Looking for he perfect gift? We offer gift certificates! Contact us today to purchase a gift certificate, and make someone's day extra special!



Blog Layout

A Brief Beginner’s Guide to Sailing Terms

Paige Pesko • March 19, 2020
A Brief Beginner’s Guide to Sailing Terms
Whether you’re embarking on your first sailing journey or a seasoned pro hoping to sound more professional, it’s important to know proper sailing lingo. This will help you not only appear more knowledgeable during your expedition, but also stay safe while sailing. Many sailing terms are centuries old, yet they remain useful and important to sailing expeditions today. In fact, many phrases in modern vernacular actually originate from sailing lingo. Some honorable mentions include the phrases “hunky-dory,” “bottoms up,” and “loose cannon.” The latter once denoted exactly what one would expect, and it's now used to describe someone with an unpredictable nature. This beginner’s guide to sailing terms will help you become better acquainted with some of the phrases you’ll be most likely to encounter when sailing.

Ship specifics

Regardless of size, almost all sailing vessels adhere to the same naming conventions for the different parts of the ship. Familiarizing yourself with the most basic parts of a ship will help you get your bearings before you set sail.

Port vs. Starboard

These are perhaps the most commonly confused words in a new sailor’s vocabulary. However, understanding the difference becomes quite simple when you realize that, in essence, these words denote the difference between left and right. Port refers to the left-hand side of the ship, while starboard refers to the right. Correctly identifying the port or starboard side of a ship requires the sailor to face the bow of the ship. A simple trick to remember the difference between port and starboard is that the words “port” and “left” each consist of four letters. Therefore, port will be the left side of the ship.

Bow vs. Stern

Remembering the difference between the bow and the stern can also be difficult for newcomers. The front of a ship is called the bow. You can easily recognize it simply by looking at what direction the boat is traveling in. Therefore, the stern of the ship must be the back end. The stern is also sometimes referred to as the aft.

Helm

The helm refers to the boat’s steering wheel. Similar to a plane’s cockpit, the helm is where the ship’s captain takes up residence. Most vessels do use a standard wheel, but some smaller ships may utilize a tiller instead.

Locational lingo

It’s important to know the location of items within the ship, but it’s also important to know the location of the ship in relation to your surroundings.

Windward vs. Leeward

The terms windward and leeward refer to the direction of the wind in relation to the boat itself. Wind is the driving force for sailing vessels, so understanding the difference between these terms is crucial. Windward refers to the direction in which the wind is currently blowing, while leeward refers to the opposite direction of the wind.

Jibing vs. Tacking

Jibing and tacking denote different ways to change a boat’s course. When tacking, the bow of a ship is angled so that the winds change from one side of the boat to the other. Conversely, jibing is a sailing maneuver in which the stern of a boat turns to change the direction of the wind from one side to the other.

To brush up on your sailing slang even further, contact our team at Sailing San Francisco to schedule private sailing lessons in San Francisco. Captain John has over 20 years of experience, and he’ll be happy to answer all your sailing queries.
Tips for Planning an Intimate Wedding on a Sailboat Charter
March 10, 2025
Celebrate life’s milestones with a private sailboat adventure on the Bay, where love, laughter, and breathtaking views create lasting memories.
A woman, man, and little girl sitting at the front of a sailboat with stainless steel guardrails.
January 29, 2025
Set sail with your kids on a safe and unforgettable adventure! Find hidden gems, breathtaking views, and insider tips to create a fun day on the Bay.
Two white sailboats in the harbor under the red Golden Bridge with hills in the background.
January 2, 2025
Sail the San Francisco Bay and capture stunning shots of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and more. Discover the top 10 photo spots now!
A seasick man leaning over the side of a yacht with choppy ocean waters and cloudy skies in the back
November 20, 2024
Learn how to prevent motion sickness on your next boating adventure with these seven tips, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water.
November 4, 2024
Join us on a sailboat tour of San Francisco, where you can enjoy views of iconic landmarks, the refreshing bay breeze, and an unforgettable maritime adventure.
A joyful group of young male and female friends dancing and having fun on the bow of a sailboat, smi
By Amanda Delatorre September 23, 2024
A joyful group of young male and female friends dancing and having fun on the bow of a sailboat, smiling and hugging.
A group of serious men in life jackets sit in a row on a yacht, attentively looking around as they e
By Dalton Bourland August 13, 2024
Plan your next sailboat tour with our packing guide! Discover the top seven items you need to bring along to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.
A small group of friends smiling and laughing while enjoying travel on a sailing boat under a bright
August 5, 2024
Explore the vibrant beauty of the San Francisco Bay with our guide on the best times of the year to visit, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Why You Should Rent a Sailboat for a Romantic Tour for Two
May 30, 2024
Explore the reasons why renting a sailboat can make for an unforgettable romantic tour for two. Discover the essence of adventure and intimacy on the open sea.
Popular Sailing Superstitions from Around the World
By Paige Pesko February 14, 2020
Embark on an entrancing journey filled with mysteries and mythology with this guide to some of the most popular sailing superstitions from around the world.
More Posts
Share by:
Book Now