Nautical glossary

English definitions — 168 terms.

Slovak version · English version · Czech version

A

Aft deck

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Deck, Stern, Stern / aft part, Cockpit

All-round light

Also known as: all-round light, 360 svetlo

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchor chain, Tide / ebb and flood

Anemometer

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: True wind

B

Bareboat charter

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Charter, Skipper, Yacht, Logbook

Batten (sail leech)

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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").

Related terms: True wind

Bimini top

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Cockpit, Deck

Block / pulley

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Harbour / port

Boat trim / tuning

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Mainsail, Sheet, Gybe / jibe

Boom vang / kicker

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Boom, Sheet, Gooseneck

Bora

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Beaufort scale, Sirocco / Jugo, Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Bow

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Bow / fore part, Foredeck, Stern, Port, Starboard

Bow / fore part

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Bow, Foredeck, Stern

Bow thruster

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchoring

C

Cam cleat

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Block / pulley, Sheet, Rigging

Cardinal mark

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Hull, Beam

Chain gypsy

Also known as: gypsy

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

Related terms: Windlass, Anchor chain

Chart plotter

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Position, Course, Compass

Cleat

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Sloop, Jib

D

Dacron (polyester sailcloth)

Also known as: polyester sailcloth

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchoring

Davits

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Cockpit, Foredeck, Aft deck, Bow, Stern

Dinghy

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Hull, Beam

Drain plug / scupper valve

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Hull, Cockpit

Drift anchor / sea anchor

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Anchoring, Leeward

F

Fairlead

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Block / pulley, Mooring (alongside / buoy)

Fender

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Life jacket / PFD

Foredeck

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Deck, Bow, Bow / fore part

Forestay

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Jib, Mast

G

Gelcoat

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Hull

Gennaker

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Jib, Roller furling

Gooseneck

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Boom, Mast

Gunwale

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Hull, Fender

Gunwale / deck edge

Also known as: gunwale, palubny okraj

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Mainsail, Jib, Winch

Hand bearing compass

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchoring, Fender, Charter

Hatch

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Cockpit, Hull

Heave to

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Rudder, Skipper

Horn cleat

Also known as: horn cleat, klinova zarazka

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Draft / draught, Beam

I

J

Jib

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Roller furling, Genoa, Tack

K

Keel

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Cardinal mark, Port, Starboard

Lazy jacks

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Mainsail, Boom

Leeward

Also known as: 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).

Related terms: Windward, Run / running

Lifebuoy

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Man overboard (MOB), Life jacket / PFD

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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Mainsail, Jib

M

Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Sea breeze, Bora, Sirocco / Jugo, True wind

Magnetic declination

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Compass, Bearing, Course

Mainsail

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Boom, Sheet, Halyard, Luff

Man overboard (MOB)

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Life jacket / PFD, Tack

Mast

Also known as: 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).

Related terms: Rigging, Mainsail, Halyard

Monohull

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Catamaran, Hull, Sloop

Mooring (alongside / buoy)

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Anchoring, Fender, Harbour / port

N

O

Outboard engine

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchoring

Port

Also known as: 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).

Related terms: 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).

Related terms: Course, Logbook

R

Radar reflector

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Mainsail

Reefing

Also known as: reefing, kasanie, zmensovanie plachty

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Jib, Genoa

Roller furling

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Tiller, Helmsman

Run / running

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Spinnaker, Gybe / jibe, Broad reach, Beam reach, Leeward

S

Safe speed (CEVNI)

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Position, Compass

Shackle

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchor chain

Sheet

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Mast, Rigging

Shroud / leech wire

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Mast, Mainsail, Jib

Sirocco / Jugo

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Bora, Sea breeze, Maestral / NW Adriatic wind

Skipper

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Helmsman, Crew, Bareboat charter, Charter

Sloop

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Spinnaker

Spray hood / dodger

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Cockpit, Deck

Spreader

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Shroud, Mast

Stability

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Hull, Keel, Boat trim / tuning

Starboard

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Port, Navigation lights

Steering wheel

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Rudder, Tiller

Stern

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Stern / aft part, Aft deck, Bow, Bow / fore part, Foredeck, Rudder, Tiller, Transom

Stern / aft part

Also known as: 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).

Related terms: Stern, Aft deck, Bow, Bow / fore part

T

Tack

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Close-hauled / beating, Gybe / jibe, Jib

Tell-tales

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Luff, Jib, Sheet

Tide / ebb and flood

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Anchoring, Harbour / port

Tiller

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Rudder, Helmsman, Tiller extension

Tiller extension

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Tiller

Transom

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Dinghy, Outboard engine

Trimaran

Also known as: trojtrup

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

Related terms: 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.

Related terms: Apparent wind, Beaufort scale

V

VHF radio

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Mayday, Harbour / port

W

Winch

Also known as: vinsna, winch, vinšna

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

Related terms: Sheet, Halyard

Wind vane (masthead)

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Mast, True wind

Windlass

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Anchor, Anchor chain, Chain gypsy

Y

Yacht

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Yachting, Charter, Monohull, Catamaran

Yachting

Also known as: 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.

Related terms: Yacht, Charter, Skipper

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