Nautical terminolgy has the ability to mistify even some of the most experienced sailors,  for many it is simply another language.

In order to make your first experiences both dockside and afloat more pleasant, we have compiled a Beginners guide to Yachtie language.

Hope it helps

Sailing terms

Tacking - to turn the yacht under sail through the wind and transfer the boom onto the other side (or tack) whilst facing the wind.

Gybing - to turn the yacht under sail with your back to the wind and transfer the boom onto the other side.

Windward - windy side of yacht or land/Island.

Leeward - downwind or sheltered side of yacht or land/Island.

Go ahead - to go forward

Go astern - to go backwards or reverse

Ahead - in front of the boat i.e mooring buoy ahead

Astern - object is behind or the yacht has passed it

Port - left in nautical speak, colour red

Starboard - right in nautical speak, colour green

Bow - pointy end, where the anchor lives

Stern - blunt end, normally from where you steer

Bear away - turn away from the wind

Harden up - turn towards the wind

Point of sail - angle to which the wind passes over the yacht and dictates how sails are set 

Close reach - wind coming approximately 60 degrees over the bow from ahead, sails in tight on edge of the no go zone.

Beam reach - wind comes over the beam at right angles to the yacht i.e. 90 degrees from ahead, sails eased. 

Broad reach - wind coming over the quarter (towards stern) i.e. 120 degrees from ahead, sails eased and wind is pushing us along. 

Dead run - wind is directly astern i.e. 180 degrees from ahead of us and sails are as far out as they will go. Commonly the headsail and mainsail are set opposite each other, also know as goose-winging.

Pinching - sailing too close to the wind, you are on the edge of the no go zone. Boat slows down and excessive weather helm can be experienced.

Luffing - the leading edge of the sail is the luff, when sailing too close to the wind i.e. pinching, the luff will flutter as sail cannot be trimmed any tighter.

Make fast - secure a line to a cleat and tie off.

OXO - method used to making fast the line on the cleat, once around, cross over then around again O - X - O.


Ropes
There is only 1 rope on a yacht - the bell rope used to ring the Ships Bell, all remaining bits of string are referred to as halyards, warps, sheets, guys, etc.

Halyard - line used to hoist or lower things i.e. sails

Sheet -  line used to pull things in or ease them out i.e. sails

Warp - line coiled and ready for use but with no specific function at present, if used for securing the boat to a pontoon the warp becomes a mooring line.

Guy - line used to control a sail such as a spinnaker or cruising chute, takes the same role as a sheet allowing sail to be trimmed.

Preventer - line used to retain a boom or spinnaker pole in position. Used primarily for safety.

Rode -line used for anchoring as lighter than having all chain, usually nylon and combined with chain to add weight, dampen pull and exert sideways pressure so anchor can dig in.

Above decks

Cockpit - where everybody sits and controls the yacht

Companionway - entrance / access to below decks i.e. accommodation 

Washboard - front door to most people

Helm - steering wheel

Binnacle - post where helm and ships compass is mounted

Deck - side bit of yacht that you can stand or walk along

Winch - device used to tension sheets and halyards

Cleat - used for securing lines, normally deck mounted and used to make fast the yacht in harbour.

Bimini - sun cover, necessary at imes but limits visibility

Sprayhood - removable cover that protects companionway and cockpit from spray and rain usually has fogged windows and hinders visibility, but at least it keeps you dry.

Lifebuoy - normally round or horseshoe shaped flotation device, used in event of man overboard situation.

Pushpit - metal frame at stern of yacht encompasing cockpit area.

Pulpit - metal frame on bow of yacht.

Windlass - manual or electric winch used for deploying/recoverying anchor.

Anchor - shaped metal object used to secure yacht to seabed. 

Stanchion - metal posts along edge of yacht that support guardrails.

Jackstay - line running from stern to bow allowing crew members to clip harness line to jackstay and walk/crawl forward. Used at night and in heavy weather. 

Mast - big post that supports the sails when hoisted.

Boom - hinged strutt from mast that allows us to tighten or ease the mainsail according to wind angles. Keep your head well clear or risk a headache. 

Gooseneck - hinge that connects the boom to the the mast.
Shroud - wire stay that gives sideways support and prevents the mast from falling over.

Backstay - wire stay the supports the mast from behind, can be single or split type and on some yachts is adjustable. Can be tightened when sailing upwind for improved windward performance.

Forestay - supports the mast from the front, is usually hidden within furling headsail.

Below decks

Galley - kitchen

Cabin - bedroom

Bunk - bed

Saloon - living room

Heads - toilet

Bulkhead - wall

Cabin sole - floor

Port hole - opening window

Deck hatch - opening roof light

General 

Wets /foulies - clothing you hope not to wear onboard (waterproofs).

Mooring buoy - floating anchor point used for securing to.

Marina - secure parking area for boats, normally with some facilities ashore.

Marina berth - expensive parking space.