Simple Sailing Terms

Whether you’re heading out on the water for the first time, watching a show where sailing is a big deal, or just curious about how about actually work, it’s always helpful to know the basics.

Sailing may seem full of complicated terms, but honestly, it’s a lot simpler than it sounds. Learning a few key words can go a long way in helping you feel more confident and less like someone pretending they know port from starboard. 

Here are 21 simple sailing terms everyone should know.

1. Bow

The front of the sailboat. If someone says “go to the bow,” they mean head up front.

2. Stern

Opposite of bow—this is the back of the sailboat.

3. Port

Left side of the sailboat (when you’re facing the bow/front). Pro tip: “port” and “left” both have four letters.

4. Starboard

Right side of the sailboat (when you’re facing the front). Starboard = not left = the other one.

5. Boom

It’s the horizontal pole attached to the bottom of the sail. Watch your head—this thing swings!

6. Mast

That tall pole in the middle of the sailboat that holds the sails up.

7. Main Sail

It's the big fabric thing that catches wind and makes the sailboat go that is attached to the boom and mast

8. Jib Sail

The sail that is at the very front of the sailboat catches wind and makes the sailboat go.

9. Hull

The main body of the sailboat. Basically the part that’s floating in the water.

10. Tiller

A stick used to steer the sailboat. Some sailboats have a wheel, but smaller ones often have a tiller.

11. Rudder

The flat piece underwater at the back of the sailboat that helps it turn.

12. Keel

The fin-like structure under the sailboat that helps keep it stable and not tip over. Very helpful.

13. Helm

Where the sailboat is steered from—whether it’s a wheel or a tiller.

14. Tack

(1) the direction the sailboat is sailing in relation to the wind, or (2) to turn the bow of the sailboat through the wind.

15. Jibe or gybe

Turning the stern through the wind. It’s like tacking’s sassier cousin. Can be a bit rough if you’re not ready for it.

16. Lines

On a sailboat, we don’t say “ropes.” They’re called “lines.” Unless it’s the sheet (see below).

17. Sheet

A line (yes, a rope) used to control the sail's angle to the wind.

 18. Winch

A mechanical device you wrap lines around to tighten them. 

19. Fender

Squishy bumper things you hang off the sides so your sailboat doesn’t bang into the dock or other sailboats and get dents.

20. Knot

How speed is measured on the water. One knot = about 1.15 miles per hour. Also, a literal knot. You’ll need to tie a few of those, too.

21. Dock

Where you tie the sailboat up when you’re not sailing. Your sailboat’s parking spot.

Now that you know these simple sailing terms, you’ll be able to understand what’s happening around you on the water so much better whether you’re actually on the boat or just watching from the shore.