The club's glossary

The club speaks its own language, drawn from its 85-page sailing manual: a bumpkin is not a bowsprit, the crew wear jumpers, a boat carries a wardrobe of gear, and a ringtail has no generic equivalent at all. One page, every term; the terms with the longest stories also have pages of their own.

360 (racing): A 360 is a complete turn where the boat turns through 360 degrees before proceeding. It should be undertaken as close as possible to where the error occurred.
Aft stays (rig_or_spar): The stays from the top of the mast, attached to the points just behind the mast on the gunwale. They are attached once the mast is located properly; the runners can be released once the aft stays are tied off.
Anyone who is at risk (safety): Those to be moved onto the rescue boat when it arrives: people with injuries, those with a medical condition that puts them at risk, and anyone who decided that today would be a good day to go without a wetsuit.
Asymmetrical spinnaker (sail_or_sail_part): A spinnaker on which one long edge is longer than the other. Only asymmetrical spinnakers are allowed for Historic 18-footers.
Australia Day Regatta (racing): used, not defined
Australian championship (racing): used, not defined
Autopsy (racing): The review of the day's racing over a quiet drink after the shower.
Back at the Club (safety): When the boat is back at the club, the mast can be dropped and de-rigging completed. The boat should also be hosed out with fresh water to remove sand. Sails need to be spread out to dry, including those spinnakers that were tied in bags. Spars (mast, gaff and boom) need to be drained. It is worthwhile to check all the ropes in case some have gone missing.
Backstay (line_or_control): Rope from the top of the gaff to the back of the boat. Used to take the strain on the gaff when flying a spinnaker from the top of the gaff (peak head spinnaker only).
Backstay loop (rig_or_spar): One of two rope loops on the top of the gaff. This loop has two backstays tied on with a simple bowline knot, and faces the back of the boat.
Bail a bit, then push the boat forward a bit (safety): The beach bailing method once the fin case is above water level. Repeat until the boat is completely bailed out.
Bailing (safety): Keeping water out of the boat, for two reasons: the weight of the water can slow the boat down and affect how low it is in the water; and the more water there is, the greater the impact when it floods from one side to the other. During a tack, a rush of water from one side to the other can cause a sudden tilt and result in a capsize.
Ballast (manoeuvre): The crew's own weight, counted as ballast: a crew of 10 with an average weight of 80kg is worth 800kg of ballast.
Balmain Regatta (racing): used, not defined
Battens (sail_or_sail_part): Put in before the sails are attached to the boom and gaff. Each sail has a set of battens which are marked. Most are tapered in their thickness and the thin end points towards the mast.
Blanket stitch lacing (line_or_control): The lacing used to attach the sail to the gaff, rather than the simple wrap approach of the boom.
Block (equipment): used, not defined
Block (mast blocks) (hull_part): Blocks of wood placed in the mast slot, one in front and one behind the mast. They enable the angle of the mast to be varied, the mast can be tilted backwards by shortening the block at the front and lengthening the rear block, and they help maintain the mast in position and reduce movement.
Boatshed (facility): Where the boats are kept and where the change rooms are. Boats are pushed out of the boatshed for rigging, and have to be pushed back into their allotted position in order at the end of the day.
Bobstays (rig_or_spar): Typically two wires that run from the bumpkin to the bottom of the bow to hold the bumpkin down. One runs from the end, and one from the middle.
Boom (rig_or_spar): On the mast; the bottom of the mainsail is attached to it.
Boots (clothing): Boots or shoes, worn for three reasons: the boat has a wet varnished surface, is rocking and you can be tossed around, so good traction is important; when the boat is launched you will be walking around at the bottom of the boat ramp, where there is over a century of rainwater runoff as well as many rocks with sharp shells; and if you do capsize you need something that is not going to restrict... Full entry
Both sheets set (manoeuvre): In some cases both sheets might be set as it is not clear which will be required. The sail can be pulled on with one and the other remain slack; the first is released, and the second pulled on.
Bow (hull_part): The front of the hull.
Bow high and stern low (manoeuvre): When running downwind under spinnaker you want to keep the boat bow high and stern low. If the bow is too low, you can come off a wave, dig in and capsize. The crew needs to move aft to keep the bow high.
Brace (line_or_control): Rope from the outboard end of the pole to the back of the boat. Locates the pole fore and aft.
Bracket (hull_part): used, not defined
Break (manoeuvre): Of a woolled spinnaker: the sheet is pulled, the wool breaks and the sail opens and fills.
Buckets (equipment): used, not defined
Bumpkin (rig_or_spar): An extension at the bow, fixed to the front of the boat. The manual gives Bowsprit and Bumpkin as the two names and states Bumpkin is the traditional one that should be preserved. It needs to be braced in a number of directions: bobstays hold it down, whiskers stop it moving sideways, and the wire in the jib braces it upwards.
Buoy (racing): used, not defined
Café (facility): On the deck at the club, where you can get a coffee and light snacks. Many people buy lunch after rigging the boat and before taking to the water. If rigging is delayed, sometimes there is no time for lunch.
Capsize (safety): It will happen. The chapter covers what happens in a capsize and what to expect. Applicable to everyone regardless of experience.
Capsize procedure (sequence) (safety): The manual's ordered capsize procedure, safety-critical. (1) Get to the surface as quickly as possible. (2) Count the number of people in the water; if you are short, someone is trapped or unconscious - find out who is missing and where they were when the boat capsized, and dive down to find them, untangling or cutting ropes and cutting the sail if needed. (3) Check for injuries that might... Full entry
Careening Cove Swimming Club (safety): The club you cannot be a member of if you have never capsized.
Cavitation (sail_or_sail_part): The wind breaking away from a surface of the sail, causing the telltale on that side to flutter.
Chair (equipment): used, not defined
Change rooms (facility): Male and female change rooms inside the boatshed. There is no lock on the door, so the security of personal items is not guaranteed when the boat is on the water. You cannot take phones or wallets with you on the boat.
Check for injuries (safety): The next step after everyone is accounted for: check for injuries that might restrict an individual.
Cleat (equipment): A fitting for tying ropes. The traditional cleat has one end "V" shaped and one end rounded; the "V" end jams the rope and is deliberately rough inside so the rope does not slip. Two requirements for a rope tied to a cleat: it should not come undone or slip, and it should be easy to release.
Clew (sail_or_sail_part): The moveable corner of the sail, used to control the angle of the sail in relation to the wind. The manual gives the origin: Old English cliwen, cleowen (a rounded mass, also a ball of thread), of Germanic origin, related to Dutch kluwen, the square-rigger sail was rolled up from the clew.
Close hauling (manoeuvre): Running upwind on a series of tacks as close to the wind as possible. When close hauling, both runners can be left on.
Close-hauled (manoeuvre): used, not defined
Club championship (racing): used, not defined
Collapse (sail_or_sail_part): What the spinnaker does if the sheet is eased too far. The first sign of collapse is slight curling of the luff at the shoulder.
Collision / touching (racing): If boats are sailing closely, sometimes they may touch or even collide. The boat at fault is required to do a 360.
Controlling the Spinnaker (manoeuvre): The spinnaker pole should be set approximately 90 degrees to the wind. Since a spinnaker can be carried from the wind dead astern to having the wind at 90 degrees to the boat, the position of the pole can vary. In "A" the wind is dead astern and the pole is 90 degrees to the boat, pulled back by the brace until it is against the wires holding the mast up. In "B" the pole has been let forward to... Full entry
Count the number of people in the water (safety): The first thing after a capsize. If you are short, it means someone is trapped or unconscious.
Courses (the five courses) (racing): The courses sailed by Sydney Flying Squadron. There are five courses and they are set based on the expected wind direction.
crew (crew_role): used, not defined, the manual never defines the word, but states the structure and the function. Structure: "The boat is roughly organised into three groups of people. Each has a role" (p.52). Function: the crew's weight is ballast and they must constantly move to keep the boat on the right angle of lean.
custodians (crew_role): used, not defined
Cut the sail (safety): Do not hesitate to cut the sail if it will assist getting the person to the surface.
Cut-down end (rig_or_spar): The end of a pole that is fed forward first. The cut-down section goes in the loop on the tack; at the other end of the chain, the cut-down inboard end of the last pole is inserted in the snotter.
De-powered (manoeuvre): Releasing the sheet so the sail will flap. This takes the strain off the pole so that it can be unhooked from the snotter.
De-rigged (manoeuvre): Stripping the boat down after racing. Takes around 30 minutes.
Deck (hull_part): used, not defined
Deep channel exception (racing): Larger powerboats or ships are sometimes steering in the deep channel of the area, and cannot leave the channel. In this case, the sailboat does not have the right-of-way and must avoid impeding the progress of the larger vessel.
Dive down to find them (safety): Having found out who is missing and where they were when the boat capsized, dive down to find them. If they need assistance, it might require ropes to be untangled or cut.
Downhaul (line_or_control): On the bottom of the boom, to stop the boom sliding up the mast when sailing. It also pulls the boom down a few centimetres when tightened, and keeps the pressure on the boom so it does not ride up.
Drain plug (equipment): A plug some spars have, which needs to be removed so the spar can be drained after a capsize.
Dropping the Spinnaker (manoeuvre): The spinnaker is usually dropped about 100 to 200 metres from the rounding buoy. The first step is to get the fin down to provide stability during the drop. The sail is de-powered, the pole unhooked from the snotter and brought in section by section, then the For'ard Hand pulls down the sail while someone feeds out the halyard, and the sail is stuffed in the bag.
East Course No. 2 (racing): used, not defined
Eyelets (sail_or_sail_part): A number of eyelets running along the mainsail parallel to the boom, used for reefing. Typically there may be two rows about 400mm and 800mm above the boom.
Ferry exception / orange diamond (racing): Sailboats must also stay clear of ferries. In particular 18-footers must stay well clear of Manly ferries and any ferry displaying an orange diamond.
Fin (hull_part): Made of aluminium, weighs a considerable amount, slides through the boat and protrudes underneath. Chapter 5 heads the section "The Fin (also called a centreboard)".
Fin case (hull_part): The case the fin sits in. Until it is above water level there is no point in bailing, because the water will come back in through the case.
Fin safety strap (safety): A strap attached to the rope on the fin. When we move away from Kirribilli and the fin is dropped, the first thing should be to attach it. If the boat capsizes and goes completely upside down, the fin will drop out.
Finish (racing): The finish is a downwind run under spinnaker.
FINISH (course mark) (racing): used, not defined
Flag (start line end) (racing): used, not defined
Fleet (racing): used, not defined
Fluttering (sail_or_sail_part): Of a telltale: the wind is breaking away from the sail and the sail is not doing its job.
Foot (sail_or_sail_part): The bottom of the sail. The manual calls it self-explanatory.
Football jumpers (clothing): What most crews wear. They go back to the original clothing used in the early part of the 20th century, when many boats were crewed by footballers during the summer months as their form of exercise during the offseason. Each boat has a distinctive set of jumpers.
For'ard Hand (crew_role): At the front of the boat. Their role is to manage the jib, and setting of the spinnaker. In reality most of the crew are involved in hoisting the spinnaker, but the For'ard Hand is the one who manages the process.
For'ard Hands (crew_role): At the front of the boat. Their role is to manage the jib, and the setting of the spinnaker. In reality most of the crew are involved in hoisting the spinnaker, but the For'ard Hand is the one who manages the process.
Foredeck (hull_part): used, not defined
Forestay (rig_or_spar): used, not defined
Forward stays (rig_or_spar): The stays from underneath the spreaders which attach to the points forward of the mast on the gunwale. They are loosely attached during mast raising and tied down only after the jib is hoisted and tensioned.
Full wetsuit (clothing): Desirable at the beginning of the season.
Gaff (rig_or_spar): A spar which gives the mast additional height. At the bottom it has jaws that allow it to be loosely held around the mast. It is hauled up the mast by a gaff halyard until it extends beyond the top of the mast, and the sail head is attached to the top of the gaff.
Gaff peak halyard (line_or_control): Attaches to a wire on the gaff using a shackle and determines the angle between the mast and the gaff.
Gaff throat (rig_or_spar): used, not defined
Gaff throat halyard (line_or_control): Attaches to the bottom of the gaff and lifts it.
Garbage bag (equipment): A plastic bag brought along to take the pile of sodden clothes home at the end of the day.
Gather the floating bits and pieces (safety): Once the crew are secure, gather the gear that floats away. Typically spinnaker poles, lifejackets, buckets and ropes.
gear (racing): definition to come
Gear (No.1 / No.3) (sail_or_sail_part): The sizing convention for sails: big sails are No.1 gear, for light winds; small sails are No.3, for strong winds.
Get them onto the hull (safety): Where to put someone if the boat is completely upside down.
Glasses (clothing): Do not wear your Raybans on the boat. Like a hat, glasses can be knocked off and end up overboard. Use a strap in case they are knocked off, or you capsize.
Gloves (clothing): Important if you do not want to get rope burns on your hand. Wet hands and pulling on ropes can easily lead to blisters or cuts.
Granny (manoeuvre): Another way to turn the boat. The boat turns through 270 degrees or so: it turns towards the wind so it is sailing upwind, is tacked, and is turned downwind again with the boom on the other side. This approach is prudent in stronger winds to avoid drama from capsizing or breakage.
Gunwale (hull_part): The outer edge of the deck areas on either side of the boat. The manual gives the origin: a reference to old sailing ships, where the gun wale (wall) was the area above the cannons used to stiffen the boat.
Gust (safety): A sudden variation in wind strength. You can see the shadows on the surface as a gust approaches, so watch for gusts coming across the water.
Gybing (manoeuvre): Where the wind is behind the boat and the mainsail is out to one side. The boat changes direction and the boom needs to be moved to the other side. The boom will swing through anything up to around 160 degrees.
Halyard (line_or_control): The rope by which the head of a sail is hauled up the mast. The manual gives the origin: from the days of sailing ships, where sails hung from timber spars called yards and pulling a sail up the mast was called "hauling the yards".
Halyard loop (rig_or_spar): The second of the two rope loops on the top of the gaff. This loop has two blocks, used for the two peak halyards which hoist a peak head spinnaker. It faces the front of the boat.
Handicap (racing): Each boat has a handicap from 0 or scratch to 15 minutes. The fastest boat is the scratch boat and the slowest are off 15 minutes.
Handicap board (racing): The numbered board raised and dropped to signal each handicap minute. Boats start when their handicap board drops.
Handicap Start (racing): Boats start on their handicap. For example, a scratch boat (0-minute handicap) starts at 1430. A boat with a handicap of 10 minutes starts 10 minutes before 14.30 - 1420. Maximum handicap is 15 minutes.
Handicap start (historical origin) (racing): He also introduced a handicap start. Boat starts were staggered. The slowest started first, and the quickest last. That way, theoretically everyone should cross the line at the same time.
Handicap start signals (board sequence) (racing): 1413 Hooter, 16-minute board raised. Then at each minute from 1414 to 1429 the current board is dropped and the next lower board raised (16 dropped/15 raised at 1414, 15 dropped/14 raised at 1415, and so on down to 1 minute dropped/0-minute board raised at 1429). 1430 Scratch board dropped.
Handicap System (racing): In a handicap start, the slowest boat off 15 minutes starts at 2.15 and the fastest, or scratch boat, starts at 2.30.
Hat (clothing): You will need one. A baseball cap is the most common. The best option is to tie a cord onto the hat and pin the end to your jumper so if it does blow off, you don't lose it.
Head (sail_or_sail_part): The top of the sail; hauled up the mast using a halyard.
helmsman (crew_role): used, not defined
Hoisting the Spinnaker (manoeuvre): The manual's summary sequence: if it is a peak head spinnaker the backstay is put on; the halyard is attached to the head; the sail is hoisted; the clew is attached to the sheet; the tack is attached to the brace and the kicker; the pole is pushed into a loop on the tack and pushed out; the pole is put into the snotter on the mast; the brace is pulled back as the kicker is released until the pole... Full entry
Hooter (racing): used, not defined
Hull (hull_part): The boat itself. It starts at the Bow at the front and goes to the Stern at the back.
In irons (manoeuvre): The boat can stall and be "in irons", that is pointed into the wind and stopped.
individual owners (crew_role): used, not defined
Inside sheeting (manoeuvre): Where the sheet runs inside the jib. If the boat is running square, with the pole at about 90 degrees to the boat, it will usually be inside sheeting; the clew needs to be pulled further back towards the mast and will probably be over the boat.
Invert (safety): Of the boat: to go completely upside down, rather than resting on its side at 90 degrees. If the boat inverts the fin will drop out unless the safety strap is on.
Jaws (rig_or_spar): At the bottom of the gaff; they allow it to be loosely held around the mast. They have a rope which needs to be tied so that the gaff cannot come away from the mast.
Jib (sail_or_sail_part): Forward of the mast, attached from the top of the mast to the end of the bumpkin. The jib halyard is attached to the head, the tack is attached to the bumpkin, and the jib sheets to the clew.
Jib halyard (line_or_control): Attached to the head of the jib. Once the jib is near the top, the rope is threaded through blocks to give extra tension, the mast is actually bent until the halyard looks like the string on a bow.
Jib Hand (crew_role): used, not defined
Jib luff wire (rig_or_spar): A wire in the sail which goes to the top of the mast and braces the bumpkin upwards so that it cannot bend down. Seen from the mast's point of view, it is what stops the mast falling backwards.
Jib sheet (line_or_control): The sheet which controls the jib or front sail. The jib sheets are attached to the clew, being the moveable part of the sail.
Jockey pole (rig_or_spar): A pole used between the mast and brace if the spinnaker is shy. It provides an angle on the brace to take some of the strain.
jumpers (racing): definition to come
Keel (hull_part): used, not defined
Kicker (line_or_control): Rope from the outboard end of the pole, through a pully on the end of the bumpkin and back into the boat. Used to stop the pole rising in the air.
Kicker and Brace (adjusting during the push-out) (manoeuvre): During the pushing out of the poles, the kicker and brace need to be adjusted to keep tension on the pole. The kicker is pulled in and the brace released as the pole goes forward. When the outboard end of the pole reaches the end of the bumpkin, both kicker and brace need to be released. When the pole is in the snotter, the brace is pulled in to bring the pole to the correct angle with the boat.... Full entry
Lacing (line_or_control): The rope used to attach the mainsail to the boom, the gaff and the mast. On the boom, thread the rope through the sail loosely until you reach the end, then go back and tighten the lacing before tying off. The lacing must not impair the blocks.
Lanyard (safety): One way to carry the knife so it is both safe and accessible: on a lanyard inside your jumper.
Leech (sail_or_sail_part): The back edge of the sail.
Leeward (manoeuvre): Downwind. The side on which the skipper's view is very often restricted by the sails.
Leeward boat (racing): The boat further from the wind source; it has the right-of-way.
Leg (racing): used, not defined
Lifejackets (safety): used, not defined
Lines (line_or_control): The technical name for ropes. The manual notes the mast is held up by a variety of ropes (technically called lines) and wires.
Load the gear back on (safety): Once the boat is empty, load all the gear back on the boat. When the towboat is back to take you home, you might have to swim the rope out to the towboat. Once the boat is in enough water, the rudder is refitted and the tow begins.
Luff (sail_or_sail_part): The leading edge of the sail, basically the front of either jib or mainsail. On a spinnaker, the luff is the front edge, and when trimming, the windward edge, the edge at the pole. If a sail is "luffing" the front edge is flapping.
Luff (of the spinnaker) (sail_or_sail_part): The windward edge of the spinnaker. The edge at the pole.
Main halyard (line_or_control): Attached to the head of the mainsail.
Main sheet (line_or_control): The sheet which controls the mainsail. It attaches to the mainsheet horse and is threaded and run through the block on the bottom of the boat near the steering position.
Mainsail (sail_or_sail_part): The sail flying from the back of the mast and gaff; located behind the mast. Its tack attaches to the inner end of the boom and its clew to the outer end; its head attaches to the top of the gaff.
Mainsheet Hand (crew_role): Positioned aft; controls the mainsail.
Mainsheet horse (hull_part): The stainless steel "U" shaped rod on the back of the boat to which the main sheet attaches.
Mark (racing): used, not defined
Mast (rig_or_spar): Held in place by rigging. It sits in a slot on the keel of the boat and pivots on two pins about 500mm from the bottom of the mast. It needs to be braced, just like the bumpkin.
Masthead halyard (line_or_control): The single halyard used to hoist a masthead spinnaker.
Masthead spinnaker (sail_or_sail_part): The spinnaker is flown from the top of the mast.
Maximum handicap (racing): The maximum handicap is 15 minutes. Once a boat reaches 15 minutes, no further increase can occur.
member of the Careening Cove Swimming Club (crew_role): A status, not a job: you cannot be a member unless you have capsized.
Metal sleeve (rig_or_spar): The fitting on the other end of a pole which takes the next pole.
Move the sail in the direction of the fluttering telltale (manoeuvre): The rule for the person handling the sheet. If the inside telltale is streaming and the outside fluttering, the sail needs to be eased. If the outside is streaming and the inside fluttering, the sail needs to be pulled in. "Out" if the outside is fluttering, and "In" if the inside is fluttering.
Moving inboard and outboard (manoeuvre): The middle of the boat keeps moving inboard and outboard as the wind changes. Not everyone moves at once, so a degree of coordination is required. Typically light people move first, and the heavier crew last.
National Regatta (racing): used, not defined
North & North East Course No. 1 (racing): used, not defined
On the Beach (safety): When the boat is in the water where the crew can stand, the first action is to take off all the sails and drag them ashore. The fin has to come out and be taken ashore. The rudder also has to be removed. Typically the capsize occurred under spinnaker so there may be a tangle of ropes and gear. De-rigging can take half an hour.
On top of the sail (safety): The most secure place for someone, assuming the boat has only rotated 90 degrees.
Outside sheeting (manoeuvre): Where the sheet runs outside the jib. If the pole is set 45 degrees or less to the boat, it will probably be outside sheeting, where the sail will be set with the jib inside the spinnaker.
Peak head halyards (line_or_control): The two halyards, one each side, used to hoist a peak head spinnaker. They run through the two blocks on the halyard loop at the top of the gaff.
Peak head spinnaker (sail_or_sail_part): The spinnaker is flown from the top of the gaff.
Peg (rig_or_spar): used, not defined
Penalties (racing): There are a couple of situations not mentioned. For example, a boat cannot touch a buoy when rounding a mark. If boats are sailing closely, sometimes they may touch or even collide. The boat at fault is required to do a 360.
Pilot boat (racing): Pilot boats escorting vessels should be avoided. Do not sail between the pilot boat and the ship.
Pin (rudder pin) (hull_part): used, not defined
Pin on the transom (hull_part): The pin at the back of the boat around which the backstay is wound as tightly as possible.
Plastic cleat (equipment): Normal commercial cleats from the local boat shop. They do not usually have a "V" section, however the method to tie the rope is the same.
Plate (hull_part): used, not defined
Plate (bow plate) (hull_part): used, not defined
Pocket knife (safety): A stainless steel pocket knife carried to use in an emergency. If you were ever to get tangled in ropes in a capsize, you could use a knife to cut the rope. If you do carry a knife, make sure it is both safe and accessible.
Pointing (manoeuvre): The term used to describe the angle of sailing into the wind. "Pointing higher" is sailing at a closer angle to the wind, a boat pointing higher may be sailing at 45 degrees to the wind whereas one pointing lower may only be at 50 degrees.
Port tack (racing): Port tack is when the wind is coming from the left-hand side (port side) of the boat.
Presentation (racing): used, not defined
Pushing out the poles (manoeuvre): The poles have to be pushed out in order. As one person feeds the first pole to the For'ard Hand, another person is waiting with the second pole to push into the metal sleeve. When the final pole is connected, all the poles are pushed out and the cut-down inboard end of the last pole inserted in the snotter.
Race timing / two-hour limit (racing): The race starts between 2.15 and 2.30 and has a limit of 2 hours.
Ramp (facility): used, not defined
Rashie (clothing): used, not defined
Reaching (manoeuvre): An 18-footer sails best on a reach when it is flat. The forces on the boat are different from being on a tack and the crew needs to keep the mast at ninety degrees to the water. The fin can be raised halfway to avoid drag.
Red flags (scratch start) (racing): used, not defined
Reefing (racing): Reducing the mainsail in size by lacing it down to the boom at the eyelets. This must be done before the boat goes in the water.
Regatta (racing): used, not defined
Releasing for a gust (manoeuvre): Gusts can overpower the boat, so the person controlling the jib or mainsheet may need to release the sail when a gust hits, and pull it in again when the gust passes.
Rescue boat (safety): The boat that arrives after a capsize, usually alongside within ten minutes, and tows you to the nearest beach. Anyone at risk should be moved onto it, along with any loose gear.
Rigging spar (rig_or_spar): A spar attached as the first job after the boat is pushed into the park, supported by a chair at each end. Its purpose is to stop the boat rocking while people are climbing in and out to rig the boat.
Right-of-way (racing): used, not defined
Rigs (racing): Each boat has a number of rigs, typically a big, medium and small. Big is number 1, the medium is number 2 and the small number 3. There are variations and sometimes mix and match, for example a number 2 main with a number 3 jib.
Ringtail (sail_or_sail_part): Flown outside the back edge of the mainsail, and flown downwind. Only used by Historic 18-footers. It is hoisted to the top of the gaff, or the head of the mainsail, by a halyard that goes up in front of the mainsail; rolled out under the boom and pulled out along the boom until it protrudes half its width beyond the mainsail. Not all boats use a ringtail, and it cannot be carried in heavy... Full entry
Ringtail spars (rig_or_spar): Two spars on the ringtail. One is at the top, at the bottom of the triangle where the rectangular part of the sail begins; the other is at the bottom of the sail.
Rolled upright (safety): When all the gear is off, the boat is rolled upright. It is still full of water.
Room to tack (racing): The leeward boat, if unable to tack due to the proximity of the windward boat, could tell the windward boat to give room to tack, but would lose this right of way as soon as they actually began to tack.
Round lashing (line_or_control): The simple wrap approach used to lace the mainsail foot to the boom.
Rounding (racing): used, not defined
Rounding buoy (racing): used, not defined
Rudder (hull_part): On the back of the boat, attached by a pin to lock it in place. Put on the boat when it is launched. Turning the rudder blade away from the neutral position is a drag which slows the boat down.
Rule 1. Port gives way to Starboard (racing): When two sailboats are approaching each other and are on different tacks, the boat on the starboard tack has the right-of-way over the boat which is in the port tack.
Rule 2. On the same tack, the windward boat gives way to the leeward boat (racing): When two sailboats are approaching each other and are on the same tack, the leeward boat has the right-of-way over the windward boat. Another way to say this is that the boat closer to the wind source must keep clear. The boat further from the wind source has the right-of-way.
Rule 3. A boat tacking or gybing must keep clear of a boat staying on a tack (racing): A sailboat that is staying on a tack has the right-of-way over a sailboat that is tacking or gybing. A simpler way to say this is "make sure you have room to complete a tack or a gybe without interfering with any other boats".
Rule 4, Overtaking boat keep clear (racing): Any sailboat that is overtaking a slower boat from behind must steer clear of the slower boat and give right-of-way. The slower boat should hold its course and allow the faster boat to pass.
Rule 5. Sail has right over Power (racing): Most of the time sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats. Since most powerboats are more easily maneuverable than sailboats, they must steer clear. This is not always the case, however.
Runners (line_or_control): Take the strain of the mast when sailing upwind. They also need to be released when the boom is going to move past the runner, otherwise a capsize or broken mast can result.
Running (manoeuvre): used, not defined
Running square (manoeuvre): With the pole at about 90 degrees to the boat, and the wind dead astern. It will usually be inside sheeting.
Safety strap (safety): Attached to the rope on the fin when the boat moves away from Kirribilli and the fin is dropped, so that if the boat capsizes and goes completely upside down the fin does not drop out and sink.
Sail bag (equipment): The bag the spinnaker is wooled and stowed in, with the three corners on top so the for'ard hand can pull out the sail and attach the corners. The bag must be tied into the boat so it will not be lost in a capsize.
Sail insignia (racing): Skiffs had insignia on their sails so spectators could tell one boat from another.
Sailing on a lean (manoeuvre): The boat sails best when on a lean. The best angle is when the gunwale on the leeward side is just in the water. The crew must constantly be moving about to keep the boat on the right angle of lean.
Scratch / scratch boat (racing): A handicap of 0. The fastest boat is the scratch boat. A scratch boat (0-minute handicap) starts at 1430.
Scratch board (racing): used, not defined
Scratch boat (racing): The fastest boat; a boat with a zero handicap.
Scratch Start (racing): Scratch Start is where the whole fleet starts at the same time.
Scratch start signals (racing): Signals are: 1424 six mins to start, Hooter. 1427 three mins to start, Hooter, three red flags hoisted. 1428 two mins to start, one flag dropped. 1429 one min to start, second flag dropped. 1430 Start, Hooter and the third flag dropped.
Scratch-boat win adjustment (all other boats +2) (racing): If the winning boat is on scratch, it has a zero handicap, all other boats get a 2-minute increase. For example, if a scratch boat was to win, a boat on 7 minutes would go to 9 minutes.
Second place adjustment (one-minute reduction) (racing): The boat that comes second gets a one-minute reduction in their handicap. A 7-minute boat drops to 6 minutes if it comes second.
Setting the Handicap (racing): All boats have an existing handicap that rolls over year to year. Handicaps are adjusted after every race.
Shackle (equipment): used, not defined
Shackle key (equipment): The most important tool. Under $20 at any boating store. You will not only use the key to undo and do up shackles but also to prise ropes apart when you are tying stays or sails; the screwdriver type blade at the top is ideal for this.
Shackle knife (equipment): A knife with a blade on the end, good for prising one of the turns away from the rest when finishing off a rigging lashing.
Sheeted in or released (manoeuvre): One of the two main ways to alter the angle of the sail to the wind, the other being to change the direction of the boat until both telltales are streaming.
Sheets (line_or_control): Ropes which control the sail and have to be constantly adjusted.
Shifters (equipment): Stainless steel shifters, used on reluctant shackles. Usually someone on the boat will have one and it can be borrowed when needed.
Short suit (clothing): Short arms and legs. A better option by November. Either a full wetsuit or a short suit can be worn all season, and it is really up to each person as to how much they feel the cold.
Shorts (clothing): Worn to protect the wetsuit from rips and tears. Nylon shorts that will not get waterlogged are good.
Shoulder (sail_or_sail_part): Where the straight sides round off towards the head.
Shy (sail_or_sail_part): used, not defined
Sister clips (equipment): used, not defined
Skipper (crew_role): Positioned aft; steers the boat.
Slot (hull_part): The recess in the keel that the foot of the mast sits in. It has a block of wood in front and one behind the mast, which set the mast angle.
Snatch block (equipment): used, not defined
Snotter (line_or_control): Rope looped around the mast to hold the inboard end of the pole.
South Course No. 4 (racing): used, not defined
South East Course No. 3 (racing): used, not defined
South West, West & North West Course No. 5 (racing): used, not defined
Spinnaker (sail_or_sail_part): Flies from a spinnaker pole attached to the mast and is used for running downwind. It can be flown from the top of the mast (masthead spinnaker) or the top of the gaff (peak head spinnaker) depending on the wind conditions.
Spinnaker bag (equipment): The bag the woolled sail is put in so that the three corners are on top. This makes it easy for the for'ard hand to pull out the sail and attach the corners.
Spinnaker halyards (line_or_control): Ropes used to haul up the sail. There is one for the masthead and two for peak head spinnakers on Tangalooma.
Spinnaker pole (rig_or_spar): May consist of two to four lengths. The skipper will determine which poles to use before the hoist; the number is dependent on which bumpkin is used and which spinnaker. The poles need to not only push the spinnaker out but also keep it clear of the water.
Spinnaker sheet (line_or_control): Rope from the loose end of the sail to a block. Controls the sail.
Splash (safety): The capsize itself. The boat will probably roll until the gunwale is underwater. The boat will then fill and fall over on its side. You may just step into the water or may be dropped from the high side. Very likely you will go underwater. You need to get to the surface as quickly as possible.
Spreader (rig_or_spar): used, not defined
Spreaders (rig_or_spar): used, not defined
Stall (manoeuvre): What happens if the mainsail is too tight and the jib too loose coming out of a tack: the mainsail will pivot the boat around the fin and point it towards the wind, and the boat will stall.
Stand by (safety): To get a passing boat to remain nearby so that you can be seen by other boats and not run down. When you are in the water there is not much visible, and large pleasure cruisers can run you down.
Stand on the fin (safety): If the boat is on its side, get someone to stand on the fin. This will keep the boat on its side and not completely invert, and also stop the fin dropping out.
Starboard tack (racing): Starboard tack is when the wind is coming from the right-hand side (starboard side) of the boat.
START (course mark) (racing): used, not defined
Start boat (racing): The boat that will have a number indicating the course to be sailed; the course may be announced on it before the start when the wind direction is changing.
Start line (racing): The start line is between the starting boat and a flag. Typically the start line is at right angles to the wind so the boats start off on a tack.
Starting boat (racing): One end of the start line; the start line is between the starting boat and a flag.
Stay with the boat (safety): Everyone should stay with the boat as it will not drift quickly. A rescue boat is usually alongside within ten minutes.
Staying with the boat on the tow (safety): A couple of people need to stay with the capsized boat during the tow to keep the fin in place, make sure the wind does not get under the sails and lift the boat, and fend off moored boats on the way into the beach.
Stays (rig_or_spar): The wires that secure the mast from falling left or right. There are four, two on each side. One pair runs from the top of the mast, over a spreader, attached slightly aft of the mast; the other pair connects below the spreader and attaches slightly forward of the mast.
Steering backwards (manoeuvre): The recovery from being in irons. The jib can be held out to blow the boat backwards; the Skipper can then turn the rudder the other way to steer backwards and continue to turn the boat.
Stern (hull_part): The back of the hull.
Stowing the poles (safety): Spinnaker poles should be stowed when not in use. A spinnaker pole lying in the bottom of the boat, and a loose rope, is almost guaranteed to cause a tangle. Poles are stored in locations that minimise this risk and should always find their way back to those locations.
Stowing the spars (facility): The boats have to be put back in the boatshed, but we have to wait until all the spars have been stowed away. They hang from the roof and cannot be stowed if boats are in the way.
Stowing the spinnaker between legs (manoeuvre): On races where spinnakers will be used on successive legs, it is critical to get the spinnaker being lowered into a bag and out of the way as quickly as possible. It is best if the bag is at the back of the boat and the sail is passed back to be stowed.
Streaming (sail_or_sail_part): Of a telltale: the wind is flowing smoothly. Both telltales streaming is the correct position for the sail.
Stub pole (rig_or_spar): One of the pole lengths: there are two long poles, a shorter pole which goes in the middle, and a stub pole.
Stump (rig_or_spar): A short pole sometimes used on the end of the two or three spinnaker poles.
Symmetrical spinnaker (sail_or_sail_part): A spinnaker on which both long edges are the same length. Not legal for Historic 18-footers.
Tabernacle (hull_part): The timber structure surrounding the base of the mast.
Tack (sail_or_sail_part): The fixed bottom corner of the sail, the front bottom corner. The manual gives the origin: Old North French tache, "nail, pin."
Tack (of the spinnaker) (sail_or_sail_part): The corner that has two ropes and the pole attached. The kicker and the brace are attached to the tack. There is also a loop of rope where the pole is inserted.
Tacking (manoeuvre): Turning the boat through the wind. One runner is released and the other tightened; the runner should only be released just as the tack begins, and the other runner needs to be on before the tack is complete. The jib is not released until it has stopped doing its work, then as the turn is complete the jib is pulled on reasonably quickly; the jib comes on before the main. The crew must keep the boat... Full entry
Telltales (sail_or_sail_part): Ribbons on the sails - both jib and main - on either side of the sail. They allow you to see if the wind is flowing smoothly over the sail.
The Course of the Day (racing): The course will usually be announced prior to sailing. Sometimes when the wind direction is changing, it may be made on the start boat before the start. The start boat will have a number indicating the course to be sailed.
The Environment (safety): In one word - WET. You will likely get wet up to waist level when you launch the boat; there is no jetty to step off, you walk into the water with the boat and climb over the side. Sailing involves crashing through waves and spray coming over the side. If you capsize, you will be in the water for up to an hour getting towed to a beach.
The Fin (hull_part): Also called a centreboard. When it is down it provides some stability because of its weight and the effort required to drag it sideways through the water. When it is up, the boat lacks that stability so balance is even more important. During a downwind run, or on a reach, the board may be lifted; it serves little purpose and only causes drag.
The jib comes on before the main (manoeuvre): Out of a tack, the jib is put on hard first so it turns the boat away from the wind and picks up speed; once the boat is moving the mainsail is pulled on. The mainsail is only 80% and the jib 100% on as the boat starts to pick up speed.
the middle of the boat (crew_role): The third of the three groups. Their role is to balance the boat, bail any water, and assist with the spinnaker hoist. They are also responsible for the runners, which take the strain of the mast when sailing upwind and which must be released when the boom is going to move past the runner, otherwise a capsize or broken mast can result.
The park (facility): used, not defined
The Start (racing): There are two types of start.
The two main dangers (safety): One is being knocked unconscious during the capsize. The other is being trapped under the boat, either under a sail or with rope tangled around your body. Both have the potential to be fatal.
The two rules (18-footers) (racing): It was said there were only two rules. The boat must be eighteen feet long and the race starts at 2.30.
Throwing your Weight Around (manoeuvre): Using crew weight to balance the boat. An 18-footer weighs about 550kg fully rigged and a crew of 10 averaging 80kg is worth 800kg of ballast, so even without the effect of wind the crew have a major impact on balancing the boat.
Thwart (hull_part): The seat type piece of timber that runs across the boat near the mast. The inside sheet goes under it; there is no block.
Tidy the boat (safety): The constant effort to make sure ropes are kept tidy and clear of each other. Aside from causing jams, there is a safety element: ropes can get caught around legs and result in tripping, or worse in the case of a capsize.
Tie the boat to the buoy (safety): If you are near a buoy, it may be worthwhile to tie the boat to the buoy to stop drifting.
Tied in (safety): Of the spinnaker bag (and poles): secured to the boat so it is not lost. Spinnakers have been lost during a capsize, as have poles that were not tied in or jammed in place.
Tiller (hull_part): Fits in the rudder to enable the boat to be steered.
Tilting the boat between waves (safety): An alternative way to remove water: tilt the boat between waves and let the water run over the side.
Timing (racing): The shape of a sailing day. Boats are usually pushed out of the boatshed for rigging around 10.30 to 11.00 on a Saturday morning. Rigging will take a few hours and may be delayed if the wind forecast is proving unpredictable. Boats go into the water around 1.30 depending on the start line. The race starts between 2.15 and 2.30 and has a limit of 2 hours. Typically the boats are back to the club... Full entry
Touching a buoy (racing): A boat cannot touch a buoy when rounding a mark.
Tow rope (safety): The rope used for the tow; preferably the one from the towing vessel. Also used on the beach to pull the boat into shallow water, and swum back out to the towboat for the trip home.
Towboat (safety): The vessel doing the towing. If there is a delay in getting a towboat, try to get a passing boat to stand by.
Towel (equipment): You will need one if you have a shower after sailing.
Towing (safety): To tow the boat, a rope is tied to the mast and looped around the end of the bumpkin. This takes some juggling and diving to get in place; the experienced members of the crew will do this. It is preferable to use the tow rope from the towing vessel. The rescue boat will tow you to the nearest beach; this is a slow process.
Traditional cleat (equipment): A cleat with one end "V" shaped and one end rounded. The "V" end jams the rope, and is rough inside to make sure the rope does not slip. If it is rough with paint lumps that is all the better; it will hold the rope more firmly.
Transom (hull_part): The alternative name given for the Tuck, the part of the boat at the stern.
Triangular course (racing): A course sailed once a year, set on the day based on the wind, and which could be anywhere on the harbour.
Triangular race (racing): One race each year for which the course is set on the day of the race dependant on the wind direction that day.
Trim the front of the jib, and the back of the mainsail (manoeuvre): The manual's good general rule for trimming: trim where the wind meets and leaves the sail plan. Both sails work together, and if the wind is correct at the beginning and end it is probably working well in the middle.
Trimming the Spinnaker (manoeuvre): Once the pole is positioned correctly, the spinnaker is trimmed using the sheet. Release the sheet and look for curling at the shoulder; when it starts to curl, sheet in until it stops. The trimming is constant, so the person trimming is continually adjusting the sheet.
Tuck (hull_part): The actual part of the boat at the stern. The manual gives Tuck and Transom as the two names and states Tuck is the traditional one that should be preserved.
Twist (sail_or_sail_part): used, not defined
Using a Cleat (manoeuvre): The standard way to tie ropes to a cleat. Two requirements: first it should not come undone or slip; second it should be easy to release, because if you have to release a rope in a hurry you do not want to be trying to free up a jammed rope.
Wardrobe (sail_or_sail_part): The collective name for a boat's variety of sizes of each sail.
Watching (safety): A crew duty. The skipper can rarely see 360 degrees and the view is often restricted on the leeward side by the sails, so everyone needs to be alert to boats around your boat and tell the Skipper about boats crossing your path.
Wetsuit (clothing): A must. Even in mid-summer, an hour or two in the water can get chilly, particularly if you have a solid breeze to add some wind chill. Typically you will wear swimmers under the wetsuit.
Wetsuit boots (clothing): The ideal solution. About $45 from a sailing store. You might choose long boots, or short boots that come to the ankles. Failing that, an old pair of sneakers will do.
Which rig to use (manoeuvre): Depends on the wind. Decided at rigging time, and rigging may be delayed if the wind forecast is proving unpredictable.
Whisker stays (rig_or_spar): A wire from the end of the bumpkin to the hull, holding the bumpkin from moving left or right. There is one on each side.
Wind shadow (safety): The near-calm behind a ferry or larger yacht. The wind will drop to almost nothing, and it is an opportunity to see the top of the mast in the water if you are not careful.
Windward (racing): used, not defined
Windward boat (racing): The boat closer to the wind source; it must keep clear.
Windward side (manoeuvre): The side the wind is coming from. When sailing upwind, the runner on the windward side needs to be on tight.
Winner's handicap adjustment (two-minute reduction) (racing): The winning boat gets a two-minute reduction in their handicap. For example, a 7-minute boat will reduce to 5 minutes if it wins.
Wool (equipment): The light wool used to tie the folded spinnaker. It must be very weak in order to break. Two-ply is the best, although old wool which has lost its strength is also suitable. Colour is optional.
Wooling (manoeuvre): Tying the spinnaker with light wool before the boat hits the water. The sail is tied by the head to a post or rail, both edges stretched out, and while holding the two edges together the rest of the sail is folded and rolled so that the edges are not tangled, tied about every 80 cm.
Wooling the Spinnaker (manoeuvre): Tying the spinnaker before the boat hits the water. The sail is folded and about every 80 cm tied with light wool. The intention is to keep the sail tied until it is hoisted and the pole is in place; the sheet can then be pulled and the sail break open.
Worked handicap example (order of application) (racing): In this example, a scratch boat wins and the second boat was on 7 minutes. The two minutes for the winning boat is applied. That means the 7-minute boat goes back to 9 minutes. That boat then loses a minute for coming second so become an 8-minute boat.
Working the boat up the shore (safety): If you are at a popular beach and there are lots of willing helpers, use the tow rope to pull the boat into shallow water; others can push from behind or drag the boat from the sides. By using the wave action, the boat can be pushed up the shore: as a wave hits the transom, push and pull the boat towards the shore.
Yoke (rig_or_spar): used, not defined