yachting meaning urban

“Yachting” is about more than being paid to party, it’s Hollywood’s murkiest open secret

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Celebrities Accused Of 'Yachting' In Hollywood — And What Being A 'Yacht Girl' Really Means

Rumors suggest some women are paid to play..

By Micki Spollen Written on Jan 11, 2022

It’s easy to be envious when seeing the Instagram photos of young, carefree celebrity women seemingly having the time of their lives on yachts floating in exotic waters and in the VIP sections of the most exclusive clubs.

However, rumor has it there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to these ‘yacht girls’ and their extravagant lifestyles.

What is a yacht girl?

According to Urban Dictionary , a yacht girl is “an attractive young woman who finds ways to get access to luxurious surroundings by being available to wealthy men.”

For example, you may follow a woman or two on Instagram who always seems to be partying or vacationing somewhere expensive (notably without ever showing who she’s actually with). This is a person you could potentially describe as being a yacht girl.

And it’s not just those Instagram models and wannabe stars that are considered yacht girls. As you work up the wealth chain, you may be surprised to recognize some celebrity names synonymous with yachting.

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What is 'yachting' in Hollywood?

In Hollywood, the term yacht girl essentially means a woman who works as an escort for high-end clientele , not just on yachts but for any social event.

While the practice has only somewhat recently gained mainstream notoriety, if you think back on the many tabloid photos of models and actresses on yachts from years past, it appears to be something that's gone on in Hollywood “for 60 years,” according to Elie Nahas, who ran a Beirut-based modeling agency before being arrested on charges of running a prostitution ring in 2007.

In 2013, "The Hollywood Reporter" ran a feature describing this so-called yachting during the Cannes Film Festival.

“Every year during the festival there are 30 or 40 luxury yachts in the bay at Cannes, and every boat belongs to a very rich person. Every boat has about 10 girls on it; they are usually models, and they are usually nude or half nude,” Nahas told THR.

At the end of the night, each woman would receive a “gift,” a generous amount of money that the client would put in an envelope for her.

And while many of these women were self-proclaimed local prostitutes and escorts, the Cannes Film Festival is, of course, known for its celebrity attendees — and it’s rumored that celebrity women trying to fast-track a name for themselves in Hollywood become yacht girls, too.

“Women installed on yachts in Cannes during the film festival are called ‘yacht girls,’ and the line between professional prostitutes and B- or C-list Hollywood actresses and models who accept payment for sex with rich older men is sometimes very blurred, explains one film industry veteran,” Dana Kennedy wrote for THR.

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Some women in Hollywood have accused their celebrity peers of being yacht girls.

A 2017 blind item (celebrity gossip that doesn’t outwardly name the celebrity) allegedly written by a struggling actress describes being lured by another actress into the world of yachting :

“The actress I was talking to made it sound super easy and that she only had [sex] a few times with guys while yachting and that it was mostly partying and being arm candy,” she writes, explaining that eventually she agreed to try it for $25,000 upfront, but admitting that the experience was less than glamorous.

Blind item readers guessed that Canadian actress Vanessa Lengies wrote the blind item and further surmised that it may be one of the Glee actresses Naya Rivera or Heather Morris that introduced her to yachting. None of these claims have ever been substantiated.

If you believe the rumors, it would seem that yachting is a rite of passage for women hoping to “make it” in Hollywood, and even some celebrities we now consider A-List are thought to be former yacht girls.

In an excerpt from her 2021 memoir , “My Body,” Emily Ratajkowski details being paid $25,000 at the start of her career to go to the Superbowl with now-disgraced Malaysian financier Jho Low, who "‘just liked to have famous men and women around,’” she explains her manager told her at the time.

She writes about attending the star-studded Coachella on someone else’s dime, having drinks paid for at clubs, and attending afterparties with Oscar-winning actors before actually becoming a celebrity herself.

One could infer from this recollection that, in order to be able to tell these stories, Ratajkowski was herself a yacht girl. “My Body” suggests as much, and in it, she subtly gives away the identity of another celebrity woman who yachted alongside her.

Ratajkowski describes watching as Low gave shots to a Victoria’s Secret model. While she doesn’t name drop, Ratajkowski gives just enough information for readers to figure who that model likely was.

“Now she kept her eyes locked on him as he took his shot, throwing her head back dramatically as he did, only to quickly toss the alcohol over her shoulder,” Ratajkowski writes. “When he faced her again, her eyes sparkled and the famous dimples appeared on her cheeks.”

Low has since become a fugitive wanted for allegedly running an international money laundering scheme, and in 2017, Reuters reported that model Miranda Kerr — known for her dimples — was being ordered to return “diamond pendants, earrings and other jewelry worth about $8 million” that Low allegedly gifted her to government agents.

In 2017, Ratajkowski also posted a video on Instagram potentially outing Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber as yacht girls as they danced aboard a yacht during that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

Many people have also accused Meghan Markle of yachting (but then again, what haven't people accused Markle of at this point).

People have pointed to an old photo of Markle on a yacht as proof that she’s a former yacht girl.

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Another old blind item also suggested the former actress was available to “rent.”

"If you see B actress post scantily clad photos of themselves on Social Media, this is often a Comm to [them] that this person is available to ‘rent’ for a weekend of ‘yachting,’” the tweet says, including a photo of Markle in a swimsuit.

"If you see B actress post scantily clad photos of themselves on Social Media, this is often a Comm to [them] that this person is available to “rent” for a weekend of “yachting”. Typically worth $30K for the “party” - Meghan Markle @3Days3Nights https://t.co/E3WfMjnVL9 pic.twitter.com/QFv476GL0b — yacht girl (@yachtgirlmm) November 27, 2019

Markle’s close friendship pre-Harry with actress Priyanka Chopra has naturally led some to guess that Chopra once yachted as well.

Another actress that faces endless rumors of yachting is Russian actress Irina Shayk , which according to THR, is par for the course as the outlet writes that yachting your way to stardom happens with “disturbing frequency,” particularly when it comes to foreign-born actresses.

According to THR, who claims to know “of at least one now-prominent actress who made her first connections on a Cannes yacht and quickly landed her debut role in a U.S.-shot movie,” such as with Shayk’s 2014 film “Hercules,” it’s “a red flag any time you see a foreign-born actress with no credits suddenly make her way into a U.S.-shot movie.”

Of course, when it comes to yachting in Hollywood, all of these claims appear to be unfounded.

These rumors make for good gossip, whether you’re talking about low-level social media influencers or high-profile celebrity actresses.

However, nothing is proven, leaving us to wonder any time we see a photo of women on a yacht.

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Micki Spollen is an editor, writer, and traveler focused on relationships, news, and pop culture. Follow her on Instagram .

Decoding Hollywood's Disturbing "Yachting" Culture Beneath the Glamour

PUBLISHED Dec. 19 2023, 10:41 p.m. ET

We explore the hidden meaning of "yachting" in Hollywood: individuals, often women, get paid large sums to spend time with wealthy individuals for career advancement.

Individuals may face uncomfortable situations, including sexual assault, trading dignity for fame, and money in a corrupt industry.

Prominent figures like Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Nina Dobrev, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski have all been linked anecdotally to Nonsense Pudding .

Thanks to influencers like Deux Moi , normies are finally getting a peek into the life of the rich and famous. And while pictures aboard yachts surrounded by luxury may look glamorous to all of us, it isn't necessarily all that it’s cracked up to be. Stories have been coming out for decades about people, often women, who subject themselves to “yachting.”

We may associate yachting with rich guys sailing in races, but it actually has a much darker meaning in Hollywood . It’s often considered Hollywood’s oldest “open secret,” but what actually is “yachting”? Keep reading for all of the details.

In Hollywood, "yachting" is the practice of getting paid large sums of money to spend time with wealthy people.

At its most innocent, “yachting” is a PR opportunity for an up-and-coming actor or model. However, it’s often much more sinister. Basically, typically women on their way up in the industry may get paid a large sum of money — five, six, or even seven figures — to spend time with wealthy men. The benefit for the women is the money, the photo ops of luxury, and a potential opportunity to meet someone who could give them a leg up in the industry.

However, they often aren’t told what strings are attached before agreeing to “yacht” with someone. Many of these excursions often lead to sex and other forms of assault. Although the women tend to be up and coming celebs and influencers, they are essentially selling their body for the entirety of their time on the yacht. It gives “the implication” a whole new meaning.

“Yachting” is a common and known practice in Hollywood, but it could also be considered prostitution.

In 2007, businessman Elie Nahas was convicted of running a prostitution ring at the Cannes Film Festival. He claimed that he was only responsible for getting women to Cannes and had nothing to do with what happened after, but even if he did, there are hundreds of other men doing the same thing.

Many of us see pictures of celebrities on yachts and luxury vacations and think, "Wow, imagine living that life!" But in reality, they're being paid to spend time with someone they may not like just because it could further their career. But in doing so, many give up their bodies.

In fact, one Redditor wrote : “You are essentially being bought for a certain period of time. Hence why people get drugged, raped, fondled, sleep with men older than their fathers, pissed and shat on. Once everything is said and done, the trauma and memories of doing those things stay with you forever. Your dignity is being leveraged for fame and money. Let’s not forget a lot of these encounters are filmed and can easily be used to blackmail these young stars.”

It’s an example of powerful men taking advantage of young women with dreams of succeeding in an already corrupt industry. But the practice is so common that stories have circulated about Selena Gomez , Ariana Grande, Kylie and Kendall Jenner , Nina Dobrev, Hailey Bieber, and many other big stars.

@al.laure1209 Best way to fill the pool 🛥 #yacht #yachtlife #yachtdesign #boat #boating #luxuryyacht #sailing #superyacht #topyacht #yachtinglife #yachtingworld #yachting #yachtlifestyle #yachtcrew #cannes #cannesyachtingfestival ♬ original sound - Alex

Emily Ratajkowski also talks about it in her memoir, My Body . She explains how she was paid $25,000 early on in her career just to accompany Jho Low to the Super Bowl, without understanding what she was expected to do. So while the idea of riding around on a luxury yacht might sound ideal, many paths there aren’t as great.

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Nautical Slang in Common Usage

Many phrases that have been adopted into everyday use originate from seafaring – in particular from the days of sail. 

It is an undoubted fact that seafaring is also the source of more false etymology than any other sphere. This can be attributed to the attractiveness of the romantic image of horny-handed sailors singing shanties and living a hearty and rough life at sea. After all, it sounds plausible that ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’ comes from brass ship’s fittings and that POSH means ‘Port out, starboard home’, but neither of these is correct. CANOE, the Committee to Ascribe a Naval Origin to Everything, doesn’t really exist, but the number of these folk myths makes it seem as though they do…

It is lucky for us, in our endeavours to distinguish truth from falsehood, that activities at sea have been scrupulously recorded over the centuries, in insurance records, newspaper accounts and, not least, in ships’ log books. The term log-book has an interesting derivation in itself. An early form of measuring a ship’s progress was by casting overboard a wooden board (the log) with a string attached. The rate at which the string was paid out as the ship moved away from the stationary log was measured by counting how long it took between knots n the string. These measurements were later transcribed into a book. Hence we get the term ‘log-book’ and also the name ‘knot’ as the unit of speed at sea.

Above board - Anything on or above the open deck. If something is open and in plain view, it is above board. All at sea - This dates to the time when accurate navigational aids weren’t available. Any ship that was out of sight of land was in an uncertain position and in danger of becoming lost. Aloof - Now means to stand apart or be indifferent, but it came from the Old Dutch word loef which meant “windward” and was used to describe a ship within a fleet which sailed higher to the wind and was thus drawn apart from the rest of the fleet. At loggerheads - An iron ball attached to a long handle was a loggerhead. When heated it was used to seal the pitch in deck seams. It was sometimes a handy weapon for quarrelling crewmen. Chock-a-block - A block and tackle is a pulley system used on sailing ships to hoist the sails. The phrase describes what occurs the system is raised to its fullest extent – when there is no more rope free and the blocks jam tightly together. Predictably this lead to its current meaning, “crammed so tightly together as to prevent movement”. Clean bill of health - A certificate signed by a port authority attesting that no contagious disease existed in the port of departure and none of the crew was infected with a disease at the time of sailing. Shore-side, it means in good shape. Clear the deck - One of the things done in preparation for battle. Current usage similar to batten down the hatches. Close quarters - In the 17th century, the barriers that sailors laid across a ship’s deck in order to provide a safe haven from the enemy were called close-fights. By the mid 18th century that confined defensive space became called ‘close quarters’, i.e. close dwellings. This eventually came to mean ‘near enough to to be able to fight hand to hand’. Copper-bottomed - described ships that were fitted with copper plating on the underside of their hulls. The process was first used on ships of the British Navy in 1761 to defend their wooden planking against attack by Teredo worms a.k.a. Shipworms and to reduce infestations by barnacles. The method was successful in protecting ships’ timbers and in increasing speed and manoeuvrability and soon became widely used. Before long, ‘copper-bottomed’ began to be used figuratively to refer to anything that was certain and trustworthy. Cut and run - most often thought to mean the cutting of an anchor line in an effort to make a quick getaway. Hard to imagine that many ship’s masters enjoyed routinely losing an anchor or two, so it is probably more likely referring to the practice of securing the sails of a square-rigged ship with rope yarns that could easily be cut away when a quick departure was necessary. Cut of one’s jib - warships many times had their foresails or jib sails cut thinly so that they could maintain point and not be blown off course. Upon sighting thin foresails on a distant ship a captain might not like the cut of his jib and would then have an opportunity to escape. Deliver a broadside - the simultaneous firing of the guns and/or canons on one side of a warship. Quite a blow, as can be imagined. Today it means much the same type of all-out attack, though done (usually) with words. Devil to pay  - Originally, this expression described one of the unpleasant tasks aboard a wooden ship. The devil was the ship’s longest seam in the hull. Caulking was done with pay or pitch (a kind of tar). The task of ‘paying the devil’ (caulking the longest seam) by squatting in the bilges was one of the worst and most difficult jobs onboard. The term has come to mean a difficult, seemingly impossible task. ‘The devil to pay and no pitch hot’. Landlubbers, having no seafaring knowledge, assumed it referred to satan and gave the term a moral interpretation. Dressing down  - Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. This was called “dressing down”. An officer or sailor who was reprimanded or scolded received a dressing down. Dutch courage  - Dates to the 1600s Anglo-Dutch wars and was likely British propaganda claiming that the Dutch troops were so cowardly they wouldn’t fight unless fortified with copious amounts of schnapps. The term has come to mean false courage induced by drink, or the drink itself. Edging forward  - This phrase describes inch-by-inch progress and was first used in the 17th century, typically in nautical contexts and referring to slow advance by means of repeated small tacking movements. Even keel - A vessel that floats upright without list is said to be on an even keel and this term has come to mean calm and steady. A keel is like the backbone of the vessel, the lowest and principal centerline structural member running fore and aft. Keeled over (upside down) was a sailor’s term for death. Fall foul of/foul up - Foul is an often used nautical term generally meaning entangled or impeded. An anchor tangled in line or cable is said to be a foul anchor. A foul berth is caused by another vessel anchoring too close wherein the risk of collision exists. A foul bottom offers poor holding for anchors. A screw up! Fathom - A nautical measure equal to six feet, used to measure the depth of water at sea. The word was also used to describe taking the measure or “to fathom” something. Today when one is trying to figure something out, they are trying to fathom it or get to the bottom of it. Figurehead - An ornamental figure placed on the front of a ship, under the. Originally a religious and/or protective emblem. The custom continued but for purely decorative purposes. Hence the term figurehead – a leader with no real power or function except to ‘look good’ or appeal to a certain group. Filibuster - Buccaneers were sometimes known in England as filibusters. From the Dutch for vrybuiter (freebooter) translated into French as flibustier. It is now used as a political term meaning to delay or obstruct the passage of legislation (as opposed to sailing vessels) by non-stop speech making. First rate  - Implies excellence. From the 16th century on until steam powered ships took over, British naval ships were rated as to the number of heavy cannon they carried. A ship of 100 or more guns was a First Rate line-of-battle ship. Second rates carried 90 to 98 guns; Third Rates, 64 to 89 guns; Fourth Rates, 50 to 60 guns. Frigates carrying 20 to 48 guns were fifth and sixth rated. Fits the bill - A Bill of Lading was signed by the ship’s master acknowledging receipt of specified goods and the promise to deliver them to their destination in the same condition. Upon delivery, the goods were checked against the bill to see if all was in order. If so, they fit the bill. Flotsam and jetsam  - These are legal terms in maritime law. Flotsam is any part of the wreckage of a ship or her cargo that is lost by accident and found floating on the surface of the water. Jetsam are goods or equipment deliberately thrown overboard (jettisoned) to make the ship more stable in high winds or heavy seas. (Lagan are goods cast overboard with a rope attached so that they may be retrieved and sometimes refers to goods remaining inside a sunken ship or lying on the bottom.) The term flotsam and jetsam shore-side means odds and ends of no great value. Footloose - The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. If it is not secured, it is footloose and it dances randomly in the wind. From stem to stern - From the front of a ship to the back. Now describes something in its entirety. Flying colours - To come through a battle with flying colours means a ship has come through relatively unscathed and with her colours (flag) flying. Get underway - ‘Way’ here doesn’t mean road or route but has the specifically nautical meaning of ‘the forward progress of a ship though the water’, or the wake that the ship leaves behind. Way has been used like that since at least the 17th century. Give a wide berth  - To anchor a ship far enough away from another ship so that they did not hit each other when they swung with the wind or tide. Go overboard  - The nautical origin of this one should be fairly self-evident. Gripe  - A sailing vessel gripes when, by poor design or imbalance of sail, it tends to end up with its bow into the wind when sailing close-hauled. The sails flap around, forward progress is halted and she is very hard to steer. On land, the term means to complain, complain, complain. Groggy  - In 1740, British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was “Old Grogram” for the cloak of grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors’ daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The men called the mixture “grog”. A sailor who drank too much grog was “groggy”. Groundswell  - A sudden rise of water along the shore. It often happens when the weather is fine and the sea behind it appears calm. Said to occur when undulating water from a far away storm reaches the shoreline where friction causes the swell. In common use, the term groundswell means a growing change in public opinion. Hand over fist  - Hand over hand was a British term for the act of moving quickly up a rope or hoisting a sail, which was a matter of pride and competition among sailors. It is thought that American sailors changed this term to ‘hand over fist’, and the term now means to advance or accumulate rapidly. Hard and fast -   A ship that was hard and fast was simply one that was firmly beached on land. Has come to mean ‘rigidly adhered to – without doubt or debate’. Hard-up -   Hard is another often used nautical term. To put the helm hard over is to put it as far as it will go in that direction. Hard and fast describes a vessel firmly aground and unable to make progress and has come ashore to mean rigid. ‘Hard up in a clinch and no knife to cut the seizing’, the term from which hard up derives, was a sailor’s way of saying he had been overtaken by misfortune and saw no way of getting clear of it. Shore-side, the term means in need. Haze -   Long before fraternal organisations, hazing was the practice of keeping the crew working all hours of the day or night, whether necessary or not, in order to deprive them of sleep and to make them generally miserable. In the 19th century, many captains used this practice to assert their authority. Hazing has come to mean the initiation of a newcomer to a group by humiliating and harassing him or her, thereby asserting the authority of the group. High and dry -   This term originally referred to ships that were beached. The ‘dry’ implies that not only were they out of the water, but had been for some time and could be expected to remain so. Hot chase -   A principle of naval warfare, though without basis in law, that allowed a fleeing enemy to be followed into neutral waters and captured there if the chase had begun in international waters. The term hot pursuit derives from this ‘principle’. Hulk/hulking -   A large and unwieldy ship of simple construction and dubious seaworthiness. On shore, it means big and clumsy. In the offing  - This phrase is quite simple to understand once you know that ‘the offing’ is the part of the sea that can be seen from land, excluding those parts that are near the shore. Early texts also refer to it as ‘offen’ or ‘offin’. A ship that was about to arrive was “in the offing”, therefore imminent, which is how the phrase is used today. Idle/idler  - Idler was the name for those members of a ship’s crew that did not stand night watch because of their work. Carpenters, sailmakers, cooks, etc. worked during the day and were excused from watch duty at night. They were called idlers, but not because they had nothing to do, simply because they were off duty at night. Junk  - Old rope no longer able to take a load, it was cut into shorter lengths and used to make mops and mats. Land-side, junk is all that stuff in your garage you know you’ll need right after you throw it away. Jury rig -   A temporary repair to keep a disabled ship sailing until it could make port, such as a jury sail erected when the mast was lost or a jury rudder as an emergency means of steering when the ship’s rudder was damaged. Keel hauling - A severe naval punishment during the 15th and 16th centuries. The victim, presumably a delinquent sailor, was dragged from one side of the boat to the other, under the bottom of the boat (keel). Tossed over one side and pulled up on the other, he was usually allowed to catch his breath before suddenly being tossed overboard again. Keel hauling lost favour at the beginning of the 18th century, to be replaced by the cat-o-nine-tails. The term still means a rough reprimand. Know the ropes - This is pretty obvious if you’ve ever seen a tall ship. It was such an important skill on sailing vessels that an honourable discharge from service was marked, at one time, with the term ‘knows the ropes’. Land-side it still means a person with experience and skill. Also, learn the ropes and show them the ropes. Leeway - The weather side of a ship is the side from which the wind is blowing. The Lee side is the side of the ship sheltered from the wind. A lee shore is a shore that is downwind of a ship. If a ship does not have enough “leeway” it is in danger of being driven onto the shore. Listless - When a ship was listless, she was sitting still and upright in the water, with no wind to make her lean over (list) and drive ahead. Long hau l - Operation on ship requiring the hauling of a lot of line. Also seen in short haul, an operation requiring little line. Long shot - In old warships, the muzzle-loading cannon were charged with black powder of uncertain potency that would propel the iron shot an equally uncertain distance with doubtful accuracy. A 24-pounder long gun, for instance, was considered to have a maximum effective range of 1200 yards, even though, under the right conditions, a ball might travel some 3000 yards. Similarly, a short, stubby 32-pounder carronade’s lethality faded fast beyond 400 yards. Thus, the odds were against a hit when one fired a long shot. Loose cannon - A cannon having come loose on the deck of a pitching, rolling, and yawing deck could cause severe injury and damage. Has come to mean an unpredictable or uncontrolled person who is likely to cause unintentional damage. Mainstay - A stay that extends from the maintop to the foot of the foremast of a sailing ship. Currently, a thing upon which something is based or depends. No room to swing a cat - The entire ship’s company was required to witness flogging at close hand. The crew might crowd around so that the Bosun’s Mate might not have enough room to swing his cat o’ nine tails. On your ends - The beams here are the horizontal transverse timbers of ships. This phrase came about with the allusion to the danger of imminent capsize if the ends were touching the water. Currently, means ‘to be in a bad situation’. Over the barrel - The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, mast or over the barrel of a deck cannon. Overbearing - To sail downwind directly at another ship thus “stealing” or diverting the wind from his sails. Overhaul - To prevent the buntline ropes from chaffing the sails, crew were sent aloft to haul them over the sails. This was called overhauling. Overreach - If a ship holds a tack course too long, it has overreached its turning point and the distance it must travel to reach its next tack point is increased. Overwhelm - Old English for capsize or founder. Pipe down - A boatswain’s call denoting the completion of an all hands evolution, and that you can go below. It was the last signal from the Bosun’s pipe each day which meant “lights out” and “silence”. Pooped - The rearmost, highest deck of a sailing ship was called the poop deck. If a ship were unlucky enough to be overtaken by a massive, breaking sea which drenched her from astern, she was said to have been “pooped.” When you think about it, the sea and shore uses of the word aren’t that different: in both cases, you’re washed out. Press into service - The British navy filled their ships’ crew quotas by kidnapping men off the streets and forcing them into service. This was called Impressment and was done by Press Gangs. Scuttlebutt - A butt was a barrel. Scuttle meant to chop a hole in something. The scuttlebutt was a water barrel with a hole cut into it so that sailors could reach in and dip out drinking water. The scuttlebutt was the place where the ship’s gossip was exchanged. Ship-shape and Bristol fashion - A reference to the precise nature of shipbuilding (and maintenance) as well as the exemplary work that came from Bristol shipyards. Shiver me timbers - one meaning of shiver, which is now largely forgotten, is ‘to break into pieces’. That meaning originated at least as early as the 14th century and is recorded in several Old English texts. So, the sailor’s oath shiver my timbers, is synonymous with (if so and so happens then…) let my boat break into pieces. Skyscraper - A small triangular sail set above the skysail in order to maximise effect in a light wind. Slush fund - A slushy slurry of fat was obtained by boiling or scraping the empty salted meat storage barrels. This stuff called “slush” was often sold ashore by the ship’s cook for the benefit of himself or the crew. The money so derived became known as a slush fund. Son of a gun - When in port, and with the crew restricted to the ship for any extended period of time, wives and ladies of easy virtue often were allowed to live aboard along with the crew. Infrequently, but not uncommonly, children were born aboard, and a convenient place for this was between guns on the gun deck. If the child’s father was unknown, they were entered in the ship’s log as “son of a gun”. Probably a sanitised version of “son of a bitch”, despite the various folk etymologies. A square meal - In good weather, crews’ mess was a warm meal served on square wooden platters. Squared away - On square-rigged vessels, the state of the sails when properly trimmed. Currently, arranged or dealt with in a satisfactory manner. Taken aback - A dangerous situation where the wind is on the wrong side of the sails pressing them back against the mast and forcing the ship astern. Most often this was caused by an inattentive helmsman who had allowed the ship to head up into the wind. Taking the wind out of his sails - Sailing in a manner so as to steal or divert wind from another ship’s sails. Taking turns - Changing watches with the turn of the hour glass. Three sheets to the wind - A sheet is a rope line which controls the tension on the downwind side of a square sail. If, on a three masted fully rigged ship, the sheets of the three lower course sails are loose, the sails will flap and flutter and are said to be “in the wind”. A ship in this condition would stagger and wander aimlessly downwind. Tide over -  At first glance, this would seem to be an obviously nautical term.  Today it means to make a small bit of something, usually money, last until a supply comes in, as in borrowing some money to tide you over till payday.  However, the meaning has changed over the years.  Once upon a time, ships could move under sail power, or in the absence of wind, float along with the tide called a tide over.  One could say the floating would tide the ship over until wind came again to move it along. Toe the line - When called to line up at attention, the ship’s crew would form up with their toes touching a seam in the deck planking. True colours - The current meaning, ‘to reveal yourself as you really are’, actually came about because of the opposite phrase “false colours” – from the 17th century referring to a vessel which sailed under a flag not her own. This tactic was used by almost everyone as a ruse de guerre, but the rules of gentlemanly behaviour (and possibly actual legal rules) required one to raise one’s true colours before opening fire on another ship. Try a different tack - The direction in which a ship moves as determined by the position of its sails and regarded in terms of the direction of the wind (starboard tack). If one tack didn’t bring the ship up properly, one could always attempt another. Turn a blind eye - From Admiral Lord Nelson’s awesome display of badassery at the Battle of Copenhagen. When the signal was given to stop fighting, Nelson held his spyglass to his blind eye and insisted he didn’t see the signal. He then proceeded to kick butt, of course. Under the weather - Keeping watch onboard sailing ships was a boring and tedious job, but the worst watch station was on the “weather” (windward) side of the bow. The sailor who was assigned to this station was subject to the constant pitching and rolling of the ship. By the end of his watch, he would be soaked from the waves crashing over the bow. A sailor who was assigned to this unpleasant duty was said to be “under the weather.” Sometimes, these men fell ill and died as a result of the assignment, which is why today “under the weather” is used to refer to someone suffering from an illness. A related theory claims that ill sailors were sent below deck (or “under the weather”) if they were feeling sick. Warning shot across the bow - From the literal practice of firing a warning shot across another ship’s bow to encourage the captain to strike without engaging. Windfall - A sudden unexpected rush of wind from a mountainous shore which allowed a ship more leeway.

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Top 37 Slang For Boat – Meaning & Usage

Boats, whether they’re cruising along the open seas or peacefully floating on a tranquil lake, have their own language. From nautical terms to slang that’s been passed down through generations of sailors, the world of boat lingo is as vast as the ocean itself.

In this listicle, we’ve rounded up the top slang for boat that will have you speaking like a seasoned sailor in no time. So hop aboard and get ready to navigate the waves of boat jargon with confidence!

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1. Gin Palace

A “gin palace” is a slang term for a luxurious and extravagant boat, typically a large yacht. The term is often used to describe opulent and high-end vessels.

• For example , “He arrived at the party in his gin palace, turning heads with its sleek design and lavish features.”
• In a conversation about boating , someone might say, “I dream of owning a gin palace one day, sailing around the world in style.”
• A boating enthusiast might admire a gin palace and exclaim , “That boat is the epitome of luxury, a true gin palace.”

A “barge” is a type of boat that is flat-bottomed and designed for carrying goods on rivers and canals. The term can also be used to refer to any large and unwieldy boat.

• For instance , “The barge slowly made its way down the river, carrying a heavy load of cargo.”
• In a discussion about transportation , someone might mention, “Barges are often used to transport goods efficiently and cost-effectively.”
• A person describing a boat they saw might say , “It wasn’t the most elegant boat, more like a floating barge.”

3. Ditch crawler

A “ditch crawler” is a slang term for a small boat, typically used for navigating narrow waterways or shallow areas. The term emphasizes the boat’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces.

• For example , “He took his ditch crawler out for a peaceful day of fishing in the narrow canals.”
• In a conversation about boating options , someone might say, “I prefer a ditch crawler for exploring hidden waterways and marshes.”
• A boating enthusiast might recommend a ditch crawler and say , “If you love exploring remote areas, a ditch crawler is the way to go.”

4. Tupperware

A “Tupperware” is a slang term for a boat made of plastic, typically referring to small recreational boats. The term is often used humorously to describe boats that are lightweight and easily transportable.

• For instance , “He took his Tupperware out on the lake for a day of fishing and relaxation.”
• In a discussion about boat materials , someone might say, “Tupperware boats are popular among beginners due to their affordability and durability.”
• A person describing a boat they saw might joke , “It was a classic Tupperware, perfect for a picnic on the water.”

A “plastic” is a slang term for a boat made of fiberglass. The term is commonly used among boating enthusiasts and refers to the material used in the construction of the boat.

• For example , “He proudly showed off his new plastic, a sleek and shiny vessel.”
• In a conversation about boat maintenance , someone might mention, “Plastic boats require regular cleaning and waxing to keep their glossy appearance.”
• A boating enthusiast might discuss the advantages of a plastic and say , “Fiberglass boats are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent performance on the water.”

A scow is a type of boat with a flat-bottomed hull, typically used for transporting goods or dredging. The flat-bottom design allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo.

• For example , “The scow was used to transport lumber down the river.”
• In a discussion about water transportation , someone might ask, “Has anyone ever been on a scow before?”
• A boating enthusiast might say , “Scows are great for shallow waters and navigating through marshes.”

In boating slang, “A1” refers to a boat that is in excellent condition. It indicates that the boat is well-maintained and ready for use.

• For instance , “That yacht is A1, it’s been well taken care of.”
• A boat owner might advertise , “Selling my A1 sailboat, it’s in pristine condition.”
• In a discussion about boat maintenance , someone might say, “Regular cleaning and servicing is important to keep your boat A1.”

8. At Loggerheads

The phrase “at loggerheads” is a nautical term that refers to two boats coming into contact and becoming stuck together. Figuratively, it means to be in a state of disagreement or conflict.

• For example , “The two politicians are at loggerheads over the new policy.”
• In a debate , someone might say, “We’ve been at loggerheads for hours, let’s try to find some common ground.”
• A news headline might read , “Labor and management at loggerheads in contract negotiations.”

9. Barge In

To “barge in” means to interrupt or intrude into a conversation or situation without invitation or permission. The term comes from the image of a barge forcefully entering a space.

• For instance , “He always barge in when we’re trying to have a serious discussion.”
• In a social gathering , someone might say, “Please don’t barge in, wait for your turn.”
• A parent might scold their child , “You can’t just barge in without knocking.”

10. Coasties

In boating slang, “Coasties” refers to members of the Coast Guard. It is a colloquial term used to describe individuals who serve in the maritime branch of a country’s military or law enforcement.

• For example , “The Coasties rescued the stranded boaters during the storm.”
• In a discussion about maritime safety , someone might ask, “Do the Coasties patrol this area regularly?”
• A Coast Guard member might say , “I’m proud to be one of the Coasties, protecting our shores.”

11. Blowboater

This term is often used to refer to someone who is passionate about sailing and owns a sailboat. It can also be used to describe someone who enjoys participating in sailboat races or regattas.

• For example , “He spends every weekend out on the water, he’s a true blowboater.”
• A sailing club might organize an event and invite blowboaters to join and showcase their skills.
• A sailing enthusiast might say , “I love being a blowboater because it allows me to connect with nature and experience the thrill of the wind in my sails.”

12. Snailboater

This term is used to describe a sailboat that is moving at a slow speed, often due to light wind or unfavorable sailing conditions. It can also be used as a playful nickname for someone who prefers a leisurely pace while sailing.

• For instance , “We were stuck behind a snailboater during the race, and it took us longer to reach the finish line.”
• A sailor might say , “I enjoy being a snailboater because it allows me to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the water.”
• During a sailing trip , someone might jokingly say, “We’re not in a rush, let’s embrace our inner snailboaters and take our time.”

13. Dead in the water

This phrase is used to describe a boat that has come to a complete stop and is not moving. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is no progress or forward movement.

• For example , “The engine failed, and we were dead in the water until help arrived.”
• A sailor might say , “We encountered a strong current that left us dead in the water for hours.”
• In a business context , someone might say, “Without a clear plan, the project is dead in the water.”

14. Stinkpot

This term is often used to refer to a motorboat, particularly one with a gasoline-powered engine. It is derived from the strong smell of exhaust fumes emitted by motorboats.

• For instance , “He prefers the speed and convenience of a stinkpot over a sailboat.”
• A boat enthusiast might say , “I enjoy sailing, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break and hop on a stinkpot.”
• During a conversation about different types of boats , someone might ask, “Are you more of a stinkpot person or a blowboater?”

15. Oil burner

This term is used to describe a boat that is powered by a diesel engine. Diesel-powered boats are sometimes referred to as oil burners due to the fuel they use.

• For example , “He owns an oil burner and enjoys the fuel efficiency it provides.”
• A boat mechanic might say , “When maintaining an oil burner, it’s important to regularly check the fuel filters.”
• During a discussion about different types of boat engines , someone might ask, “Do you prefer gas-powered boats or oil burners?”

16. High-tide riders

This term refers to experienced boaters who are skilled at navigating during high tide conditions. It implies that these boaters are familiar with the challenges and nuances of boating in high tide.

• For example , “The high-tide riders know exactly how to navigate through the narrow channels during high tide.”
• A boater might say , “If you want to learn how to handle your boat during high tide, seek advice from the high-tide riders.”
• In a discussion about boating techniques , someone might mention, “The high-tide riders have mastered the art of reading the water and understanding the tides.”

17. As the crow flies

This phrase is often used to describe the shortest distance between two points, without considering any obstacles or detours. It implies a direct and efficient route.

• For instance , “The marina is just two miles away as the crow flies, but it will take longer if we follow the winding river.”
• A boater might say , “Let’s go to that island over there, it’s only a few miles as the crow flies.”
• In a discussion about navigation , someone might mention, “As the crow flies, the distance between two points may seem short, but you have to consider the actual route on the water.”

18. Go Fast

This phrase is used to encourage or describe the act of increasing the speed of a boat. It implies a desire for a thrilling and fast-paced boating experience.

• For example , “Hold on tight, we’re going fast!”
• A boater might say , “I love to go fast and feel the wind in my hair.”
• In a discussion about different boating styles , someone might mention, “Some boaters prefer a leisurely cruise, while others like to go fast and enjoy the adrenaline rush.”

19. Go Fast/Go Loud

This phrase is often used to describe a boating style that involves both high speed and loud engine noise. It implies a preference for a powerful and attention-grabbing boating experience.

• For instance , “When they go fast, they also go loud with their engines revving.”
• A boater might say , “If you want to make a statement on the water, go fast and go loud.”
• In a discussion about different types of boating events , someone might mention, “The go fast/go loud races are always a crowd favorite.”

20. Boating Dollars

This term refers to the expenses associated with owning and operating a boat. It implies that boating can be a costly hobby or lifestyle.

• For example , “He has invested a lot of boating dollars in his yacht.”
• A boater might say , “Before you buy a boat, make sure you’re prepared for the boating dollars that come with it.”
• In a discussion about budgeting for boating , someone might mention, “It’s important to factor in all the boating dollars, including maintenance, fuel, and insurance.”

21. Sailboat

A type of boat that is propelled by wind, using sails to harness the power of the wind. Sailboats come in various sizes and configurations, from small single-handed dinghies to large luxury yachts.

• For example , “Let’s go out for a day of sailing on my sailboat.”
• A sailor might say , “I prefer the freedom and tranquility of sailing on a sailboat.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might mention, “Sailboats are known for their elegance and grace on the water.”

22. Motorboat

A boat that is powered by an engine, typically an internal combustion engine. Motorboats come in various sizes and styles, from small speedboats to large yachts.

• For instance , “Let’s take the motorboat out for some water skiing.”
• A boating enthusiast might say , “I love the thrill and speed of a motorboat.”
• In a conversation about different types of boats , someone might mention, “Motorboats are great for exploring large bodies of water quickly and efficiently.”

A narrow boat that is pointed at both ends and propelled by paddles. Canoes are typically used for recreational purposes, such as leisurely paddling on calm lakes or navigating rivers.

• For example , “Let’s go canoeing down the river and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.”
• A nature enthusiast might say , “Canoeing allows you to explore remote and untouched areas.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might mention, “Canoes are perfect for solo or tandem paddling adventures.”

A small, narrow boat that is propelled by a double-bladed paddle. Kayaks are designed for one or two people and are commonly used for recreational activities such as touring, fishing, and whitewater rafting.

• For instance , “Let’s go kayaking and explore the hidden coves along the coast.”
• An outdoor enthusiast might say , “Kayaking allows you to get up close and personal with nature.”
• In a conversation about different types of boats , someone might mention, “Kayaks are versatile and can be used in various water conditions.”

A small, shallow-draft boat that is typically used for fishing in calm waters. Skiffs are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them popular among anglers.

• For example , “Let’s take the skiff out for some early morning fishing.”
• A fishing enthusiast might say , “Skiffs allow you to access shallow areas where larger boats can’t go.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might mention, “Skiffs are perfect for fly fishing or casting in tight spaces.”

26. Jon boat

A small, flat-bottomed boat typically used for fishing or hunting in shallow waters. The term “Jon boat” is a colloquialism, derived from the name “John,” and is often used interchangeably with “John boat.”

• For example , “Let’s take the Jon boat out on the lake and do some fishing.”
• A person discussing boating options might say , “A Jon boat is perfect for navigating narrow rivers.”
• In a conversation about different types of boats , someone might ask, “What’s the difference between a Jon boat and a bass boat?”

27. Pontoon boat

A flat-bottomed boat that is buoyant due to pontoons, which are air-filled chambers attached to the bottom of the boat. Pontoon boats are often used for leisure activities such as cruising, fishing, or partying on the water. The term “party barge” is a colloquialism used to emphasize the social and recreational aspects of pontoon boats.

• For instance , “We rented a pontoon boat for a day of fun on the lake. It was like a floating party barge!”
• A person discussing boating options might say , “A pontoon boat is great for a relaxing day on the water with friends.”
• In a conversation about different types of boats , someone might ask, “Can you fish from a pontoon boat?”

28. Houseboat

A boat that has been designed or modified for use as a permanent residence. Houseboats typically have living spaces, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, providing all the comforts of a traditional home. The term “floating home” is often used to highlight the fact that houseboats serve as both a means of transportation and a place to live.

• For example , “We spent our vacation on a houseboat, and it felt like living in a floating home.”
• A person discussing alternative living arrangements might say , “I’m considering buying a houseboat and living on the water.”
• In a conversation about unique vacation experiences , someone might ask, “Have you ever stayed in a houseboat?”

29. Jet ski

A small, motorized vehicle designed to be ridden on the water. Jet skis are typically used for recreational purposes, such as cruising, racing, or performing tricks. The term “personal watercraft” is a more formal and descriptive term for jet ski.

• For instance , “Let’s go to the beach and rent a jet ski for some fun on the water.”
• A person discussing water sports might say , “I love riding a personal watercraft like a jet ski.”
• In a conversation about different types of watercraft , someone might ask, “What’s the difference between a jet ski and a wave runner?”

30. Catamaran

A boat that has two parallel hulls connected by a deck or framework. Catamarans are known for their stability and speed, making them popular for both recreational and commercial purposes. The term “twin-hull boat” is a more technical description of a catamaran.

• For example , “We went on a catamaran cruise and enjoyed the smooth ride and spacious deck.”
• A person discussing sailing might say , “Catamarans are great for long-distance voyages due to their stability.”
• In a conversation about different types of boats , someone might ask, “What are the advantages of a catamaran over a traditional single-hull boat?”

31. Trawler

A trawler is a type of fishing vessel that is designed to tow a trawl net through the water to catch fish. It is often used for commercial fishing purposes.

• For example , “The trawler returned to the harbor with a big catch of cod.”
• A fisherman might say , “I’ve been working on a trawler for over 10 years.”
• In a discussion about sustainable fishing , someone might mention, “Trawlers can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems if not properly regulated.”

32. Cruiser

A cruiser is a type of boat that is designed for leisure and recreational purposes. It is typically larger and more luxurious than other types of boats and is often used for cruising or sailing.

• For instance , “They spent the weekend on their cruiser, exploring the nearby islands.”
• A boating enthusiast might say , “I love taking my cruiser out on the lake for a relaxing day on the water.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might ask, “What’s the difference between a cruiser and a yacht?”

33. Gondola

A gondola is a traditional Venetian boat that is used for transportation in the canals of Venice, Italy. It is typically long and narrow, with a flat bottom and a high prow and stern.

• For example , “They took a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice.”
• A traveler might say , “Riding a gondola is a must-do experience when visiting Venice.”
• In a discussion about unique modes of transportation , someone might mention, “Gondolas are an iconic symbol of Venice.”

34. Pontoon

A pontoon is a type of boat that is supported by pontoons, or flotation devices, instead of a traditional hull. It is often used for recreational activities such as fishing or leisurely cruising.

• For instance , “They went fishing on their pontoon and caught several bass.”
• A boating enthusiast might say , “Pontoon boats are great for relaxing and enjoying time on the water.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might ask, “What are the advantages of a pontoon boat over a traditional motorboat?”

35. Speedboat

A speedboat is a type of boat that is designed for high speed and performance. It is typically smaller and more agile than other types of boats and is often used for water sports or racing.

• For example , “They went water skiing behind their speedboat.”
• A boating enthusiast might say , “I love the adrenaline rush of driving a speedboat at top speed.”
• In a discussion about different types of boats , someone might ask, “What’s the fastest speedboat ever recorded?”

36. Canoe-kayak

A canoe-kayak, often referred to as a “paddlecraft,” is a small and narrow boat that is propelled by paddling. It can be used for recreational purposes or for competitive sports such as canoeing and kayaking.

• For example , “Let’s take the canoe-kayak out on the lake for a relaxing afternoon.”
• In a discussion about water sports , someone might say, “I prefer canoe-kayaking over other forms of boating.”
• A person planning a camping trip might ask , “Does anyone know where we can rent a canoe-kayak for our adventure?”

37. Paddleboard

Short for “Stand-Up Paddleboard,” a paddleboard is a long and wide board that is used for standing and paddling on water. It is propelled by a single paddle and can be used for various activities such as surfing, touring, or practicing yoga.

• For instance , “I love taking my paddleboard out to catch some waves.”
• In a conversation about outdoor fitness , someone might say, “I’ve recently started doing SUP yoga on my paddleboard.”
• A person planning a beach vacation might ask , “Are there any good spots for paddleboarding in this area?”

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Definition of yachting noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• They go yachting at weekends.
• a yachting holiday

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What Happens If You Motorboat Someone? (Here’s What You Need To Know)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to motorboat someone? But what is motorboating, and what are the potential consequences of doing it? Before you start motorboating, it’s important to understand the different types and the importance of consent.

In this article, we’ll discuss motorboating in both romantic and professional settings, and offer some tips for motorboating discreetly.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about motorboating.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Motorboating is when someone puts their face between two peoples chests and makes a loud vibrating noise with their lips.

Depending on the context, motorboating someone can be seen as either funny or offensive.

The reaction a person has to being motorboated will depend on how they perceive the gesture and the relationship they have with the person motorboating them.

What is Motorboating?

Motorboating is the act of pressing one’s face into someone’s chest and moving the head from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

It is usually done as a joke or a way to show affection, but it can also be seen as a sexual gesture.

The sound that is made is meant to imitate the sound of a motorboat engine.

This act has been around for many years, but recently it has become more popular as a result of a few viral internet videos.

Motorboating is often seen as a funny and harmless way to show affection.

It can be done between friends, family, or romantic partners and usually results in laughter and good-natured teasing.

In some cases, it can even be seen as a sign of endearment and a way to show appreciation.

However, it is important to remember that motorboating someone without their consent can be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate.

It is important to be mindful of the relationship between the two parties and motorboat someone only with their permission.

Different Types of Motorboating

Motorboating is a term that has been around for quite some time, but most people don’t really know what it is.

Motorboating is a gesture of affection, usually between two people, where one person presses their face into the other person’s chest and moves their head from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

This gesture is seen as humorous and often sexual in nature.

It is most commonly seen in popular culture, such as movies and TV shows, and is often used as a way to show affection between two people.

There are a variety of different types of motorboating that can be done.

For example, some people may choose to motorboat someone with their eyes closed, while others may choose to motorboat someone with their eyes open.

Other variations include motorboating someone with a tongue, or motorboating someone from behind.

Each type of motorboating has its own unique effects, so it is important to choose the method that best fits the situation.

Another type of motorboating is called the double motorboat, which is a combination of two different motorboating techniques.

In this type of motorboating, both participants press their faces into each other’s chests and move their heads from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

This type of motorboating is often used to show a greater level of affection between two people and can be a very intimate gesture.

No matter what type of motorboating is done, it is important to always be respectful of the other person and to make sure that both parties are comfortable with the action.

Motorboating someone should never be done without their consent, as this could lead to legal repercussions.

Motorboating is a fun and often humorous gesture, but it should always be done with discretion and respect.

The Potential Consequences of Motorboating

Motorboating is a gesture that can be funny, affectionate, or even provocative, depending on the relationship between the two people involved.

Depending on the situation, motorboating someone can have a variety of different consequences.

If motorboating is done between two people who are in a relationship, it can be seen as a fun and innocent way to show affection.

It can also be used as a playful tease between two people who are flirting or in a budding relationship.

However, if motorboating is done without the other person’s consent, it can be viewed as disrespectful and offensive.

Depending on the context, it could even lead to legal repercussions.

In a professional setting, motorboating can be highly inappropriate and should be avoided at all costs.

In some cases, it may violate the employer’s code of conduct or even lead to a hostile work environment.

For example, if an employee motorboats a coworker, it could be seen as sexual harassment and result in disciplinary action.

Ultimately, motorboating someone should be done with discretion and respect.

It is important to be aware of the potential consequences before engaging in such an activity.

If motorboating is done without the other person’s consent, it could have serious legal and professional repercussions.

On the other hand, if it is done in a respectful and consensual manner, it can be a fun and playful way to show affection.

Motorboating and Consent

Motorboating someone without their consent is never acceptable and can lead to serious legal repercussions.

It is important to ensure that the person you are motorboating is comfortable and willing to partake in the act before proceeding.

When motorboating someone, it is important to remember that it is an intimate act and should never be taken lightly.

Consent should always be sought before motorboating someone and both parties should be comfortable with the act.

In some cases, motorboating someone without their consent can be seen as sexual assault.

For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the laws in your region regarding motorboating and sexual assault.

In some areas, motorboating someone without their consent could be considered a criminal act.

It is also important to remember that even if the other person has agreed to the act, it is still possible for them to change their mind at any time.

Respect their wishes and stop the motorboating immediately if they are not comfortable.

Motorboating in a Romantic Relationship

When it comes to motorboating in a romantic relationship, there are both positive and negative consequences to consider.

On one hand, motorboating can be a fun and silly way to show affection and flirt with ones partner.

It can be seen as a playful and lighthearted gesture that can help to break the ice and bring some levity to a relationship.

Additionally, motorboating can be a form of sexual foreplay, which can increase the intimacy between two people.

On the other hand, motorboating can be seen as inappropriate or even disrespectful in some cases.

It is important to always have respect for your partner and their wishes – motorboating should not be done without their consent.

Additionally, motorboating can also be seen as a sign of disrespect or a lack of intimacy if done too frequently or in a negative or mocking manner.

It is important to be aware of the dynamics of the relationship and the feelings of both parties before engaging in motorboating.

Motorboating in a Professional Setting

Motorboating someone in a professional setting is a risky move and should be avoided at all costs.

While motorboating can be seen as a humorous and often sexual gesture, it is highly inappropriate in a professional environment.

Doing so could be seen as disrespectful and offensive and could lead to legal repercussions if done without the other person’s consent.

It is important to remember that motorboating someone in a professional setting can be misconstrued as sexual harassment.

Depending on the relationship between the two parties, it could have serious repercussions for the perpetrator, ranging from a reprimand up to potential legal action.

Even if the other person is a friend or colleague, motorboating them in a professional setting is still a bad idea.

Before engaging in any kind of potentially inappropriate behavior, it is important to consider the potential consequences.

For example, if you motorboat someone in a professional setting, you may be creating an uncomfortable and hostile work environment for those around you.

Additionally, it could also put you at risk for termination, suspension, or even legal action.

At the end of the day, it is important to respect the boundaries of those around you and to exercise discretion when engaging in any kind of potentially inappropriate behavior.

Motorboating someone in a professional setting is never a good idea and should be avoided at all costs.

Tips for Motorboating Discreetly

Motorboating someone should always be done with respect and discretion.

Before you motorboat someone, make sure that they are comfortable with the gesture and have given their consent.

Respect their wishes if they decline or ask you to stop.

If you are unsure of the other persons reaction, start by asking if they would like to be motorboated.

If you are in a relationship with the person, it is important to make sure that your motorboating is consensual.

Talk to your partner about what they are comfortable with and respect their wishes.

If you are not in a relationship, it is best to avoid motorboating altogether, as it can be seen as disrespectful and offensive.

When motorboating someone, try to be discreet.

Do not do it in public or in front of children.

Make sure that the person is comfortable with the gesture and that you are not making them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Finally, make sure to be aware of the legal implications of motorboating someone without their consent.

Depending on the situation, it may be considered sexual harassment or even assault.

Respect the other persons boundaries and be aware of the potential consequences of motorboating someone without their consent.

Final Thoughts

Motorboating is a fun and often humorous way to show affection, but it must be done with discretion and respect.

Depending on the relationship between two parties, motorboating someone can have a variety of consequences, including legal repercussions if done without consent.

If you choose to motorboat someone, be sure to practice consent, use discretion, and be aware of the potential consequences.

Now that you know what happens if you motorboat someone, it’s up to you to decide if this is something you would like to experience or share with someone else.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Definition of yachting

Examples of yachting in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yachting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1836, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near yachting

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“Yachting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yachting. Accessed 22 Mar. 2024.

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• age of sail
• ocean-going
• under sail idiom

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• Glossary: essential terms a sailor should know

We have put together a comprehensive list of essential sailing terms to enhance your nautical knowledge. Delving into diverse areas such as meteorology, navigation, and boat equipment, our glossary covers sail types, boat components, and crucial units of measurement and abbreviations that every sailor should be familiar with. Plus, you'll find terms unique to charter boats, the boat rental process, safety at sea, signalling aids, and modern sailboat technology.

Anchor windlass is a mechanical device used to hoist and lower the anchor and its chain on a boat. It operates under high tension and typically has its own circuit breaker to protect it from electrical overloads. When using an anchor windlass, it is essential to allow for short breaks during operation to prevent it overheating and any resultant damage to the equipment.

Anticyclone is an area of high air pressure.

Apparent wind is the wind we perceive when we are on board and results from the vector sum of the real wind and the wind generated by our motion while sailing. The topic of apparent wind is covered in detail in our article — Apparent vs. true wind .

Autopilot is a device designed to steer a boat along a predetermined course. It independently adjusts the rudder as required, ensuring the vessel follows the set path to its destination as accurately as possible. 

Baby net or safety net is a safety feature that prevents small children from falling off the deck into the water. It is a net similar to a fishing net, which is installed along the boat's railings. A baby net does not come as standard with a rental boat, so always discuss it with the salesperson when booking if you want to order the net from the charter company. We discuss safety features in our article — Sailing with kids: how to keep all of you safe and happy .

Safety nets on the boat effectively prevent children from falling into the water.

Barber hauler is a sail control device used to adjust the angle of the jib or genoa sail in relation to the wind, mostly found on more sporty boats. It consists of a line or tackle system attached to the clew of the sail, allowing sailors to fine-tune the sail's position for optimal performance and improved windward efficiency.

Bathing or swim platform , is a foldable structure located at the stern of a boat, providing easy access to the water for swimmers or during training activities. When sailing, it is advised to keep the bathing platform closed and secured in place, rather than left extended.

Batten is the reinforcement in the mainsail. Mainsails are generally classified based on their shape and construction, with variations such as full-batten, partial-batten, or no-batten mainsails.

Beaufort scale  is a widely recognized scale in the sailing world. It categorizes wind forces and their corresponding effects on sea surface conditions, allowing skippers to estimate wind strength visually. By observing the behaviour of the sea surface and the wind's impact on it, sailors can use the Beaufort scale to make informed decisions about their sailing course and speed.

Bearing compass is a type of compass that is used to determine the bearing, or direction, of an object or location relative to the compass itself. It is commonly used in navigation to determine the direction of a distant landmark or to maintain a specific course while sailing.

Bimini  is an alternative term for a sun canopy that provides shade for the helmsman's station and the rear portion of the cockpit. In the rain, it serves as a slight protection from the water. Often, however, sailors fold it up for sailing, and sometimes there is no other way to do it, as the mainsail sheet passes through it.

Boom is a horizontal spar, typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, that attaches to the mast and holds the foot of the mainsail. It runs perpendicular to the mast and is held in place by a combination of topping lift, mainsheet, and outhaul.

Bora is a powerful, cold wind originating from the north to north-east that frequently affects the Adriatic Sea. It can pose a significant risk to sailors navigating the region. To learn more about the Bora and its impact on sailing in Croatia, check out The Bora: the scourge of the Adriatic .

Bow thruster  is a mechanism located at the bow of a vessel that assists with maneuvering while in port. It is not intended to replace the main engine and should not be used while sailing. The primary function of a bow thruster is to help shift the boat's bow to port or starboard. It's essential to operate the bow thruster with caution, as it has a high voltage. Use short, intermittent presses (2-3 seconds) rather than prolonged holds to prevent the bow thruster from burning out and becoming inoperable.

Bowsprit is a spar that extends from the bow of a sailboat. It is used to attach the forestay, which supports the mast, and to extend the sail area forward. On historic ships it is slightly angled upwards towards the sky. On more modern boats it extends straight out from the bow and may be retractable or foldable to make docking and storage easier.

Brackish water is water that is neither salty like the sea nor fresh like freshwater streams. Its salinity is somewhere in between. It is most often found at the mouths of rivers or in lakes by the sea.

Breeze is a periodic wind phenomenon caused by differences in air temperature between day and night. According to the time when it occurs, it is distinguished between day (sea) and night (land). The breeze is a beautiful sailing breeze. Read more about breezes in our guide — Understanding land and sea breezes: how they can affect your sailing .

Buoy field  is an arrangement of multiple buoys within a bay, anchored to concrete blocks on the seabed. Typically, a fee is charged by the operator for using these buoys, but the cost is generally lower than docking at a pier or marina.

Cardinal marks are navigational aids that indicate the location of safe water relative to a hazard. They are named after the four cardinal points: North, East, South, and West.

Cardinal marks

Charter company owns the boats that are available for rental and acts as a partner to businesses like ours. We feature their boats in our search portal .

Check-in is the process of taking over a charter boat. You can find out more about what you need to look out for in our guides Boat check-in: examining a yacht down to the last screw and Inspecting your rental boat: a complete checklist and guide

Check-out is the handing over of the boat to the charter company at the end of your yacht charter holiday.

Cirrus clouds are characterized by their wispy, hair-like appearance, resembling algae, tufts, or manes. These clouds are translucent, cast no shadow of their own, and have extremely fine fibres.

Cleat  is a metal object attached to the deck of a boat used to secure the boat. It may also be on a pier.

Cleats can also be found on the pier.

Cockpit is an area towards the rear of a sailboat, typically designed for the crew to steer, navigate, and control the boat. It is the central location where the helm, rudder, and various lines, winches, and controls for sails are accessible.

Code Zero is a unique sail that isn't found on all sailboats. It is similar to a larger, deeper genoa but made from a lighter material. The sail is equipped with its own furling line and endless loop for easy deployment and storage.

COG (Course Over Ground) refers to the direction of a vessel's movement measured in relation to the earth's surface or the seabed.

COLREG  is a shortened term in English that stands for the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. These regulations provide rules for watercraft operation, ensuring clear right-of-way guidelines.

Cumulus clouds are generally puffy and white, with a flat base and a rounded top. They can have a cauliflower-like appearance, and their edges may be well-defined or fuzzy. 

Cunningham is a type of rope that runs from the base of the mast to the lower edge of the mainsail, allowing the sailor to stretch the edge of the sail downward. It is typically located on the side of the mast that is opposite to the outhaul.

Cyclone is an area of low air pressure.

Dew point  is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapour and begins to condense into dew.

Dinghy , also known as a tender , is a small boat often used by sailors to transport themselves and their supplies to and from their anchored or moored boat. Dinghies can be inflatable or made of hard materials like fiberglass or aluminum.

Dodger,  also known as  sprayhood,  is a protective structure mounted at the front of the cockpit on a sailboat. It shields the cockpit and companionway from wind, spray, and waves, providing shelter and improved comfort for the crew

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is an emergency distress beacon that is used to transmit a distress signal to rescue authorities in the event of an emergency situation

Fender is a cushioning device made of rubber, plastic or foam that is used to protect a boat's hull from damage when it is moored against a dock, pier or another vessel. 

Flare is a signalling device used to call for help in an emergency. Its misuse is punishable.

Fog horn is a signalling device that produces loud, low-pitched sound blasts to warn other vessels of the presence of your boat in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.

Foil is a hydrodynamic device that is used to lift the hull of a boat out of the water and reduce drag. Foil technology is also used in other water sports such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and wingfoiling.

This is what a foil looks like on a racing catamaran.

Gangway is a temporary bridge or walkway that connects a boat to a dock, allowing people to move between the two structures.

Gennaker is an additional sail that is similar to a genoa. It is made of lighter material, which makes it ideal for lighter winds. Gennakers often have distinctive colours, and there are several reasons why sailors might want to rent and try one out.  Check out our 5 reasons to rent a gennaker .

Genoa , also known as genoa jib , is a type of sail that is positioned forward of the mast and is used on sailing boats. It typically covers the area from the mast to the bow of the boat, and is larger than the mainsail. It can range in size from 100% to 150% of the foretriangle, which is the triangle formed by the mast, forestay, and deck.

GPS , which stands for Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth. Sailors can use an electronic GPS device to accurately determine their position on the water.

Gulets are double-masted boats designed and built based on traditional Turkish wooden sailing boats. One of the typical destinations for gulets, which we also offer, is Turkey.

Gybe or jibe is a sailing maneuver where the sailboat's stern is turned through the wind to change the wind direction from one side of the boat to the other, usually while sailing downwind. The boom of the sail swings across the boat during a gybe, and it should be performed carefully to prevent accidents and damage to the boat and crew.

Harness is a safety device used in sailing that is attached to a sailor's body or life jacket and secured to the boat's deck with a buckle to prevent falling overboard.

Halyard  can is a rope used to raise different types of sails such as the mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker, and gennaker. Each sail will typically have its own dedicated halyard to hoist it up the mast.

Hatch is an opening on the deck or cabin top of a boat used for ventilation, access, or as an emergency exit.

Horseshoe life buoy is a U-shaped buoyant device made of foam or other buoyant material, and is used as a safety device in the event of a person falling overboard. It is typically kept on board a boat, often near the stern on the railings.

Impeller is a small component (propeller) in the engine that provides suction and circulation of seawater in the engine cooling. Because it is such a crucial component, you will usually find a spare one on board.

Isobar is a line on a synoptic chart that connects two points where the atmospheric pressure is the same.

Isolated hazard refers to a navigational mark or buoy placed in the sea to indicate a potential danger, such as a shoal, rock, or other underwater obstruction located in open water. While it is possible to sail around an isolated hazard, it is generally recommended to maintain a safe distance by navigating around it in a larger arc.

Isotherm is a line connecting two points of the same temperature.

Check out more tips for sailors:

10 reasons to go on a 14-day charter

3 easy sailing routes in Greece

Flags on boat

What to remember to bring on board

What else should you take on a yacht?

Examining a yacht down to the last screw

Yacht charter costs

Autumn sailing holidays for everyone

What skipper's licence do I need and where does it apply

How to plan your sailing route properly

Clever on-board light sources

9 essential sailing knots

Jib is the term for a headsail that fills no more than 100% of the area between the forestay and the mast.

Jugo , also known as Sirocco , is a moody and unpredictable south to south-easterly wind found in the Adriatic. Find out more about it in our guide — The Croatian Jugo wind: when and where it occurs and why to be on the lookout! !

Keel , which is the heaviest component located beneath a boat and has the lowest center of gravity, plays a vital role in maintaining the vessel's stability. It typically accounts for up to 40% of the boat's weight and can have a fin or bomb shape. The keel's primary purpose is to stabilize the boat and prevent it from capsizing by helping to restore it to a horizontal position when it is tilted due to wind or waves.

Kicker , also known as a boom vang or vang , is a mechanical device consisting of ropes or a piston that is connected between the deck, boom, and the base of the mast. It is used to control the shape of the mainsail by adjusting the tension on the leech of the sail and controlling the boom's vertical position.

Knot can be the one on the rope or also a unit indicating the speed of the boat. It's equivalent to 1.852 kilometres per hour.

Lazy bag (sometimes called a lazy pack  or stack pack ) is a large cover designed to store a folded mainsail on the boom.

The lazy bag is attached to the boom and the mainsail falls into it when it is folded.

Lazy jacks are lines holding the lazy bag.

Leech  or  leach is the back edge of the sail.

Libeccio or Lebić  is a south-westerly to westerly wind and is typical of northern Corsica, the coast of France, Italy and also the Adriatic, where it usually arrives just after the Jugo/Sirocco. Read more about this wind in our article — The Libeccio/Lebić: a stubborn, unpredictable wind .

LOA  stands for  Length Overall , which is the maximum length of a vessel measured from the foremost point of the bow to the aftermost point of the stern, typically along the waterline.

Logbook is a document where a sailor writes down details of a voyage including weather, the boat's course, position and other information.

Mainsail , sometimes also referred to colloquially as the "main," is the sail that is hoisted up the mast of a sailboat.

Mainsheet track or traveller  is the rail on which the   mainsheet car or block moves back and forth, allowing for adjustment of the angle of the mainsail relative to the wind. Racing boats typically have the mainsheet track located in the cockpit for maximum adjustability, while recreational sailboats may have it located closer to the mast.

Marina is just another name for a harbour for recreational boaters. A marina often has social facilities, a shop, offices of charter companies, etc.

Marinero is a Spanish term for a marina worker who assists with various tasks, such as helping boats to dock and providing assistance to boaters with any issues or needs they may have while in the marina.

Mast is a tall vertical spar that supports the sails on a sailing vessel. It is typically located in the center of the boat and is stepped (or mounted) on the keel or deck. The mainsail is hoisted up the mast and attached to it, while the jib or headsail is usually attached to the forestay, which is a cable or wire that runs from the top of the mast to the bow of the boat. 

Meltemi  is a dry northerly wind that occurs mainly in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, from late May to late September. Read more about this wind in our guide — The Greek Meltemi: friend or foe? .

Mistral  is a cold wind found, for example, in France. It works on a similar principle to the Croatian bura. For more information, check out our article — The Mistral: a turbocharger for experienced sailors .

MOB stands for Man Overboard , which refers to the emergency situation where a crew member has fallen into the water and immediate action is required to retrieve them. Find out more in — Man Over Board (MOB): a step-by-step guide .

Mooring  can refer to any type of permanent anchor or buoy to which a boat can be tied up .  Commonly on the Adriatic, it consists of a concrete block on the bed and a rope leading to shore. The boats are then moored to it at the pier or jetty. It is a very convenient and easy way to moor a boat.

Mooring bollard  is a sturdy vertical post or pole, often made of metal or wood, that is used as a mooring point for boats.

Bollards serve both recreational boats and transport or cargo ships. Therefore, it is often large in size.

Mooring hook is pole with a hook used by boaters to grab onto a mooring buoy or other floating object in the water and retrieve the mooring rope attached to it.

Nautical flag alphabet (International Code of Signals) is a special set of characters, words and flags that sailors around the world use to communicate.

The nautical alphabet is also used in aviation.

Nautical mile is a unit of distance at sea. 1 NM equals 1.852 m. But be aware that it differs in length to a land mile!

Occluded front  is a type of weather front that occurs when a fast-moving cold front overtakes a slower-moving warm front. This results in the warm air being lifted off the ground and creating clouds and precipitation.

Offshore typically refers to sailing or boating in open water, away from the coast or shore. This type of sailing can involve more challenging conditions and requires greater skill and experience. Read more about it our article — Beyond the shoreline: 10 things to consider when offshore sailing .

Outboard engine or outboard motor is a small portable engine designed to power a dinghy. It is ordered as an extra with the boat rental.

What the seagull's sitting on is an outboard motor.

Outhaul is a control line on a sailboat that adjusts the tension of the mainsail foot, which is attached to the boom. It allows the sailor to control the depth and shape of the mainsail along the boom.

Plotter is an electronic device used for navigation that displays and tracks the boat's position and movement using GPS technology. It is often located in the cockpit.

Port (side) is the term for the left-hand side of the boat when facing forward.

Porthole  is a term for a small, usually circular window on a boat or ship.

Preventer  or boom preventer is an auxiliary line or rope that is rigged from the end of the boom to a sturdy point on the deck, mast, or other secure attachment point on the boat. The purpose of the preventer is to restrict the boom's movement and prevent an accidental or unintentional jibe, which can happen when sailing downwind or on broad reach courses.

Propeller is a device consisting of blades that rotate to provide propulsion for a boat's engine. It is often located at the stern (back) of the boat and is powered by the boat's engine.

Propwalk is a phenomenon that occurs when a boat's propeller produces a lateral force that causes the boat's stern to move to one side when the engine is in gear. This is particularly noticeable at slow speeds and when maneuvering in tight spaces, such as a marina or dock.

Propwash is the turbulence created by the rotation of the propeller. Propwash deflecting off an angled rudder allows even large boats to turn in a tighter space.

Quebec flag signal (yellow) in the International Code of Signals means "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique" which is a signal made by a ship entering port to request permission to enter and clear customs and immigration. It is usually used when sailing abroad. To learn more about crossing borders, take a look at Can you cross national borders with a charter boat?

Reefing  is a technique used to reduce the area of the sail in order to maintain control of the boat and prevent it from being overpowered in strong winds. Charter boats usually have 2 or 3 degrees of reefing available.

Railing  is another term for the guardrails around a yacht.

Rigging refers to the system of ropes, wires, and hardware that support and control the sails and masts on a boat or ship. It includes not only the mast, boom, and standing rigging (wires or rods that support the mast), but also the running rigging (ropes that control the sails), such as halyards, sheets, and control lines.

Rudder blade is the part of the steering system that is underwater. A boat may have one or two rudder blades.

Safety line is a line running along the deck of the boat by which sailors fasten their harnesses to prevent them from falling into the water when the boat is heeling or in large waves. The safety line is not automatically installed on the boat and must be installed separately.

Self-tacking jib is a type of headsail that is specifically designed to tack without the need for adjusting the sail position or manually pulling on the sheets. The sail is attached to a track or a traveler that runs athwartships on the boat and allows the sail to pivot and change sides without having to be moved or adjusted manually.

Shackle is a small metal device used to attach a line to a sail. It is used to connect the sail to the halyard or other lines on the boat. It can also be used to connect different sails together or to connect a sail to a spar or other structural element of the boat.

Sheet is a rope or line used to control the angle and shape of a sail. There are different sheets for different sails, such as the mainsheet for the mainsail, the jib sheet for the jib sail, and the spinnaker sheet for the spinnaker sail.

Shrouds are actually a type of standing rigging, which are the fixed lines or wires that support the mast of a sailboat. They run from the mast to the sides of the boat, and help to keep the mast upright and stable.

Spreader  is a horizontal strut that extends from the mast to the side of a sailboat, providing support for the mast and helping to spread the shrouds that support the mast.

Spinnaker pole  is a long and sturdy pole used to hold the clew (bottom corner) of a spinnaker sail out from the mast of a sailing boat.

Steering wheel is the device used to control a boat's direction. It is connected to the rudder blade through a steering mechanism. Boats can have one or two steering wheels depending on size and design.

Storm sails are special sails, usually orange in colour, whose small surface area and strong material allow sailing in storms. The sails are not installed on the boat all the time, they need to be unpacked from the hold when needed. Ask at check-in where the storm sails are located on the boat.

Storm sails often have a distinctive colour.

Skipper is just another name for the captain, the skipper of a yacht. Would you like to become a skipper too? Take a look at our sailing courses .

Spinnaker is a large, lightweight and often colourful sail that is designed to be used when sailing off the wind, such as on a reach or a downwind leg.The spinnaker is attached to the boat's mast and is supported by a spinnaker pole.

Spin-out refers to a situation in which a boat, while sailing downwind, loses control and starts turning towards the wind.

Sprayhood is a protective covering, typically made of canvas or other durable material, that is installed over the companionway (entrance to the cabin) of a sailboat. Its primary purpose is to shield the cockpit and the interior of the boat from wind, spray, and rain while underway

SRC stands for Short Range Certificate , which is a certification required for operating a marine VHF radio.

Starboard is the term used to describe the right-hand side of a boat when facing forward.

Stay is a term used to refer to a piece of rigging that helps support the mast of a sailing vessel. It typically runs from the top of the mast to the bow of the boat, forming a triangle shape along with the mast and the boat's deck.

Stratus is a type of low-level cloud characterized by its uniform, featureless appearance that often covers the entire sky.

Synoptic map , also known as a weather map, is a graphical representation of current weather conditions created using data collected from weather stations, satellites, and other sources.

Tack is the maneuver of turning the sailboat against the wind.

Telltales are pieces of yarn or fabric that are attached to a sail, stay, or rigging on a sailboat. They are used as a guide for trimming or adjusting a sail by providing information about the airflow around the sail.  

Telltales on a sail

Tender is another word for dinghy.

Tiller is a rod used to move the rudder blade and control the direction of the boat. It is often used on smaller sailboats instead of a steering wheel. In case of an emergency, there might be a spare tiller onboard as a backup.

Topping lift  or topenant is a line that runs from the end of the boom to a point high on the mast, which supports the boom and prevents it from dropping too low when the mainsail is not raised.

Trade wind is a wind that blows steadily towards the equator from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, usually found in tropical regions.

Transom is the reinforced vertical portion located at the stern of a boat. It connects the sides of the boat, giving it form and structure. The transom is also where an outboard motor is typically attached to the vessel and where the boat's name may be painted.

True wind is the actual wind that exists in the environment and is not affected by the motion of the body or the vessel. It is the wind that would be felt if the vessel were stationary.  Find out more in our article — Apparent vs. True Wind .

We found nothing for this letter except in the nautical alphabet (U: Uniform – you are heading into danger). If you can think of something to go here, get in touch.

Venturi wind is a localised wind flow originating and blowing out of a strait, for example between hills or rocks.

VHF  (short for Very High Frequency ) is electromagnetic waves that allow radio communication between ships, aircraft, ports, etc. 

Winch  is a mechanical device consisting of a drum that rotates either manually or powered by an electric or hydraulic motor. The rope or line is wrapped around the drum and as it rotates.

Drum-shaped rope winch.

Wind vane (otherwise known as a weather vane, wind indicator or a wind sock) is a small device at the end of the mast whose arrow indicates where the wind is blowing from.

If you can think of a term that could be here, please write to us.

Which of our boats will you take out on the waves?

Practice your sailing terminology on the water. get in touch and we'll find the perfect sailing boat for you..

Denisa Nguyenová

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