Sailing
What is the triangular piece of fabric that catches the wind and propels a sailboat called?
Sail
What is the back of a boat called?
Stern
What instrument is used to determine the direction of north?
Compass
This type of boat is powered by wind using one or more sails.
Sailboat
What famous passenger ship sank in 1912 after striking an iceberg?
The Titanic
This part of the sailboat is what allows the boat to turn.
Rudder
What is the left side of a boat called?
Port side
How many degrees are there in a complete circle on a compass?
360
This small boat is propelled by a double bladed paddle.
Kayak
In 1492, Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean while searching for a route to what continent?
Asia
When sailing upwind, a boat cannot normally sail directly toward its destination and instead travels in a zigzag pattern. What is this technique called?
Tacking
What is the front of a boat called?
Bow
If a vessel is traveling on a heading of 090°, in what direction is it traveling?
East
This type of large vessel is specifically designed to carry people across short stretches of water, often between two points on a regular schedule.
Ferry
In 1620, the Mayflower carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic Ocean from England to what present day U.S. state?
Massachusetts
When a vessel turns its bow toward the wind until the sails stop producing power, it is said to be ‘in’ this position.
In irons
What do you call the depth of the vessel below the waterline?
The draft
A nautical mile is based on one minute of latitude. Approximately how long is one nautical mile?
1.15 mi, 1.85 km, or 6,076 feet
This large ship is designed to transport crude oil or petroleum products in bulk.
Tanker
What famous Portuguese explorer led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, although he died before the voyage was completed?
Ferdinand Magellan
A sailboat is sailing close-hauled on starboard tack. Another sailboat approaches on port tack. Under the normal sailing rules, which boat generally has right of way?
The starboard tack boat
A boat is described as being ‘abeam’ of another boat. Where is it relative to that boat?
Directly to its side
A vessel determines its position by plotting a known starting position and then estimating its new position using its course, speed, and time traveled. What is this method called?
Dead reckoning
This type of sailing vessel has two masts, with the shorter mast located aft of the taller mainmast, forward of the rudderpost.
Ketch
What ancient civilization is credited with developing one of the earliest known extensive naval fleets in the Mediterranean?
The Phoenicians