Before embarking on your first sailing trip, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with essential nautical terms. Without knowing these, you might find yourself confused when the captain starts giving instructions. To help you prepare before renting a sailboat, here are 20 key nautical terms that will make you the perfect co-captain.

20 Nautical Terms You Must Know

Aboveboard
In plain view, on or above the deck, with nothing concealed.

Abandon Ship
A command given to immediately evacuate the vessel, usually in the face of danger.

Ahoy
A call used to draw attention or hail a ship or boat.

All Hands
This refers to everyone on board the vessel, including officers and crew members.

GPS
The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system that provides timing, positioning, and route information to marine, air, and land users.

Beacon
A fixed navigational aid attached to the earth’s surface, which can be lighted or unlighted.

First Mate
The second-in-command of the vessel, subordinate only to the captain.

Binnacle
The stand on which the ship’s compass is mounted.

Buoy
A floating object, anchored in place, with a defined shape and colour to serve as a navigational aid.

Bridge
A structure extending across the vessel’s width, housing the command centre on the weather deck.

By the Board
A term used to describe something that has gone overboard.

Decks
The horizontal structures forming the surfaces of a ship, also a key part of its structure.

Capsize
When a vessel tilts excessively, rolls over, and exposes its keel. For large ships, capsizing can often lead to sinking.

Careening
The act of tilting a ship onto its side to repair or clean the hull below the waterline.

Catamaran
A type of vessel characterised by its two hulls.

Clean Bill of Health
A certificate issued to confirm that a vessel is free from infectious diseases.

Compass
A navigational instrument used for determining direction.

Harbour
A place where ships dock for storage or protection from the weather. Harbours can be natural or man-made.

Know the Ropes
A phrase meaning that a sailor is familiar with the ropes and cordage used in operating a ship.

As the Crow Flies
An expression denoting a direct line between two points, inspired by the crow’s direct flight path, unlike a ship which must navigate around land.

Additional Nautical Terms

Daybeacon
An unlit fixed structure with a dayboard used to indicate the time of day.

Deckhand
A crew member assisting the deck supervisor with maintenance, anchoring, mooring, and other tasks.

Flank
The maximum speed of a vessel, faster than its full speed.

Davy Jones
A term used to describe the seabed, often in idiomatic expressions.

Azimuth Compass
An instrument for determining the sun’s position relative to the magnetic north. By learning these essential nautical terms, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for your first sailing adventure. Memorise them, and you’ll have nothing to worry about except enjoying the breath-taking views and the perfect sea breeze. Book your next adventure now!