Abaft:

Towards the stern of the boat.

Abeam:

Direction at right angles to the line of the keel.

About:

To go about, to change tack.

Aft:

At or towards the stern of the boat.

Amidships:

In the middle of the boat, either longitudinally or laterally.

Astern:

Backwards, behind the boat.

Backstay:

The part of the standing rigging leading aft which take the strain on the mast.

Bar:

Ridge of sand or rock fragments formed across the mouth of a river or harbour.

Battens:

Thin pieces of wood or plastic set into pockets in a sail in order to preserve the shape.

Beam:

Extreme width of a vessel.

Bearing:

Direction of an object at sea expressed in compass notation.

Bear away:

To put the helm up, keeping farther away from the wind.

Beating:

Sailing towards the direction of the wind.

Bow:

Fore end of a boat.

Bowsprit:

A spar projecting from the bow of a sailing boat from which headsails are set.

Bulkheads:

Partitions within a boat’s hull or superstructure forming separate compartments.

Buoy:

A floating beacon with its own distinguishing name, colour, shape or light.

Chain Plates:

Metal strips fastened to the hull to take the rigging.

Cleat:

A piece of wood or metal with two arms used for making fast ropes.

Clew:

The corner of the sail where the leech meets the foot.

Close hauled:

Sailing close to the wind.

Course:

The direction in which a boat is steered.

Cringle:

A reinforced eye worked into a sail.