APPENDIX G: Glossary of Terms
Table of Contents
This glossary provides definitions and descriptions of key terminology used within the on-water recreational boating skills American National Standards and associated Technical Support Documents. Subject Matter Experts, along with the following sources were consulted when defining the key terminology: The American Sailing Association’s Sailing Made Easy; Bowditch Knight’s Seamanship, Start Powerboating Right!; Naval Ship Handling (Crenshaw); The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea; Powerboat Handling Illustrated, and US Sailing’s Learn Sailing Right—Beginner.
2-part command. A communication given by the skipper to the crew, in which some action may be expected on the part of the crew. Part 1 is the preparation and part 2 is the execution, e.g., “ready about” and “helm’s a-lee” or “prepare to jibe” and “jibe-ho.”
Abeam. Off the boat at right angles to its centerline. Aft. Toward the stern or behind the boat.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation (source:
www.ada.gov/2010_regs.htm)
Apparent wind. The combination of true wind and the wind effect of motion as felt aboard a moving boat. Astern. Behind the stern.
Avoiding collisions. Any action taken in this skill takes place in accordance with international or inland rules or special regulations related to the body of water involved. This message is emphasized for this particular standard even though all standards take place according to navigation rules.
Beam. (1) The width of the boat at its widest point; (2) the region of the boat’s sides halfway between a bow and stern. Beam Reach. The point of sail where the wind is abeam of the boat. Bear away. To turn the boat away from the wind, also known as “fall off.”
Bearing. The horizontal direction of a point not on the vessel with respect to the vessel or to the compass; expressed in degrees. Beginner. A novice who has begun a course of instruction or is learning the fundamentals. Boat. The vessel under operation. Boat length. The length of the boat the operator is aboard. Often used to judge distances the boat has traveled. Boom. The spar that supports the foot of the mainsail.
Boom vang. A sail control, either rigid or in block and tackle form, used to hold down the boom or control the twist in the leech of the sail. Bow. The forward part of the boat. Broad Reach. The downwind point of sail between a beam reach and a run.
Burying the bow. When the entire bow (to the shear line) goes below the level of the surrounding water, whether into a wave or a trough. Water may or may not enter the boat burying the bow. By the lee. Sailing on a run with the wind on the same side as the mainsail.
Cavitation. When pressure on the low-pressure side of the propeller causes blades is reduced and causes the formation of bubbles (low pressure steam) resulting in loss of thrust and metal erosion to the propeller and other propulsion components. Differs from Ventilation.
Centerboard. A device that pivots down from the bottom of the boat to provide lateral resistance. Chine. The intersection of the bottom of the hull with the side of the boat.
Class. A specific occasion when students meet with an instructor to learn a particular topic. A class, sometimes referred to as a lesson, may stand on its own or be part of a larger course of instruction (see Course). Cleat. A fitting used to secure a line under load.
64 This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
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