sailboat parts quiz

Sailboat Parts Trivia Quiz

This is the basics to learning to sail. first you must learn the parts of a boat..

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sailboat parts / types

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Basic Sailing Examination

EXAMINATION OF SAILING KNOWLEDGE

QUESTION 1: Identify the following parts of a sailboat on the diagram:

QUESTION 2: Identify the following sails and parts of a sail below:

QUESTION 3: Match the following items found on a sailboat with one of the functions listed below.

QUESTION 4: Match the following items found on a sailboat with one the functions listed below.

QUESTION 5: Match the following definitions with one of the tern listed. There is only one definition for each term.

QUESTION 6: Operation and Navigation

• To make the boat turn to port, which direction do you push the tiller? _________ Port Starboard
• Which side of the boat should the RED channel marker be when sailing from a smaller body of water (such as Selby Bay) to a larger (such as the South River)? _________ Port Starboard
• What is the rule of thumb "Red Right Returning" mean when you approach a RED channel marker when coming from a larger body of water to a smaller? _________________________________ Stay to the Right of a Red when Returning Keep a Red on the Right when Returning
• What is the first thing you should check before tossing an anchor overboard? _________________________________ That the centerboard is up That it is tied to the boat That you have enough line That there are no submarines below

QUESTION 7: Match the following definitions with one of the terms listed. There is only one definition for each term.

QUESTION 8: In each pair of sailboats identify which boat is to windward and which is to leeward.

QUESTION 9: Match the knots below with their main functions.

QUESTION 10: Point of Sail. Match the letter of each boat with its point of sail.

QUESTION 11: Match the following definitions with the appropriate term.. There is only one definition for each term.

QUESTION 12: Right-of-Way. You are in a sailboat under sail:

NOTE: The Rule of Prudent Seamanship Would have you avoid any collision. However there are International (high seas and Connecting navigable waters ) and Inland Navigation Rules which determine who should "stand-on" (keep her course and speed) and "Give-way" (take early and substantial action to keep well clear).

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The Sailing Lingo Quiz

About This Quiz

Sailing ships are things of beauty. 

The earliest sailing ship ever found by archaeologists dates back to 1300 BC. In fact, many ancient nations were incredible sailors. 

For instance, the Phoenicians, the world's early explorers, were the first to travel around Africa, while the Greeks colonized much of the area around the Mediterranean.

And both civilizations achieved these incredible feats using the humble sailing ship. 

And think about the exploration of the world. The Spanish reached both north and south America. They achieved this thanks to their brilliant sailing skills as well as their well-built sailing ships. 

It was only with the arrival of the industrial revolutions and steam power that sailing ships became redundant. Today, we have replicas of those ships of the past that give us an insight into a time long ago. 

But sailing hasn't died. Now, it is a recreational sport as well as a much loved past time. And with many other sports, it has its own special language.

And that's what we want to test today. Do you love sailing? Do you know many of the terms associated with it? Then this quiz should be a breeze ... pun intended!

Good luck and fare thee well!

The largest sail on the boat, when it is running with the wind, the spinnaker is set up before the main sail. The spinnaker is a three-cornered sail that holds a lot of wind and provides plenty of speed for the boat.

The rigging on a sailing ship is all the ropes found on the boat. These are used in a number of ways, from tying up the boat to securing the anchor to raising the sails.

Sailing has many different terms for everyday words that we might use when not at sea. For instance, should you want to go left, the ship would be turned to port. Don't confuse that with port, as in the harbor.

Sailing has many different terms for everyday words that we might use when not at sea. For instance, should you want to go right, the ship would be turned to starboard.

The keel is a large fin that comes out the bottom of the boat. On a sailing ship, this can be fairly large and long. Its primary job is to provide stability for the boat as it sails. This helps to keep it from capsizing.

Generally, if a ship is adrift it is not under control of the crew or whoever is sailing it. This means that it will travel in the direction of the ocean currents or winds.

"Avast" means stop. It comes from the Dutch term, "hou' vast" which essentially means hold on. Certainly not a modern sailing term, but if you were a pirate ...

You've heard the saying, "I like the cut of your jib". Well, actually it's referring to a sail on a sailing boat. It is found in front of the mainsail and does not have a boom of any kind.

Like an island, a boat has a leeward side. Unlike an island, this side will change, depending on the direction of the boat. When a boat is sailing at an angle, the leeward side is always closest to the water.

Tacking involves changing the course of the sailing boat at regular intervals. This involves turning the front of the boat into the wind and letting it fall away. Rinse and repeat!

A sailing boat without ropes is not going to go anywhere! They are used in a number of ways including securing the boat to the dock, securing the anchor and perhaps most importantly, in the rigging for the sails. In sailing lingo, ropes are called lines.

The helm is the best place for the captain to see what is going on, not only with sea conditions but with the ship and crew as well. It is generally a raised area and includes a large wheel from where the captain steers the boat.

Yes, it's not just the left and right-hand parts of a sailing ship that have their own names, but the front and back as well. And now you know, the front is the bow.

Like the front of a ship, the rear section has a name as well. It is called the aft section and generally is where the helm of the ship is found, including the big wheel used to steer the boat.

There are 8 point of sail positions for a sailing boat, each with their own terminology. For instance, a boat at the point of sail position of "in irons" is going straight into the wind.

One of the most important parts on a sailing ship, the mast is the large upright pole that on older sailing ships would be made from wood. And what does it do? Well, its main job is to hold up the sails that are put up. A sailing ship without a mast is useless.

Found at the bottom of the mast, the boom is to be respected on a sailing ship. Newbies tend to get hit by it often. But what purpose does it serve? It has sails connected to it. The boom is moved toward the wind's direction and this helps to drive a sailing ship forward.

Without a rudder, the ship cannot be steered properly, especially when not under sail or driven by a motor. A large wheel is connected to the rudder on large sailing ships while on smaller ships, the rudder is connected to a tiller at the back of the boat.

Like an island, a boat has a windward side. Unlike an island, this side will change, depending on the direction of the boat. When a boat is sailing at an angle, the windward side is always furthest from the water.

If the wind direction needs to be from the other side of the sailing boat than what it is currently, a jib is performed. This means the rear of the boat is moved through the wind to change its direction from one side of the boat to another. This is not performed as much as tacking.

A sailing ship can be alongside many things. Basically this means it is next to something. For instance, a ship that is in the harbor might be alongside a pier, while two sailing ships racing are alongside each other.

Throughout the deck of a sailing boat, you can find hatches that can be pulled open. These are storage spaces for equipment mainly, but some accommodation can be below decks behind larger booby hatches.

Capsizing is a very serious situation. On large sailing boats with big keels, capsizing is virtually impossible, but on smaller boats, where keels are far smaller, it can happen easily. Normally this is as a result of a large wave.

But you knew that, right? To make sure the boat is going in the right direction, it will be equipped with a compass. This is particularly important on journeys where land will be out of sight.

Knowing the draft length, the depth of the keel below the waterline can be handy. A ship with a short draft length is certainly more prone to capsizing than one with a bigger draft length. Note, this can also be spelled draft.

On a sailing ship, the driver is a type of sail. It is flown from the mizzen gaff. This type of sail is only found on large sailing vessels such as schooners or barquentine. These ships generally had six masts.

In sailing and nautical terms, a fathom is a unit of depth. It is the equivalent of 6 feet, which is around 1.8 meters. Often used to measure how deep the ocean floor is in a particular area.

On a normal sailing ship, the helmsman would be the captain. On large sailing boats of old, the helmsman was a specific person but not the captain. On a single sailing dinghy, the helmsman is the only person in the boat!

In days of yore, sailors would often get drunk. In fact, the British Navy used to give their sailors a rum ration each day. If a ship was loaded to the gunwales, it had cargo all the way to the top, and hence this is how it became a way to describe drunken sailors.

Single dinghy-type sailing ships can only take one person. They are steered using a rudder which is connected to a tiller which comes into the dinghy itself. Other smaller ships that hold a few more people are often steered in this way as well.

A ship that has docked in a harbor or possibly against a buoy out in the ocean is said to be moored. Ships are moored as a way to ensure they they do not get taken away by the current or wind.

Admit it, you laughed! No, it's not where the toilet is found. On older ships from a bygone era, there was a raised deck at the back of the ship. This was known as the poop deck.

The beam of a boat is its width. But this is not taken just anywhere. It must be measured at its widest point, which is generally in the middle of the deck.

OK, it's obvious that not all ships have a galley. But sailing boats, those that are for more than one person, probably have a place below deck where food can be prepared. Even a sailor has to eat sometime!

Splicing means that two separate cables or ropes must be put together. This means they form one continuous piece. To achieve this, the frayed ends are intertwined enough so that they join together.

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Sailing Terms Quiz

By: American Sailing Quiz

Okay, here’s a quick little quiz of sailing terms born from our Sailing Made Easy book. Test your sailing knowledge with these 5 questions – if you get them all right, the quiz will give you compliments. If you make a mistake, the quiz may act like a wise guy. Either way, it’s fun. Ready?

• The upper attachment point of a sail nope, that’s the “head”
• The long stretch of sail that parallels the boom no, that’s the “foot”
• The aft lower corner of a sail you got it!
• The area where reef lines are attached that would be incorrect!
• The entrance from the cockpit or deck to the cabin correct-a-mundo!
• Synonymous with aft cabin – the rear cabin under cockpit nope -we made that up
• The walkway along the deck I’m afraid not
• In bigger boats it is the space located just before entering the engine room fooled ya!
• A very small screw inside most standing rigging hardware you thought that? No.
• A washer that provides spacing in a standard winch incorrect, a washer in a winch is a washer in a winch
• A tell tale that gets stuck to a sail and is of no use perhaps you don’t know what a grommet is
• A metal ring set into a sail you got the smarts!
• Slang for boathook it is not that
• A pole used to support a sail your brain is working!
• A pole used to fold sails I don’t think that exists!
• A term describing a young sailor you can call them that but that’s wrong
• Stealing another sailor’s wind that would be incorrect
• A wooden shim understandable choice but no
• A pulley we have a winner!
• A fastener that secures running rigging to standing rigging uh, no.

Did you enjoy this quiz? Challenge your friends on Facebook or Twitter !

Quiz 1 Results

Here are the results of the first quiz – only 50% of you got all the answers right. Let’s hope you can do better in the next quiz .

Try our other quizzes:

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Sailboat Parts Explained: Illustrated Guide (with Diagrams)

When you first get into sailing, there are a lot of sailboat parts to learn. Scouting for a good guide to all the parts, I couldn't find any, so I wrote one myself.

Below, I'll go over each different sailboat part. And I mean each and every one of them. I'll walk you through them one by one, and explain each part's function. I've also made sure to add good illustrations and clear diagrams.

This article is a great reference for beginners and experienced sailors alike. It's a great starting point, but also a great reference manual. Let's kick off with a quick general overview of the different sailboat parts.

General Overview

The different segments

You can divide up a sailboat in four general segments. These segments are arbitrary (I made them up) but it will help us to understand the parts more quickly. Some are super straightforward and some have a bit more ninja names.

Something like that. You can see the different segments highlighted in this diagram below:

The hull is what most people would consider 'the boat'. It's the part that provides buoyancy and carries everything else: sails, masts, rigging, and so on. Without the hull, there would be no boat. The hull can be divided into different parts: deck, keel, cabin, waterline, bilge, bow, stern, rudder, and many more.

I'll show you those specific parts later on. First, let's move on to the mast.

Sailboats Explained

The mast is the long, standing pole holding the sails. It is typically placed just off-center of a sailboat (a little bit to the front) and gives the sailboat its characteristic shape. The mast is crucial for any sailboat: without a mast, any sailboat would become just a regular boat.

I think this segment speaks mostly for itself. Most modern sailboats you see will have two sails up, but they can carry a variety of other specialty sails. And there are all kinds of sail plans out there, which determine the amount and shape of sails that are used.

The Rigging

This is probably the most complex category of all of them.

Rigging is the means with which the sails are attached to the mast. The rigging consists of all kinds of lines, cables, spars, and hardware. It's the segment with the most different parts.

The most important parts

If you learn anything from this article, here are the most important parts of any sailboat. You will find all of these parts in some shape or form on almost any sailboat.

Okay, we now have a good starting point and a good basic understanding of the different sailboat parts. It's time for the good stuff. We're going to dive into each segment in detail.

Below, I'll go over them one by one, pointing out its different parts on a diagram, listing them with a brief explanation, and showing you examples as well.

After reading this article, you'll recognize every single sailboat part and know them by name. And if you forget one, you're free to look it up in this guide.

On this page:

The hull is the heart of the boat. It's what carries everything: the mast, the sails, the rigging, the passengers. The hull is what provides the sailboat with its buoyancy, allowing it to stay afloat.

Sailboats mostly use displacement hulls, which is a shape that displaces water when moving through it. They are generally very round and use buoyancy to support its own weight. These two characteristics make sure it is a smooth ride.

There are different hull shapes that work and handle differently. If you want to learn more about them, here's the Illustrated Guide to Boat Hull Types (with 11 Examples ). But for now, all we need to know is that the hull is the rounded, floating part of any sailboat.

Instead of simply calling the different sides of a hull front, back, left and right , we use different names in sailing. Let's take a look at them.

The bow is the front part of the hull. It's simply the nautical word for 'front'. It's the pointy bit that cuts through the water. The shape of the bow determines partially how the boat handles.

The stern is the back part of the hull. It's simply the nautical word for 'back'. The shape of the stern partially determines the stability and speed of the boat. With motorboats, the stern lies deep inside the water, and the hull is flatter aft. Aft also means back. This allows it to plane, increasing the hull speed. For sailboats, stability is much more important, so the hull is rounded throughout, increasing its buoyancy and hydrodynamic properties.

The transom is the backplate of the boat's hull. It's the most aft (rear) part of the boat.

Port is the left side of a sailboat.

Starboard is the right side of a sailboat

The bilges are the part where the bottom and the sides of the hull meet. On sailboats, these are typically very round, which helps with hydrodynamics. On powerboats, they tend to have an angle.

The waterline is the point where the boat's hull meets the water. Generally, boat owners paint the waterline and use antifouling paint below it, to protect it from marine growth.

The deck is the top part of the boat's hull. In a way, it's the cap of the boat, and it holds the deck hardware and rigging.

Displacement hulls are very round and smooth, which makes them very efficient and comfortable. But it also makes them very easy to capsize: think of a canoe, for example.

The keel is a large fin that offsets the tendency to capsize by providing counterbalance. Typically, the keel carries ballast in the tip, creating a counterweight to the wind's force on the sails.

The rudder is the horizontal plate at the back of the boat that is used to steer by setting a course and maintaining it. It is connected to the helm or tiller.

Tiller or Helm

• The helm is simply the nautical term for the wheel.
• The tiller is simply the nautical term for the steering stick.

The tiller or helm is attached to the rudder and is used to steer the boat. Most smaller sailboats (below 30') have a tiller, most larger sailboats use a helm. Large ocean-going vessels tend to have two helms.

The cockpit is the recessed part in the deck where the helmsman sits or stands. It tends to have some benches. It houses the outside navigation and systems interfaces, like the compass, chartplotter, and so on. It also houses the mainsheet traveler and winches for the jib. Most boats are set up so that the entire vessel can be operated from the cockpit (hence the name). More on those different parts later.

Most larger boats have some sort of roofed part, which is called the cabin. The cabin is used as a shelter, and on cruising sailboats you'll find the galley for cooking, a bed, bath room, and so on.

The mast is the pole on a sailboat that holds the sails. Sailboats can have one or multiple masts, depending on the mast configuration. Most sailboats have only one or two masts. Three masts or more is less common.

The boom is the horizontal pole on the mast, that holds the mainsail in place.

The sails seem simple, but actually consist of many moving parts. The parts I list below work for most modern sailboats - I mean 90% of them. However, there are all sorts of specialty sails that are not included here, to keep things concise.

The mainsail is the largest sail on the largest mast. Most sailboats use a sloop rigging (just one mast with one bermuda mainsail). In that case, the main is easy to recognize. With other rig types, it gets more difficult, since there can be multiple tall masts and large sails.

If you want to take a look at the different sail plans and rig types that are out there, I suggest reading my previous guide on how to recognize any sailboat here (opens in new tab).

Sail sides:

• Leech - Leech is the name for the back side of the sail, running from the top to the bottom.
• Luff - Luff is the name for the front side of the sail, running from the top to the bottom.
• Foot - Foot is the name for the lower side of the sail, where it meets the boom.

Sail corners:

• Clew - The clew is the lower aft (back) corner of the mainsail, where the leech is connected to the foot. The clew is attached to the boom.
• Tack - The tack is the lower front corner of the mainsail
• Head - The head is the top corner of the mainsail

Battens are horizontal sail reinforcers that flatten and stiffen the sail.

Telltales are small strings that show you whether your sail trim is correct. You'll find telltales on both your jib and mainsail.

The jib is the standard sized headsail on a Bermuda Sloop rig (which is the sail plan most modern sailboats use).

As I mentioned: there are all kinds, types, and shapes of sails. For an overview of the most common sail types, check out my Guide on Sail Types here (with photos).

The rigging is what is used to attach your sails and mast to your boat. Rigging, in other words, mostly consists of all kinds of lines. Lines are just another word for ropes. Come to think of it, sailors really find all kinds of ways to complicate the word rope ...

Two types of rigging

There are two types of rigging: running and standing rigging. The difference between the two is very simple.

• The running rigging is the rigging on a sailboat that's used to operate the sails. For example, the halyard, which is used to lower and heave the mainsail.
• The standing rigging is the rigging that is used to support the mast and sail plan.

Standing Rigging

Here are the different parts that belong to the standing rigging:

• Forestay or Headstay - Line or cable that supports the mast and is attached to the bow of the boat. This is often a steel cable.
• Backstay - Line or cable that supports the mast and is attached to the stern of the boat. This is often a steel cable.
• Sidestay or Shroud - Line or cable that supports the mast from the sides of the boat. Most sailboats use at least two sidestays (one on each side).
• Spreader - The sidestays are spaced to steer clear from the mast using spreaders.

Running Rigging: different words for rope

Ropes play a big part in sailing, and especially in control over the sails. In sailboat jargon, we call ropes 'lines'. But there are some lines with a specific function that have a different name. I think this makes it easier to communicate with your crew: you don't have to define which line you mean. Instead, you simply shout 'mainsheet!'. Yeah, that works.

Running rigging consists of the lines, sheets, and hardware that are used to control, raise, lower, shape and manipulate the sails on a sailboat. Rigging varies for different rig types, but since most sailboats are use a sloop rig, nearly all sailboats use the following running rigging:

• Halyards -'Halyard' is simply the nautical name for lines or ropes that are used to raise and lower the mainsail. The halyard is attached to the top of the mainsail sheet, or the gaffer, which is a top spar that attaches to the mainsail. You'll find halyards on both the mainsail and jib.
• Sheets - 'Sheet' is simply the nautical term for lines or ropes that are used to set the angle of the sail.
• Mainsheet - The line, or sheet, that is used to set the angle of the mainsail. The mainsheet is attached to the Mainsheet traveler. More on that under hardware.
• Jib Sheet - The jib mostly comes with two sheets: one on each side of the mast. This prevents you from having to loosen your sheet, throwing it around the other side of the mast, and tightening it. The jib sheets are often controlled using winches (more on that under hardware).
• Cleats are small on-deck hooks that can be used to tie down sheets and lines after trimming them.
• Reefing lines - Lines that run through the mainsail, used to put a reef in the main.
• The Boom Topping Lift is a line that is attached to the aft (back) end of the boom and runs to the top of the mast. It supports the boom whenever you take down the mainsail.
• The Boom Vang is a line that places downward tension on the boom.

There are some more tensioning lines, but I'll leave them for now. I could probably do an entire guide on the different sheets on a sailboat. Who knows, perhaps I'll write it.

This is a new segment, that I didn't mention before. It's a bit of an odd duck, so I threw all sorts of stuff into this category. But they are just as important as all the other parts. Your hardware consists of cleats, winches, traveler and so on. If you don't know what all of this means, no worries: neither did I. Below, you'll find a complete overview of the different parts.

Deck Hardware

Just a brief mention of the different deck hardware parts:

• Pulpits are fenced platforms on the sailboat's stern and bow, which is why they are called the bow pulpit and stern pulpit here. They typically have a solid steel framing for safety.
• Stanchons are the standing poles supporting the lifeline , which combined for a sort of fencing around the sailboat's deck. On most sailboats, steel and steel cables are used for the stanchons and lifelines.

Mainsheet Traveler

The mainsheet traveler is a rail in the cockpit that is used to control the mainsheet. It helps to lock the mainsheet in place, fixing the mainsails angle to the wind.

If you're interested in learning more about how to use the mainsheet traveler, Matej has written a great list of tips for using your mainsheet traveler the right way . It's a good starting point for beginners.

Winches are mechanical or electronic spools that are used to easily trim lines and sheets. Most sailboats use winches to control the jib sheets. Modern large sailing yachts use electronic winches for nearly all lines. This makes it incredibly easy to trim your lines.

You'll find the compass typically in the cockpit. It's the most old-skool navigation tool out there, but I'm convinced it's also one of the most reliable. In any way, it definitely is the most solid backup navigator you can get for the money.

Want to learn how to use a compass quickly and reliably? It's easy. Just read my step-by-step beginner guide on How To Use a Compass (opens in new tab .

Chartplotter

Most sailboats nowadays use, besides a compass and a map, a chartplotter. Chartplotters are GPS devices that show a map and a course. It's very similar to your normal car navigation.

Outboard motor

Most sailboats have some sort of motor to help out when there's just the slightest breeze. These engines aren't very big or powerful, and most sailboats up to 32' use an outboard motor. You'll find these at the back of the boat.

Most sailboats carry 1 - 3 anchors: one bow anchor (the main one) and two stern anchors. The last two are optional and are mostly used by bluewater cruisers.

I hope this was helpful, and that you've gained a good understanding of the different parts involved in sailing. I wanted to write a good walk-through instead of overwhelming you with lists and lists of nautical terms. I hope I've succeeded. If so, I appreciate any comments and tips below.

I've tried to be as comprehensive as possible, without getting into the real nitty gritty. That would make for a gigantic article. However, if you feel I've left something out that really should be in here, please let me know in the comments below, so I can update the article.

I own a small 20 foot yacht called a Red witch made locally back in the 70s here in Western Australia i found your article great and enjoyed reading it i know it will be a great help for me in my future leaning to sail regards John.

David Gardner

İ think this is a good explanation of the difference between a ”rope” and a ”line”:

Rope is unemployed cordage. In other words, when it is in a coil and has not been assigned a job, it is just a rope.

On the other hand, when you prepare a rope for a specific task, it becomes employed and is a line. The line is labeled by the job it performs; for example, anchor line, dock line, fender line, etc.

Hey Mr. Buckles

I am taking on new crew to race with me on my Flying Scot (19ft dingy). I find your Sailboat Parts Explained to be clear and concise. I believe it will help my new crew learn the language that we use on the boat quickly without being overwhelmed.

PS: my grandparents were from Friesland and emigrated to America.

Thank you Shawn for the well written, clear and easy to digest introductory article. Just after reading this first article I feel excited and ready to set sails and go!! LOL!! Cheers! Daniel.

steve Balog

well done, chap

Great intro. However, the overview diagram misidentifies the cockpit location. The cockpit is located aft of the helm. Your diagram points to a location to the fore of the helm.

William Thompson-Ambrose

An excellent introduction to the basic anatomy and function of the sailboat. Anyone who wants to start sailing should consider the above article before stepping aboard! Thank-you

James Huskisson

Thanks for you efforts mate. We’ve all got to start somewhere. Thanks for sharing. Hoping to my first yacht. 25ft Holland. Would love to cross the Bass Strait one day to Tasmania. 👌 Cheers mate

Alan Alexander Percy

thankyou ijust aquired my first sailboat at 66yrs of age its down at pelican point a beautifull place in virginia usa my sailboat is a redwing 30 if you are ever in the area i wouldnt mind your guidance and superior knowledge of how to sail but iam sure your fantastic article will help my sailboat is wings 30 ft

Thanks for quick refresher course. Having sailed in California for 20+ years I now live in Spain where I have to take a spanish exam for a sailboat license. Problem is, it’s only in spanish. So a lot to learn for an old guy like me.

Very comprehensive, thank you

Your article really brought all the pieces together for me today. I have been adventuring my first sailing voyage for 2 months from the Carolinas and am now in Eleuthera waiting on weather to make the Exumas!!! Great job and thanks

Helen Ballard

I’ve at last found something of an adventure to have in sailing, so I’m starting at the basics, I have done a little sailing but need more despite being over 60 life in the old dog etc, thanks for your information 😊

Barbara Scott

I don’t have a sailboat, neither do l plan to literally take to the waters. But for mental exercise, l have decided to take to sailing in my Bermuda sloop, learning what it takes to become a good sailor and run a tight ship, even if it’s just imaginary. Thank you for helping me on my journey to countless adventures and misadventures, just to keep it out of the doldrums! (I’m a 69 year old African American female who have rediscovered why l enjoyed reading The Adventures of Robert Louis Stevenson as well as his captivating description of sea, wind, sailboat,and sailor).

Great article and very good information source for a beginner like me. But I didn’t find out what I had hoped to, which is, what are all those noisy bits of kit on top of the mast? I know the one with the arrow is a weather vane, but the rest? Many thanks, Jay.

Louis Cohen

The main halyard is attached to the head of the mainsail, not the to the mainsheet. In the USA, we say gaff, not gaffer. The gaff often has its own halyard separate from the main halyard.

Other than that it’s a nice article with good diagrams.

A Girl Who Has an Open Sail Dream

Wow! That was a lot of great detail! Thank you, this is going to help me a lot on my project!

Hi, good info, do u know a book that explains all the systems on a candc 27,

Emma Delaney

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What is the name of the front of a sailboat?

What is the name of the back of a sailboat?

What is the name of the left side of a sailboat?

What is the name of the right side of a sailboat?

You are able to sail directly into the wind.

You are able to sail directly downwind.

Which of these is referenced by the word "Tack"? (Choose all that apply)

the corner of a sail

the direction you are sailing

turning bow through the wind

turning stern through the wind

What is the name of the rope that raises a sail?

What is the name of sailboat part G?

What is the name of sail part E?

What is the name of sailboat part K?

What is the name for the point of sail for 15 and 6?

close hauled

broad reach

What is the name for the point of sail for 13 and 8?

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