Sailing Terminology

By Sarah Tuff

Web Extra May 2008

Bow: The front of the vessel

Stern: The rear of the vessel

Port: The left side of the vessel (when you’re standing at the stern, looking at the bow)

Starboard: The right side of the vessel (when you’re standing at the stern, looking at the bow)

Sloop: A vessel with a mast and two sails; the most common type of sailboat

Jib: The front sail or headsail

Mainsail: The aft sail in a sloop rig (at or near the stern)

Halyard: The rope or line that hoists up the sails

Sheets: Ropes or lines that hold the sails in position

Trim: To adjust the sails

Tacking: Changing course or direction by steering a vessel into the wind

Come About: Turning the vessel’s bow through the wind

Jibing: Turning the vessel’s stern through the wind

Bowline: A temporary, nonslipping loop in a line

Cleat: A fitting to which lines on a vessel are secured

Tiller: A lever attached to the rudder for steering the vessel

Downwind: With the direction of the wind

Upwind: Opposite the direction of the wind

Spinnaker: A light, kite-like sail used when sailing downwind

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