Sailboat Parts
Sailing
Using boats with sails to move across water.
Tacking
Changing direction while sailing against the wind.
Crew
People who work together on a boat.
Capsize
When a boat tips over in the water.
Heeling
When a boat leans to one side because of the wind.
Mast
The tall pole on a boat that holds up the sails.
Planing
When a boat goes fast enough to rise up out of the water.
Skipper
The person in charge of the boat.
Lee
The direction opposite to the wind.
Close-Hauled
Sailing as close to the wind as possible.
Boom
The horizontal pole attached to the mast that holds the bottom of the sail.
Reaching
Sailing across the wind.
Foredeck
The front part of the boat.
Catamaran
A boat with two parallel hulls (bodies) joined by a frame.
Luffing
When the sails flap in the wind because the boat isn't moving fast enough.
Keel
A heavy, flat piece at the bottom of the boat that helps it stay upright.
Running
Sailing with the wind at your back
Cockpit
The area, below deck level, that is somewhat more protected than the open deck, from which the tiller or wheel is handled
Monohull
A boat with only one hull.
Righting the Boat
Turning a capsized boat back upright.
Jib
A smaller sail in front of the mast.
Jibing
Changing direction while sailing with the wind.
Rudder
A flat piece at the back of the boat that helps steer.
Windward
The direction the wind is coming from.
Hiking Out
When the crew leans out over the side of the boat to keep it balanced.