Decoding the Waves: Your Comprehensive Nautical Dictionary for Sailing in Halkidiki and Greece

A – Anchorage

Definition: A location where a boat or yacht is securely anchored, providing a safe resting place.

B – Beam

Definition: The width of a boat at its widest point, perpendicular to its length.

C – Chart

Definition: A navigational map for planning and executing a voyage, depicting water depths, coastlines, and navigational aids.

D – Draft

Definition: The vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a boat’s keel, indicating the minimum depth required for safe navigation.

E – EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

Definition: A distress signaling device that, when activated, transmits a distress signal with the vessel’s location to search and rescue satellites.

F – Furling

Definition: The method of rolling or folding a sail to reduce its exposure to the wind.

G – GPS (Global Positioning System)

Definition: A satellite-based navigation system that provides real-time location and navigation information.

H – Helm

Definition: The wheel or tiller used to steer a boat.

I – Inboard

Definition: An engine located within the hull of the boat.

J – Jibe

Definition: To change the course of a sailing vessel by turning its stern through the wind.

K – Keel

Definition: The main structural element of a boat’s hull, extending downward to provide stability.

L – Leeward

Definition: The side of a boat or an object facing away from the wind.

M – Mainsail

Definition: The primary sail attached to the mainmast, typically the largest sail on a sailing vessel.

N – Nautical Mile

Definition: A unit of measurement used in navigation, equal to one minute of latitude, approximately 1.15 statute miles.

O – Overboard

Definition: Anything that goes over the side or deck of a boat and into the water.

P – Port

Definition: The left side of the boat when facing forward.

Q – Quarter

Definition: The sides of a boat aft of amidships, near the stern.

R – Reefing

Definition: Reducing the area of a sail exposed to the wind to manage the vessel’s stability in strong winds.

S – Starboard

Definition: The right side of the boat when facing forward.

T – Tack

Definition: The lower forward corner of a sail.

U – Underway

Definition: A boat in motion, not anchored, moored, or aground.

V – VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio

Definition: A marine radio used for communication between vessels and with shore-based facilities.

W – Windward

Definition: The side of a boat or an object facing into the wind.

X – Xebec

Definition: A Mediterranean sailing ship with three masts.

Y – Yaw

Definition: The side-to-side movement of a boat caused by various factors, such as wind or waves.

Z – Zenith

Definition: The point in the sky directly above an observer, used in celestial navigation.