Yachting Terms Every Yachtie Should Know

As a new yachtie, it can be overwhelming with the flood of new information. Although there are quite a few words to learn, here are some basic terms you'll need to know for the yacht life:

Parts of the Yacht

• Bow: front of the boat

• Stern/Aft: back of the boat

• Port: left side of a yacht

• Starboard: right side of a yacht

• Aft deck: deck located at the rear of the boat

• Sun deck: the usually upper deck of a ship that is exposed to the most sun

• Bridge/Wheelhouse: the bridge of a ship is the room or platform from which the ship can be commanded

• Lazarette: A storage space in a boat's stern area

Rooms On Board

• Galley: kitchen

• Saloon/Salon: living room

• Staterooms/Cabins: guest bedrooms

• Crew quarters: where the crew sleep

• Head: bathroom

Additional Terms

• Knots per hour: a measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour

• Line: rope used aboard a vessel

• Helm: steering wheel

• Fenders: inflatable bumper usually placed between yacht and dock to prevent damage

• LOA (Lenght Over All): the length of the yacht from bow to stern in feet or meters

• M/Y: commonly used in yachting to indicate a Motor Yacht

• S/Y: commonly used in yachting to indicate a Sailing Yacht

• Under Way: when the yacht is in motion

• Watch: A division of crew into shifts

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