Nautisches Glossar

Deutsche Definitionen — 168 Begriffe.

Slowakische Version · Englische Version · Tschechische Version

A

Aft deck

Auch bekannt als: aft deck, zadna paluba

The upper surface of the hull in the aft section at the stern — cockpit, steering area, often swim platform and mounting for auxiliary motor or dinghy. Unlike korma as the stern itself, this is the deck the crew walks on.

Verwandte Begriffe: Deck, Stern, Stern / aft part, Cockpit

All-round light

Auch bekannt als: all-round light, 360 svetlo

All-round light — visible 360°. Used when at anchor, on marks, and for special vessel states under CEVNI.

Verwandte Begriffe: Navigation lights, Anchoring

Anchor chain

The chain or line between the boat and anchor. When anchoring, deploy an appropriate amount of rode — in normal conditions at least three times the depth, more in stronger winds.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchoring

Anchoring

Securing the boat with an anchor on open water. Requires choosing a location (sheltered bay, good holding bottom), sufficient rode length, and attention to neighboring boats and tides.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchor chain, Tide / ebb and flood

Anemometer

Auch bekannt als: anemometr, wind meter

Instrument measuring wind speed. On larger boats often on the mast; helps estimate heel and safe sail power when planning course and reefing.

Verwandte Begriffe: True wind, Beaufort scale

Apparent wind

The wind that the crew on the boat actually feels — the combination of true wind and the boat's own speed. When running, apparent wind can be significantly lighter or from a different direction.

Verwandte Begriffe: True wind

B

Bareboat charter

Auch bekannt als: bareboat charter, charter bez posadky

Charter without the charter company's crew — an "empty boat." The renter sails with their own crew; the lead skipper must hold a valid captain's license recognized in the given country (e.g. ICC, national license). The charter company handles check-in, briefing, and handover, but no professional skipper or crew sails with you. Opposite: crewed charter (company crew on board) or skippered charter (hired skipper).

Contracts and listings use the English term bareboat; in Slovak it is explained as charter bez posádky. Not the same as "without your own crew" — you provide the crew; the charter company does not.

Verwandte Begriffe: Charter, Skipper, Yacht, Logbook

Batten (sail leech)

Auch bekannt als: batten, spira

A batten on the leech of the sail; supports sail shape and reduces flutter. When checking, inspect for cracks or pulled-out pockets.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Jib, Luff

Beam

The maximum width of the hull at right angles to the centerline. A wider beam usually means more cabin space, but different response to waves and wind.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Draft / draught

Beam reach

Beam reach — wind at approximately 90° to the hull, from the side. Between close-hauled and broad reach; good speed, often a comfortable heel angle.

Verwandte Begriffe: Close reach, Broad reach

Bearing

The direction to an object or point expressed in degrees (true, magnetic, or compass bearing). A hand bearing compass is used to measure bearings to lighthouses, buoys, or headlands.

Verwandte Begriffe: Compass, Course

Beaufort scale

A scale of 0–12 for estimating wind strength according to sea state and effects on the boat. Common in marine weather forecasts (e.g., "wind force 4–5 Beaufort").

Verwandte Begriffe: True wind

Bimini top

Auch bekannt als: bimini-top, sun awning

A canvas canopy over the cockpit against sun and rain. Check condition of fabric, seams, and frame attachment — ages quickly in the sun.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cockpit, Deck

Block / pulley

Part of the rigging for reducing force and changing line direction. Common on halyards and sheets.

Verwandte Begriffe: Rigging, Winch

Boat hook

A pole with a hook for catching a line, buoy, or dock from the deck. Not a substitute for hands during dangerous harbor maneuvers.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Harbour / port

Boat trim / tuning

Auch bekannt als: boat tuning, trim, trimovanie

Balancing the boat and adjusting sails according to wind direction and speed. Good trim reduces heeling and increases comfort — on charter handled mainly by crew weight shift and sheet length.

Verwandte Begriffe: Sheet, Luff, Rudder

Boom

The horizontal pivoting spar attached to the mast that carries the lower edge of the mainsail. During a gybe, the boom swings rapidly across the deck — requiring crew coordination.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Sheet, Gybe / jibe

Boom vang / kicker

Auch bekannt als: boom vang, kicker, kikink

A boom vang or kicker — tackle or strut that prevents the boom from lifting and helps hold mainsail shape. A loose vang worsens trim and can cause unexpected heeling in gusts.

Verwandte Begriffe: Boom, Sheet, Gooseneck

Bora

Auch bekannt als: bora, bura, chorvatska bura

A strong, sudden cold wind from land on the Adriatic — typically from the northeast through the Dinaric passes. Can arrive with little warning. **Sea effect:** short steep chop, cold surface water, sudden visibility drop. Anchor may drag; in harbor secure fenders, lines, and rigging.

Verwandte Begriffe: Beaufort scale, Sirocco / Jugo, Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Bow

Auch bekannt als: bow

The forward part of the boat, the bow (from Italian prua). An established nautical term in Slovak — in SSSJ also as the forward part of the vessel; synonymously predok of the vessel. On sailboats this area typically houses anchor equipment, chain, or roller furling.

Slovak does not use "príď" as a noun for the bow (that is Czech příď or the imperative verb "come!"). Verified in JÚĽŠ SSSJ.

Verwandte Begriffe: Bow / fore part, Foredeck, Stern, Port, Starboard

Bow / fore part

Auch bekannt als: fore

The forward part or side of something. For vessels, SSSJ lists prova as a synonym (predok plavidla). A more general term than prova; common on courses and in everyday speech about boats.

Not to be confused with predok¹ = ancestor, forebear.

Verwandte Begriffe: Bow, Foredeck, Stern

Bow thruster

Auch bekannt als: bow thruster

A lateral thruster in the bow to assist with anchoring and maneuvering in tight spaces. Test both directions briefly — don't maintain power for longer than about 10 seconds.

Verwandte Begriffe: Rudder, Harbour / port

Broad reach

Broad reach — wind from the aft quarter, diagonally from behind. Often the fastest and most comfortable point of sail; common with spinnaker or before a gybe.

Verwandte Begriffe: Beam reach, Run / running

Bruce / claw anchor

An anchor with curved arms — more versatile on different bottoms than Danforth, but less common on charter boats than plow anchors.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchoring

C

Cam cleat

Auch bekannt als: cam cleat, camcleat, mechanicka zdrz

Cam cleat — mechanical jam cleat for quick line securing. Common on sheets and spinnaker lines; check worn grooves for slippage.

Verwandte Begriffe: Block / pulley, Sheet, Rigging

Cardinal mark

Auch bekannt als: kardinálna značka

A floating navigation mark indicating the safe side to pass an obstruction (rocks, shoal). Four cardinal directions: north (two cones up), east (two cones base-to-base), south (two cones down), west (two cones point-to-point). Colors: black-yellow bands according to direction.

Verwandte Begriffe: Lateral mark, Anchoring

Catamaran

A vessel with two parallel hulls. More stable in heeling than a monohull, often more interior space; different anchoring and harbor maneuvers due to beam width.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Beam

Chain gypsy

Auch bekannt als: gypsy

The grooved wheel on the windlass that guides the chain. A worn gypsy can cause the chain to jump under load.

Verwandte Begriffe: Windlass, Anchor chain

Chart plotter

Auch bekannt als: GPS ploter, kartografický ploter

An electronic navigation device displaying the boat's position on a digital nautical chart. It combines GPS/GNSS with charts, course, and often depth sounder. Common on charter boats as a replacement for paper charts — still cross-check against paper and visual marks.

Verwandte Begriffe: Position, Course, Compass

Cleat

Auch bekannt als: cleat, cam cleat, jammer

A metal or plastic fixture for securing or catching a line. On charter boats check wear on cam cleat teeth — lines then slip under load.

Verwandte Begriffe: Sheet, Mooring (alongside / buoy)

Close-hauled / beating

Sailing as close to the wind as possible (typically ~45° to apparent wind). Requires a series of tacks (beating) to reach a destination upwind.

Verwandte Begriffe: Tack, Windward

Cockpit

The recessed area on the aft deck where the helmsman stands and some lines (sheets, winches) are controlled. The protected working space for the crew during sailing.

Verwandte Begriffe: Deck, Aft deck, Tiller

Compass

An instrument for determining direction to north. A magnetic compass shows magnetic north; you need to account for magnetic declination (variation) according to the chart and region. The boat also has a fixed electronic compass in the cockpit.

Verwandte Begriffe: Bearing, Course, Hand bearing compass, Magnetic declination

Course

The direction of planned or actual sailing, usually in degrees from north (000–360°). Distinguish between compass course, course over ground (COG), and chart course.

Verwandte Begriffe: Bearing, Position

Crew

Everyone on board except any passengers — roles are divided (helm, lines, anchor, navigation, cooking). On a smaller sailboat everyone must know the basics.

Verwandte Begriffe: Skipper, Helmsman

Cutter

A sailboat with one mast and two headsails (jib plus staysail) or two forestays. Between a sloop and a two-master in terms of forward sail area.

Verwandte Begriffe: Sloop, Jib

D

Dacron (polyester sailcloth)

Auch bekannt als: polyester sailcloth

Common polyester sailcloth — resistant to UV and moisture. On charter check wear on seams and panels, especially on older sails.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Jib

Danforth / fluke anchor

An anchor with flat flukes — holds very well in sand and mud, less effectively on rocks. Often carried as a spare anchor on smaller boats.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchoring

Davits

Auch bekannt als: davit, spustaci-system-clna

Arms or a block system for hanging and launching the dinghy at the yacht's stern. Check blocks, lines, and attachment points — worn davits are a common source of dinghy damage at handover.

Verwandte Begriffe: Dinghy, Stern, Aft deck

Deck

The upper surface of the hull where the crew moves about. On a sailboat we distinguish the foredeck (at the bow) and the aft deck with the cockpit.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cockpit, Foredeck, Aft deck, Bow, Stern

Dinghy

Auch bekannt als: dinghy, clun, cln, bajbot, gumenak, tender

The small auxiliary boat of a sailboat — for transfers to shore, anchoring outside harbor, or emergency communication. Can be inflatable (RIB) or rigid. When checking, also inspect the transom and outboard condition.

Verwandte Begriffe: Harbour / port

Draft / draught

The vertical distance from the waterline to the deepest point of the hull (usually the bottom of the keel). This determines where the boat can navigate — shallow bays, harbor channels, docks.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Beam

Drain plug / scupper valve

Auch bekannt als: drain plug, scupper, vypust

Drain plug or scupper valve for cockpit or bilge water. Must be closed before sailing; reopen only when draining, then secure again.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Cockpit

Drift anchor / sea anchor

Auch bekannt als: drift, sea anchor, plujuca kotva

A drift anchor or sea anchor — a drogue towed to slow leeway in wind. Used when waiting for better wind or reducing heel in strong conditions.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Leeward

F

Fairlead

Auch bekannt als: fairlead, vodiace-ocko

An eye or block guiding a line at the correct angle — e.g., springs or dinghy line. A damaged fairlead can chafe through a line under greater load.

Verwandte Begriffe: Block / pulley, Mooring (alongside / buoy)

Fender

Auch bekannt als: odbijac

Inflatable cushions or bags hung over the side of the boat when mooring alongside a dock or another boat. They protect the hull from scrapes and impacts.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Harbour / port

Flares / distress signals

Pyrotechnic or electronic signals for distress (Mayday). They have an expiration date; on charter boats check inventory and regulations for use in the given country.

Verwandte Begriffe: Life jacket / PFD

Foredeck

Auch bekannt als: foredeck, predna paluba

The upper surface of the hull in the forward part of the boat at the bow — the crew work area forward (anchor, chain, furling, mooring). Unlike prova as the bow itself, this is the deck surface.

Verwandte Begriffe: Deck, Bow, Bow / fore part

Forestay

Auch bekannt als: predna stojka, predný stojka

The forward line from the top of the mast to the bow. Often carries roller furling or the jib is attached to it. In Slovak sailing texts the term "stojka" is used.

Verwandte Begriffe: Jib, Mast

G

Gelcoat

Auch bekannt als: gel coat, ochranna-vrstva

The colored protective layer of laminate on the hull. Small scratches are normal, but deep cracks or peeling gelcoat at the keel or bow should be documented at handover — charter may charge for repair.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull

Gennaker

Auch bekannt als: gennaker

An asymmetric sail between jib and spinnaker — for downwind and broad reach. Often used on charter instead of a classic spinnaker for easier handling.

Verwandte Begriffe: Spinnaker, Jib, Run / running

Genoa

A large headsail that extends aft of the mast — typical equipment on charter sailboats. During tacks requires smooth transfer past the mast; in light winds increases sail area.

Verwandte Begriffe: Jib, Roller furling

Gooseneck

Auch bekannt als: gooseneck, uchyt rahna

A fitting on the mast that connects the boom to the base of the mast. Allows the boom to rotate during tacks and trimming. When checking, test for play or cracks in the fitting.

Verwandte Begriffe: Boom, Mast

Gunwale

Auch bekannt als: gunwale, gunnel

The upper edge of the boat's or dinghy's side. With balancing and working with fenders, the gunwale wears and rubs. On small dinghies it's often the first visible sign of impact.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Fender

Gunwale / deck edge

Auch bekannt als: gunwale, palubny okraj

Longitudinal edge where deck meets hull (gunwale). Common scuff point when mooring — check rail, fairlead, and fender attachments.

Verwandte Begriffe: Deck, Hull, Chine (bottom edge)

Gybe / jibe

A turn with the stern passing through the wind — when running. The boom swings rapidly across the deck; without control can damage rigging or injure crew. Requires a controlled gybe.

Verwandte Begriffe: Run / running, Boom

H

Halyard

A line for raising and lowering a sail along the mast or forestay. Main halyard for mainsail, jib halyard for jib/genoa.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Jib, Winch

Hand bearing compass

Auch bekannt als: ručný kompas na námery

A handheld compass for taking bearings on lighthouses, buoys, headlands, or other vessels. Held in the hand or braced on deck; often with an integrated optical sight. Unlike the fixed compass, it's used for directional measurements to objects, not for holding course.

Verwandte Begriffe: Compass, Bearing, Chart plotter

Harbour / port

A protected place for mooring, refueling, and vessel clearance. A marina is an organized harbor with buoys or pontoons for recreational boats.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Fender, Charter

Hatch

Auch bekannt als: hatch, dekl, poklop

A closable opening in the deck or hull — access to cabin, stores, or engine room. Check seal and lock function; a leaking hatch is a common cause of water in the interior.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cockpit, Hull

Heave to

Auch bekannt als: heave to, lezat v drifte

A maneuver in which the boat slows and holds roughly constant position under the wind — a combination of rudder and sail trim. Used for crew rest, meals, or waiting for better weather.

Verwandte Begriffe: Tack, Close-hauled / beating

Helmsman

The person holding the rudder or tiller and maintaining course according to the skipper's instructions. During harbor maneuvers often rotates with crew on lines.

Verwandte Begriffe: Rudder, Skipper

Horn cleat

Auch bekannt als: horn cleat, klinova zarazka

Horn cleat for securing lines. Verify it is firmly mounted and lines are properly belayed (e.g. figure-eight).

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Fender, Fairlead

Hull

The main watertight body of the boat — the vessel's "body" without the mast, sails, and superstructure. The hull material (fiberglass, aluminum, steel, wood) determines weight, maintenance, and durability.

Verwandte Begriffe: Draft / draught, Beam

I

J

Jib

Auch bekannt als: focna, predna-plachta

The forward triangular sail between the forestay and bow. On most modern sailboats it's wound on roller furling. A smaller jib is called a storm jib.

Verwandte Begriffe: Roller furling, Genoa, Tack

K

Keel

Auch bekannt als: keel, skeg

A fixed fin under the hull that prevents lateral slip and keeps the boat from capsizing. On charter boats check the area around the keel at handover — impacts on dock or bottom are a common complaint.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Draft / draught

Ketch

A sailboat with two masts — a taller forward (main) mast and a shorter aft (mizzen) mast. The aft mast often carries a mizzen sail. More sails and more complex rigging than a sloop.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Mainsail

L

Lateral mark

A mark indicating the edge of a navigable channel or harbor entrance. In the IALA A system (Adriatic, most of Europe): when entering harbor, keep red marks to starboard, green to port. At night: red light characteristic to starboard, green to port.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cardinal mark, Port, Starboard

Lazy jacks

Auch bekannt als: lazyjacks, lazy jacks

Lines over the boom that catch the mainsail when lowering. Ease reefing and stowing the sail on deck. Check for chafed or tangled sections.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Boom

Leeward

Auch bekannt als: zaveterna strana, leeward side

The side or direction toward which the wind blows — "downwind." When anchoring in a bay, the boat turns its leeward side toward shore (where there's less fetch).

Verwandte Begriffe: Windward, Run / running

Lifebuoy

Auch bekannt als: lifebuoy, horseshoe buoy, zachranne-kolo

A float for throwing to a person in the water. On charter boats check attachment to rail, reflective strip, and length of floating line.

Verwandte Begriffe: Man overboard (MOB), Life jacket / PFD

Log (speed through water)

Auch bekannt als: speed log, lodny log

Device measuring speed through the water (knots). On modern boats an electronic sensor; readings go into the logbook.

Verwandte Begriffe: Course, Logbook, Position

Logbook

A record of the voyage — time, course, position, weather, events. At sea a mandatory document on larger vessels; on charter recommended for route reconstruction.

Verwandte Begriffe: Position, Course

Luff

The forward edge of the sail at the mast or forestay. When the luff is "luffing" (flapping), the sail isn't drawing — adjust course or sheets.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Jib

M

Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Auch bekannt als: mistral adriatic, severozapadny vietor

A regular northwest daytime wind on the Adriatic — typical summer fair-weather breeze after stable weather. Gentler than bora. **Sea effect:** moderate waves, clearer water, good visibility. Pleasant for sailing; in anchorages watch for evening shift when land breeze may replace it.

Verwandte Begriffe: Sea breeze, Bora, Sirocco / Jugo, True wind

Magnetic declination

Auch bekannt als: korekcia deklinacie, declination

The angle between magnetic north (shown by the compass) and geographic (true) north. The value varies by location and time — on nautical charts or GPS, the variation is indicated to add or subtract when reading the compass.

Verwandte Begriffe: Compass, Bearing, Course

Mainsail

Auch bekannt als: mainsail

The largest sail on the mast; the main source of drive when sailing. On charter boats it's often equipped with reefing (reducing sail area) or in-mast furling.

Verwandte Begriffe: Boom, Sheet, Halyard, Luff

Man overboard (MOB)

Auch bekannt als: MOB, človek cez palubu, man overboard

An emergency situation — a person has fallen overboard (Man Overboard). Immediately shout "MOB," throw a lifebuoy, press MOB on the plotter if available, execute a turn back (Quick stop or Williamson), and recover from leeward.

Verwandte Begriffe: Life jacket / PFD, Tack

Mast

Auch bekannt als: stoziar

The vertical support structure on which the rigging and sails are mounted. The height and position of the mast determine sail area and the sailboat's type (sloop, ketch, cutter).

Verwandte Begriffe: Rigging, Mainsail, Halyard

Mayday

Auch bekannt als: sos, distress call

The international distress call on VHF channel 16 for immediate threat to life or vessel. Repeated three times before boat identification and brief description of the situation.

Verwandte Begriffe: VHF radio, Man overboard (MOB), Flares / distress signals

Monohull

Auch bekannt als: monohull, jednotrupova plachetnica, jednoplodnik

A sailing yacht with a single hull — the usual charter boat (as opposed to a catamaran). Heeling is balanced by crew weight; in Slovak usage the term is jednotrupová plachetnica, not monoplavník.

Verwandte Begriffe: Catamaran, Hull, Sloop

Mooring (alongside / buoy)

Auch bekannt als: mooring, pripätie

Securing the boat in harbor — either alongside a dock (springs, stern lines) or to a mooring buoy (mooring line). At check-in verify lines, fenders, and that wind won't push the boat onto a neighbor.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Fender, Harbour / port

N

O

Outboard engine

Auch bekannt als: outboard, motor na cln, zadny motor

A portable or permanently attached motor on a dinghy or yacht stern. On a dinghy it serves for transfers between boat and shore; on a yacht often a backup or auxiliary power in harbor.

Verwandte Begriffe: Dinghy, Transom, Stern

P

Plow / CQR anchor

An anchor shaped like a plow — holds well in sand and mud. Common on charter sailboats in the Adriatic. On rocky or stony bottoms it may slip.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchoring

Port

Auch bekannt als: port, levobok, lubobok

The left side of the boat when standing on deck facing forward. At night it's marked with a red navigation light. A common memory aid: "red port wine" (port = left side).

Verwandte Begriffe: Starboard, Navigation lights

Position

The geographic position of the vessel (latitude, longitude). Obtained by GPS, visual observation, radar, or traditional navigation (line of position, bearing, dead reckoning).

Verwandte Begriffe: Course, Logbook

R

Radar reflector

Auch bekannt als: radar reflector, odrazka, radarovy-odrazac

A metal or plastic reflector on the mast or rigging that increases the radar signature of the sailboat for larger vessels and VTS. On charter boats, check whether it's deployed or folded according to regulations — a missing reflector may be noted at check-out.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Navigation lights

Reefing

Reducing the area of the mainsail in stronger winds — a safety maneuver. On charter boats either reef points in the sail or in-mast / in-boom furling.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail

Reefing

Auch bekannt als: reefing, kasanie, zmensovanie plachty

Reefing — reducing sail area in strong wind. On charter verify reef points work and crew can reef before gusts build.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, True wind, Boat trim / tuning

Rigging

The collection of lines, halyards, stays, and fittings that support the mast and sails and allow their adjustment. Standing rigging (shrouds, stays) is fixed; running rigging (sheets, halyards) moves during sailing.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Shroud, Forestay, Halyard, Sheet

Roller furling

A roller furling system for the headsail on a drum around the forestay. Easing the line deploys the sail; pulling the furling line rolls it up.

Verwandte Begriffe: Jib, Genoa

Roller furling

Auch bekannt als: furling, furling genoa, furling main

A system for rolling the sail into a tube or behind the boom. On charter boats verify that the sail deploys fully and isn't jammed at the start — a stuck furling system is a common handover problem.

Verwandte Begriffe: Roller furling, Jib, Mainsail

Rudder

The flat blade at the stern of the boat that changes the vessel's direction. On smaller sailboats it's controlled by a tiller; on larger ones by a steering wheel or hydraulic system.

Verwandte Begriffe: Tiller, Helmsman

Run / running

Auch bekannt als: run, running, zadak, cisty-zadak, beh

Sailing directly downwind — wind into the stern (running before the wind). In SK/CZ slang often called zadák. Slower and harder to steer than broad reach; sails are well eased. Watch for accidental gybe when changing course.

Verwandte Begriffe: Spinnaker, Gybe / jibe, Broad reach, Beam reach, Leeward

S

Safe speed (CEVNI)

Auch bekannt als: safe speed, cevni rychlost

CEVNI safe speed — slow enough to stop or manoeuvre in time for conditions (visibility, traffic, depth). Core VMP inland exam concept.

Verwandte Begriffe: Course, Navigation lights

Safe water mark

A buoy marking an area with sufficient depth for safe navigation from all sides — e.g., mid-channel, harbor entrance. Red-white vertical stripes, often spherical shape or white light with long flash.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cardinal mark, Harbour / port

Sea breeze

A daytime wind blowing from sea to land — typical for coastlines in summer. After sunset often replaced by a land breeze.

Verwandte Begriffe: True wind

Sextant

A handheld optical instrument for measuring the angular height of celestial bodies (sun, stars) above the horizon. Historically the foundation of celestial navigation for determining latitude; today more of a backup and teaching tool, not a common charter instrument.

Verwandte Begriffe: Position, Compass

Shackle

Auch bekannt als: shackle, sekl

A connector joining chain, line, or rigging. Check that the pin or nut is secured — a loose shackle when anchoring is a common cause of losing the anchor.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchor chain

Sheet

Auch bekannt als: otez, sheet, oťaž

A line for adjusting the angle of the sail to the wind. The mainsheet runs from the corner of the mainsail; the jib sheet from the corner of the jib. Easing the sheet = letting out the sail.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mainsail, Jib, Winch

Shroud

A lateral line (or pair of lines) holding the mast against lateral forces. Together with forestay and backstay forms the standing rigging.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Rigging

Shroud / leech wire

Auch bekannt als: shroud wire, bocne lanko plachty

Wire securing the mast to the side of the boat or sail leech. Check corrosion, tension, and end fittings — a loose shroud risks rig failure.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Mainsail, Jib

Sirocco / Jugo

Auch bekannt als: sirocco, jugo jug

A warm, moist southerly wind on the Adriatic — often brings cloud, humidity, and reduced visibility. **Sea effect:** longer swell, increased motion, harder anchoring in open bays. Prolonged jugo can raise sea level; wet decks — watch for slips.

Verwandte Begriffe: Bora, Sea breeze, Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Skipper

Auch bekannt als: kapitán-plachetnice

The captain of the sailboat — responsible for navigation, safety, and decisions. On bareboat charter the renter/skipper is responsible for the entire voyage and must hold a valid captain's license recognized in the given country.

Verwandte Begriffe: Helmsman, Crew, Bareboat charter, Charter

Sloop

Auch bekannt als: jednosťažňák

The most common type of charter sailboat — one mast, one headsail (jib) and a mainsail. Simple crew handling, suitable for most week-long charters in the Adriatic.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, Jib, Mainsail

Spinnaker

A large colorful sail for sailing on a run (downwind). Requires a spinnaker pole and skilled crew; often supplied on charter as an extra sail.

Verwandte Begriffe: Run / running, Spinnaker pole

Spinnaker pole

A horizontal spar extended from the bow to which the corner of the spinnaker is attached. Allows the sail to be pushed away from the hull and maximize area in the wind.

Verwandte Begriffe: Spinnaker

Spray hood / dodger

Auch bekannt als: dodger, spray hood, krycia plachta

A spray hood or dodger over the cockpit entrance — protects crew from spray and wind. Check zippers, seams, and rigging attachment.

Verwandte Begriffe: Cockpit, Deck

Spreader

Auch bekannt als: spreader, salingy

A horizontal strut between mast and shrouds that spreads the shrouds and keeps the mast vertical. A damaged or loose spreader can compromise standing rigging stability.

Verwandte Begriffe: Shroud, Mast

Stability

Auch bekannt als: stabilita, stability

The boat's ability to return to equilibrium after heeling. Depends on hull shape, weight distribution, rigging, and crew — affects heel and comfort on charter.

Verwandte Begriffe: Hull, Keel, Boat trim / tuning

Starboard

Auch bekannt als: starboard, pravy-bok

The right side of the boat when facing the bow. At night it's marked with a green navigation light. The letter "P" in the Slovak term helps distinguish it from the port side.

Verwandte Begriffe: Port, Navigation lights

Steering wheel

Auch bekannt als: steering wheel, kormidlove-koleso

A wheel instead of a tiller on larger sailboats. Check for play in the drive and whether the wheel catches — critical during maneuvers in tight harbor spaces.

Verwandte Begriffe: Rudder, Tiller

Stern

Auch bekannt als: stern

The stern of the boat above the rudder (from Italian chorma / Russian). An established nautical term in Slovak — in SSSJ: rear part of the vessel; common on Slovak Sailing Association courses. The rudder, tiller or wheel and often a swim platform are located at the stern.

Slovak does not use "záď" as a noun for the stern (that is Czech záď). The more general term is zadok; the deck in the aft section is zadná paluba.

Verwandte Begriffe: Stern / aft part, Aft deck, Bow, Bow / fore part, Foredeck, Rudder, Tiller, Transom

Stern / aft part

Auch bekannt als: aft

The rear part or side of something (opposite of predok). For vessels: rear of the boat — in everyday speech and on courses; in nautical texts korma is more common. SSSJ lists it as the general term for the rear part.

Not to be confused with other meanings of zadok (seat of the body, colloquial anatomical sense).

Verwandte Begriffe: Stern, Aft deck, Bow, Bow / fore part

T

Tack

Auch bekannt als: tacking, stúpanie

A maneuver changing course with the bow passing through the wind. Sails fall to the other side; crew must quickly pull the jib across and adjust sheets.

Verwandte Begriffe: Close-hauled / beating, Gybe / jibe, Jib

Tell-tales

Auch bekannt als: tell-tale, telltales, tell-tales, spion, spionka, spionky, bavlnka

Small pieces of yarn, ribbon, or light fabric taped directly to sails or attached to shrouds. They show whether wind flows smoothly along the sail profile and whether the sail is trimmed optimally for the current course. When trimming, watch tell-tales — if they hang "dead," wind isn't flowing efficiently over the sail.

Verwandte Begriffe: Luff, Jib, Sheet

Tide / ebb and flood

Auch bekannt als: dmutie

The periodic movement of sea level. Flood tide raises depth, ebb tide lowers it. In the Adriatic the range is smaller than the Atlantic, but still affects anchoring and harbor access.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchoring, Harbour / port

Tiller

Auch bekannt als: kormidlo-paka

A lever directly connected to the rudder on smaller boats and sailboats. The helmsman uses it to turn the rudder left or right; for longer passages, a tiller extension is used.

Verwandte Begriffe: Rudder, Helmsman, Tiller extension

Tiller extension

Auch bekannt als: pina, tiller extension, predlzka kormidla

A telescopic or removable extension fitted to the tiller, allowing the helmsman to sit outboard and still reach the rudder. On charter boats, check that it can be fitted and isn't cracked.

Verwandte Begriffe: Tiller

Transom

Auch bekannt als: zrkadlo, zadna-doska-na-motor, spiegel

The rear transverse board of a dinghy to which the outboard motor is attached. When checking, look for cracks, detached edges, and secure motor attachment — a damaged transom is a common charter complaint at handover.

Verwandte Begriffe: Dinghy, Outboard engine

Trimaran

Auch bekannt als: trojtrup

A three-hulled vessel — one main hull and two side hulls. Stability from beam width; different anchoring and harbor maneuvers than a monohull.

Verwandte Begriffe: Catamaran, Monohull, Hull

True wind

Wind measured relative to land — the direction and speed felt by a stationary observer. As opposed to apparent wind on a moving boat.

Verwandte Begriffe: Apparent wind, Beaufort scale

V

VHF radio

Auch bekannt als: vhf, radiostanica

Marine radio communication on short waves — contact with harbor, marina, or coast guard. Before departure verify channel 16 (emergency) and the boat's call sign.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mayday, Harbour / port

W

Winch

Auch bekannt als: vinsna, winch, vinšna

A drum winch for tensioning sheets and halyards. On larger boats with self-tailing mechanism; operated with a winch handle.

Verwandte Begriffe: Sheet, Halyard

Wind vane (masthead)

Auch bekannt als: korouhevka, wind vane

A wind-direction indicator, usually on the masthead. Unlike sail telltales, it shows true wind direction from outside the boat, not airflow over the sail profile.

Verwandte Begriffe: Mast, True wind

Windlass

Auch bekannt als: windlass

An electric motor or manual mechanism for retrieving the anchor and chain. When under load, always assist with the main engine — the windlass alone isn't designed for prolonged strain.

Verwandte Begriffe: Anchor, Anchor chain, Chain gypsy

Y

Yacht

Auch bekannt als: yacht

A recreational vessel for sport or leisure (from English yacht) — as opposed to a commercial ship or small dinghy. May be a sailing yacht or motor yacht. In Slovak yachting and charter listings both jachta and the English word yacht are common.

Verwandte Begriffe: Yachting, Charter, Monohull, Catamaran

Yachting

Auch bekannt als: yachting

The sport and recreational activity of sailing and cruising on yachts — training, racing, leisure trips, charter holidays. In Slovakia the established term is jachting (Slovak Sailing Association, yacht clubs); in English: yachting. Not to be confused with the vessel (jachta / yacht).

Colloquially people also say "jachtárstvo"; in SZP and course materials jachting is more common.

Verwandte Begriffe: Yacht, Charter, Skipper

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