Boating Terminology
26/09/2025
Learning The Boating Language
We've all listened to those 'Wise Old Sailors' chatting away in their 'Nautical Tongue'. Whether you can make sense of it or not, will depend very much on how familiar you are with the terminology used to describe, operate or communicate within the Boating World.
Many of the terms and names are generic to different types of vessel, the bow for example is always 'the pointy bit at the front'. However, a little like reginal accents, there are still some words that are pronounced differently, such as Leeward, Beaufort or Buoy to name but a few.
Here are Ten Common Terms or Names used in Boating:
1. Vessel - Any craft designed for transportation on water, such as a boat or a ship.
2. Bow - The forward part of a boat or a ship.
3. Stern - The rear part of a boat or a ship.
4. Port - The left side of a vessel.
5. Starboard - The right side of a vessel.
6. Windward - The direction the wind is coming from, i.e. the windward side of a vessel.
7. Leeward - The away from the direction from where the wind is blowing, i.e. the downwind side of a vessel.
8. Buoy - A floating device that is used to aid in navigation or mark a specific point.
9. Fenders - Commonly, an air filled ball or cylinder used to absorb any impact forces between a vessel and object.
10. Cleat - A device used to tie a line or a warp to, e.g. Used to secure boats using lines to a pontoon.
Now get out there and teach your friends, family and crew.
