Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Glossary
aft:
at or near the back of a boat or a ship
almanac:
a book of positions of celestial bodies used for nautical navigation
aloft:
above or near the top of a boat or a ship
alternator:
a mechanical device used to charge batteries
amidship:
in the middle of a boat or a ship
anchor rode:
a combination of chain and rope attaching an anchor to a boat or a ship
anchor warp:
a rope attached to or used as an anchor
astern
: at or near the back of a boat or a ship or going backwards
balustrade
: a safety rail, usually of decorative wood on the back of a boat
barometer
: a sensitive instrument for measuring changes in atmospheric pressure (weather)
bayonet light bulb
: a light bulb with two little pins on either side of a metal end
beam
: a side or a middle of a boat
beating to windward
: a boat sailing as close into the wind as it is able to
bougainvillea:
a thorny plant, usually bright red or orange, found in hot, tropical places
belay
: to tie up or make fast to
bent/bend on
: the act of attaching a sail to a mast
bilge keels
: small separate keels situated on either side of main keel
bilges
: the lowest point under the floors of a boat where water usually collects
biltong
:
Afrikaans
a dried meat or jerky
bimini
: a small sun awning arrangement used in the cockpit of boats
bitter end
: the opposite end of a rope attached to an anchor, usually secured
block
: a pulley used for various ropes placed around a boat to ease the weight of a load by
half
bobstay
: a cable or chain connected to the end of a bowsprit to the bow of a boat
bollard
: a mooring pillar for tying up a boat or a ship
bonito
: a type of fish
boom
: a wooden or aluminum pole coming horizontally off the mast which is used for main-
sail control
bosun's chair
: a canvas or wooden seat used to go up to the top of a mast
bow
: the front end of a boat
bowsprit
: the pole in front of the bow used for increased sail area or a sail more forward of
the mast
bulkhead
: a wall inside the cabin of a boat
bunting
: small triangular flags flying on top of masts which are usually associated with
clubs
