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Glossary
Abeamat a right angle to the length of the boat
Backstaya stay used to support the mast. It runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the boat and prevents the mast from falling forwards
Beamthe widest part of the boat
Beatheading in a direction into the wind
Boomsecures the bottom of the mainsail
Bowthe front of the boat
Buoya floating device used to mark a turning point on a racecourse
Clewthe lower aft corner of the sail
Currentthe movement of water in relation to the ground
Footthe bottom edge of a sail
Foredeckthe deck area in front of the mast
Forestaya stay supporting the mast from fall back. Runs from the bow to the top of the mast
Genoathe forward sail, which overlaps the mast
Gypeto change direction such that the stern of the boat passes through the eye of the wind and the boom changes sides
Halyarda line used to hoist the sails
Helmthe wheel used to steer the boat
Helmspersonperson who steers the boat
Jibsame as Genoa
Lay Linean imaginary line indicating the optimal bearing to a mark
Lee Helmthe tendency for a boat to steer away from the wind
Leechthe aft edge of a sail
Leewardthe direction away from the wind
Luffingluffing occurs when the airflow stalls when travelling across the sail
Mainsailthe main power source for a sailboat
Marksee Buoy
Mastthe center pole used to support the sails
Outhaula line used to tension the foot of a mainsail
PortThe left side of the boat. It is designated by the color red
Port Tacksailing upwind where the wind is coming over the left-hand side of the boat
Regattaa collection of boat races
Spinnakerlarge lightweight sail used when going down wind
Spinnaker Polea pole used to extend the spinnaker away from the boat
Starboardthe right side of the boat. It is designated by the color green
Starboard Tacksailing upwind where the wind is coming over the right hand side of the boat
Tack1) the lower forward corner of the sail
2) To change direction of the boat while travelling upwind
Vanga device used to hold down the boom
Velocity made Good (VMG)actual boat speed in relation to a specific direction
Weather helmthe tendency for a boat to steer itself into the wind
Wincha device used to help adjust lines under load
  
 
 
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