If you’re off on a sailing course and want to get ahead by learning some basic boat parts then read the pictogram below:
[image url=””]http://www.onestopsailing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PartsoftheBoat.jpg[/image]
Bow – Front of the boat (pointy end)
Stern/Aft/Transom – Back of the boat (blunt end)
Hull – the actual body of the boat
Keel – The big bit of lead handing centrally below the boat, it’s there to keep the boat sailing in a straightline and upright.
Port – Left hand side as you look at the bow (see above). To remember the difference we find this is easy: There’s no Port LEFT in the bottle.
Starboard – right hand side as you look at the bow.
Mast – That tall sticky up bit.
Boom – The big thing that’s always at head height and you have to duck under. Keep away from it.
Shrouds – they’re the metal wire on the side that keep the mast up.
Forestay – the metal wire on the bow that also helping keep the mast up.
Backstay – the final bit of wire at the stern that keeps the mast up.
Main sail – It’s the big flappy thing that’s also the main power of the boat.
Jib/Genoa/Headsail – the flappy sail at the front
Spinnaker – that bright colourful sail at the front.