Glossary of Sail Terms

Shank
Definition of shank.

Fluke
Definition of fluke.

Chartplotter
Definition of a chartplotter.

Furl
Definition of furl.

Keel
Definition of keel.

Draft
Definition of draft.

Scope
Definition of scope.

Rode
Definition of rode.

Bow Roller
Definition of bow roller.

Holding Ground
Definition of holding ground.

Lee
Definition of lee, leeward.

Jibsheet
Jibsheet definition.

Forestay
Definition of forestay.

Mainsheet
The mainsheet controls how far the mainsail is in or out.

Spreader
The spreader holds the shrouds out from the mast.

Sheave
A sheave is the central pulley part of a block.

Shackle
A shackle attaches a line to a sail.

Sail slug
Sail slugs attach to the mainsail for raising and lowering the sail in the mast groove.

Mooring
A mooring is a permanent anchor for a boat.

Luff
The luff is the leading edge of a sail.

Jib
The jib sail attaches to the forestay or headstay.

Halyard
A halyard raises a sail.

Boltrope
The boltrope is part of a sail.

Block
A block is a nautical pulley.

Mainsail
The mainsail is the large sail behind the (main) mast.

Winch
A winch is used to pull in or tighten a line (rope) that is under pressure.

Bowline
A common knot used in many circumstances on sailboats.

Tiller
A tiller is one way a sailboat's rudder is moved to turn the boat.

Swing Keel
A swing keel is one type of a sailboat keel.

Water-Ballast System
A water-ballast system is used in some trailerable sailboats.