Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Nautical Vocabulary For Nitwits

Alright sailors, this week marks the first official Sailing For Dummies post.  But, before you even think about setting foot in a boat, there are some terms you ought to know:

Sail-  fabric sheet suspended by the mast which cups the wind to propel the sail boat.

Main Sail-  usually the lowest positioned and largest sail, it's foot is secured to the bottom.

Mast-  Arrangement of poles, or spurs,  extending vertically from the boat, used to hold the sails.

Boom-  Spar extending horizontally from the mast.  The main sail runs through the boom and the boom keeps it pulled tight.

Boom Vang-  Piece that runs from the base or the mast to the boom.  It pulls down on the boom to keep the sail tight. 

Jib-  front most sail on a boat.

Bow-  front end of the boat.

Stern-  rear of the boat.

Port-  left end of the boat when facing the bow.

Starboard-  right end of the boat when facing the bow.

Rudder-  board-like piece hinged to the back of the boat, which allows the boat to turn. 

Tiller-  Piece of the rudder which the sailor uses to steer.  Pushing and pulling on the tiller shifts the rudder, causing the boat to turn.

Hull-  the water tight underside of the body of the boat 
Sailing is an excellent way to blow off steam and escape from the world around you.  But, like all great hobbies, it requires some research and self-teaching.  Tune in next week to further better your hobby!

2 comments:

  1. Bryson,

    So glad you worked out the kink. I know that people who aren't sailing will really appreciate the vocabulary you posted and the picture is great for us visual learners. I know you are going to try to write something about sailing clubs, etc., in the Midlands area, but also try to write something a little more creative. Maybe something like your first experience sailing. Just a thought.

    ACN

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  2. I like how you have down the basics for sailing. I think I would really use this if I were to go sailing. I've never been sailing, this post and the post in February make me really want to go sailing. I really agree with you about getting away from everything when you are sailing. I wish I had the time to sail. Great job

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