proper shape of the sail and distribute the tension of the ropes.

Reef

Act of adjusting or tensioning the sails of a vessel, usually reducing their surface area exposed to the wind. Reefing the sails is an important action that sailors perform to control the amount of wind that hits the sails, making navigation safer and more efficient.

Reefing

Action performed on sails to reduce their surface area exposed to the wind. The action of reefing involves adjusting or decreasing the sail area, making it smaller and therefore less susceptible to strong wind.

Steering Wheel

Vessel steering equipment, usually found on larger sailboats and cruising yachts. It is a type of steering wheel used to control the direction of the boat and is an alternative to the use of a tiller (also called a box tiller) found on smaller vessels.

Pulley

Mechanical device consisting of a wheel with a groove or channel in its circumference, usually mounted on an axle or support. Pulleys are used for various purposes in vessels, equipment, and mechanical systems, including in nautical applications. They play an important role in transmitting force and changing the direction of ropes, cables, and wires.

Breach

When the vessel's hull has been punctured or damaged in some way, creating an opening through which water can enter the vessel. This is a critical and emergency situation, as it can lead to flooding and sinking of the vessel if not addressed promptly.

Heading

Direction in which a vessel is sailing in relation to geographic north. The heading is usually measured in degrees and is a fundamental part of maritime navigation.

Thimble

Device that is used to protect the end of a rope, usually made of metal or plastic, with a hole for the rope to pass through. It is used to prevent the rope from being crushed or damaged when it is coiled or connected to other equipment, such as hooks or shackles.

Sextant

Navigation instrument used in vessels, especially in boats and ships, to measure angles between visible objects on the horizon or stars. The sextant is widely used in celestial navigation to determine the position of the vessel based on the observation of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets.

Depth Sounder

Instrument or device used to measure water depth, especially on vessels. The depth sounder is essential to avoid grounding and safely navigate in shallow waters.

Leeward

Side of a vessel or natural object that is protected or sheltered from the direction of the prevailing wind. The term is often used to describe the position or area of a vessel in relation to the wind.

Storm

Meteorological event characterized by adverse weather conditions, often marked by strong winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and, in some regions, snow. Storms can vary in intensity, from relatively light summer storms to severe events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones.

Thermometer

Instrument used to measure temperature or temperature variations in a given environment, substance, or body. It is widely used in various applications, including meteorology, medicine, industry, laboratories, and many other fields.

Luff

Part of the sail that faces the direction from which the wind comes. It is the leading edge of the sail and is essential to capture the wind and propel the vessel. Controlling the tension of the sail's luff is important to adjust the shape of the sail and optimize the vessel's performance during sailing.

Trimaran

Type of vessel or ship that has three hulls or parallel and adjacent hulls. These hulls are called 'pontoons' and are connected by crossbeams that can support the main structure of the vessel. The term 'trimaran' is a combination of the words 'tri,' meaning three, and 'maran,' a Polynesian word that refers to a type of catamaran.

Leech

Trailing edge or the back part of the sail in nautical terms. It is the trailing edge of the sail, opposite to the sail's 'luff.'

Spreaders

Horizontal bars or beams that extend from the mast towards the sides of the vessel. Its main function is to keep the shrouds (ropes that support the mast) apart and at the same time strengthen and stabilize the mast.

Ebb Tide

Flow or movement of water that occurs when the tide is falling or ebbing. It is the opposite of the 'flood tide,' which is the movement of water that occurs when the tide is rising.

Mainsail

Main sail of a sailing vessel, often simply called 'main sail' or 'main sail.' The mainsail is the largest sail mounted on the vessel's main mast and is responsible for generating most of the propulsion force.

Sail

Crucial components in sailing vessels, they play a fundamental role in propelling the vessel.

Porthole

Opening or 'window' located on the side or top of a ship or vessel. Portholes are designed to allow natural light and ventilation into the internal areas of the vessel, such as cabins, staterooms, and living rooms, as well as providing a view to the outside.

Capsize

Act of a vessel turning sideways or 'upside down' in the water. This usually occurs when the stability of the vessel is compromised due to factors such as strong winds, large waves, uneven weight, or improper maneuvers.