Glossary of Nautical Terms - My Sailing Course

Boom OutOn a run to thrust the Genoa out to windward so that it fills with wind Read more

Bow The bow of a ship is the front or forward section of the vessel. It is the part that faces forward and is typically pointed or rounded in shape(...) Read more

Bow lineRope used to secure bow of the vessel alongside. Read more

Bow SpringLine used to prevent a vessel from moving aft when attached to a pontoon Read more

BowlineA knot tied in the end of a line to make a loop that will neither slip nor jam, commonly used to attach a line to the clew of a sail. Read more

BowspritA spar projecting from the bow used to attach the tack of some headsails, particularly asymmetric spinnakers Read more

Phonetic Alphabet Bravo In marine terminology, "Bravo" is the phonetic term for the letter "B" in the International Code of Signals. It is used to communicate messages(...) Read more

Phonetic Alphabet Brah Vo In marine terminology, "Bravo" is the phonetic term for the letter "B" in the International Code of Signals. It is used to communicate messages(...) Read more

BreakwaterA structure constructed on a coast as part of a coastal defense system or to protect an anchorage from the effects of weather and longshore drift. Read more

BroachWhen a sailing vessel loses control of its motion and is forced into a sudden sharp turn, often heeling heavily and in smaller vessels sometimes(...) Read more

Broad ReachSailing with the wind on the quarter Read more

BulkheadAn upright wall within the hull of a ship. Particularly a watertight, load-bearing wall. Read more

BungSoftwood device for plugging holes in vessel or failed seacocks. Read more

BunkA built-in sleeping place Read more

Buoyancy AidA life-preserver to help a person float if he falls in, less effective than a lifejacket Read more

BurgeeA triangular flag worn at the masthead Read more