yachting game meaning

Decoding Hollywood's Disturbing "Yachting" Culture Beneath the Glamour

Dec. 19 2023, Published 10:41 p.m. ET

We explore the hidden meaning of "yachting" in Hollywood: individuals, often women, get paid large sums to spend time with wealthy individuals for career advancement.

Individuals may face uncomfortable situations, including sexual assault, trading dignity for fame, and money in a corrupt industry.

Prominent figures like Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Nina Dobrev, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski have all been linked anecdotally to Nonsense Pudding .

Thanks to influencers like Deux Moi , normies are finally getting a peek into the life of the rich and famous. And while pictures aboard yachts surrounded by luxury may look glamorous to all of us, it isn't necessarily all that it’s cracked up to be. Stories have been coming out for decades about people, often women, who subject themselves to “yachting.”

We may associate yachting with rich guys sailing in races, but it actually has a much darker meaning in Hollywood . It’s often considered Hollywood’s oldest “open secret,” but what actually is “yachting”? Keep reading for all of the details.

In Hollywood, "yachting" is the practice of getting paid large sums of money to spend time with wealthy people.

At its most innocent, “yachting” is a PR opportunity for an up-and-coming actor or model. However, it’s often much more sinister. Basically, typically women on their way up in the industry may get paid a large sum of money — five, six, or even seven figures — to spend time with wealthy men. The benefit for the women is the money, the photo ops of luxury, and a potential opportunity to meet someone who could give them a leg up in the industry.

However, they often aren’t told what strings are attached before agreeing to “yacht” with someone. Many of these excursions often lead to sex and other forms of assault. Although the women tend to be up and coming celebs and influencers, they are essentially selling their body for the entirety of their time on the yacht. It gives “the implication” a whole new meaning.

“Yachting” is a common and known practice in Hollywood, but it could also be considered prostitution.

In 2007, businessman Elie Nahas was convicted of running a prostitution ring at the Cannes Film Festival. He claimed that he was only responsible for getting women to Cannes and had nothing to do with what happened after, but even if he did, there are hundreds of other men doing the same thing.

Many of us see pictures of celebrities on yachts and luxury vacations and think, "Wow, imagine living that life!" But in reality, they're being paid to spend time with someone they may not like just because it could further their career. But in doing so, many give up their bodies.

In fact, one Redditor wrote : “You are essentially being bought for a certain period of time. Hence why people get drugged, raped, fondled, sleep with men older than their fathers, pissed and shat on. Once everything is said and done, the trauma and memories of doing those things stay with you forever. Your dignity is being leveraged for fame and money. Let’s not forget a lot of these encounters are filmed and can easily be used to blackmail these young stars.”

It’s an example of powerful men taking advantage of young women with dreams of succeeding in an already corrupt industry. But the practice is so common that stories have circulated about Selena Gomez , Ariana Grande, Kylie and Kendall Jenner , Nina Dobrev, Hailey Bieber, and many other big stars.

@al.laure1209 Best way to fill the pool 🛥 #yacht #yachtlife #yachtdesign #boat #boating #luxuryyacht #sailing #superyacht #topyacht #yachtinglife #yachtingworld #yachting #yachtlifestyle #yachtcrew #cannes #cannesyachtingfestival ♬ original sound - Alex

Emily Ratajkowski also talks about it in her memoir, My Body . She explains how she was paid $25,000 early on in her career just to accompany Jho Low to the Super Bowl, without understanding what she was expected to do. So while the idea of riding around on a luxury yacht might sound ideal, many paths there aren’t as great.

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“Yachting” is about more than being paid to party, it’s Hollywood’s murkiest open secret

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Entertainment And News

Celebrities Accused Of 'Yachting' In Hollywood — And What Being A 'Yacht Girl' Really Means

Rumors suggest some women are paid to play..

By Micki Spollen Written on Jan 11, 2022

It’s easy to be envious when seeing the Instagram photos of young, carefree celebrity women seemingly having the time of their lives on yachts floating in exotic waters and in the VIP sections of the most exclusive clubs.

However, rumor has it there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to these ‘yacht girls’ and their extravagant lifestyles.

What is a yacht girl?

According to Urban Dictionary , a yacht girl is “an attractive young woman who finds ways to get access to luxurious surroundings by being available to wealthy men.”

For example, you may follow a woman or two on Instagram who always seems to be partying or vacationing somewhere expensive (notably without ever showing who she’s actually with). This is a person you could potentially describe as being a yacht girl.

And it’s not just those Instagram models and wannabe stars that are considered yacht girls. As you work up the wealth chain, you may be surprised to recognize some celebrity names synonymous with yachting.

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What is 'yachting' in Hollywood?

In Hollywood, the term yacht girl essentially means a woman who works as an escort for high-end clientele , not just on yachts but for any social event.

While the practice has only somewhat recently gained mainstream notoriety, if you think back on the many tabloid photos of models and actresses on yachts from years past, it appears to be something that's gone on in Hollywood “for 60 years,” according to Elie Nahas, who ran a Beirut-based modeling agency before being arrested on charges of running a prostitution ring in 2007.

In 2013, "The Hollywood Reporter" ran a feature describing this so-called yachting during the Cannes Film Festival.

“Every year during the festival there are 30 or 40 luxury yachts in the bay at Cannes, and every boat belongs to a very rich person. Every boat has about 10 girls on it; they are usually models, and they are usually nude or half nude,” Nahas told THR.

At the end of the night, each woman would receive a “gift,” a generous amount of money that the client would put in an envelope for her.

And while many of these women were self-proclaimed local prostitutes and escorts, the Cannes Film Festival is, of course, known for its celebrity attendees — and it’s rumored that celebrity women trying to fast-track a name for themselves in Hollywood become yacht girls, too.

“Women installed on yachts in Cannes during the film festival are called ‘yacht girls,’ and the line between professional prostitutes and B- or C-list Hollywood actresses and models who accept payment for sex with rich older men is sometimes very blurred, explains one film industry veteran,” Dana Kennedy wrote for THR.

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Some women in Hollywood have accused their celebrity peers of being yacht girls.

A 2017 blind item (celebrity gossip that doesn’t outwardly name the celebrity) allegedly written by a struggling actress describes being lured by another actress into the world of yachting :

“The actress I was talking to made it sound super easy and that she only had [sex] a few times with guys while yachting and that it was mostly partying and being arm candy,” she writes, explaining that eventually she agreed to try it for $25,000 upfront, but admitting that the experience was less than glamorous.

Blind item readers guessed that Canadian actress Vanessa Lengies wrote the blind item and further surmised that it may be one of the Glee actresses Naya Rivera or Heather Morris that introduced her to yachting. None of these claims have ever been substantiated.

If you believe the rumors, it would seem that yachting is a rite of passage for women hoping to “make it” in Hollywood, and even some celebrities we now consider A-List are thought to be former yacht girls.

In an excerpt from her 2021 memoir , “My Body,” Emily Ratajkowski details being paid $25,000 at the start of her career to go to the Superbowl with now-disgraced Malaysian financier Jho Low, who "‘just liked to have famous men and women around,’” she explains her manager told her at the time.

She writes about attending the star-studded Coachella on someone else’s dime, having drinks paid for at clubs, and attending afterparties with Oscar-winning actors before actually becoming a celebrity herself.

One could infer from this recollection that, in order to be able to tell these stories, Ratajkowski was herself a yacht girl. “My Body” suggests as much, and in it, she subtly gives away the identity of another celebrity woman who yachted alongside her.

Ratajkowski describes watching as Low gave shots to a Victoria’s Secret model. While she doesn’t name drop, Ratajkowski gives just enough information for readers to figure who that model likely was.

“Now she kept her eyes locked on him as he took his shot, throwing her head back dramatically as he did, only to quickly toss the alcohol over her shoulder,” Ratajkowski writes. “When he faced her again, her eyes sparkled and the famous dimples appeared on her cheeks.”

Low has since become a fugitive wanted for allegedly running an international money laundering scheme, and in 2017, Reuters reported that model Miranda Kerr — known for her dimples — was being ordered to return “diamond pendants, earrings and other jewelry worth about $8 million” that Low allegedly gifted her to government agents.

In 2017, Ratajkowski also posted a video on Instagram potentially outing Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber as yacht girls as they danced aboard a yacht during that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

Many people have also accused Meghan Markle of yachting (but then again, what haven't people accused Markle of at this point).

People have pointed to an old photo of Markle on a yacht as proof that she’s a former yacht girl.

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Another old blind item also suggested the former actress was available to “rent.”

"If you see B actress post scantily clad photos of themselves on Social Media, this is often a Comm to [them] that this person is available to ‘rent’ for a weekend of ‘yachting,’” the tweet says, including a photo of Markle in a swimsuit.

"If you see B actress post scantily clad photos of themselves on Social Media, this is often a Comm to [them] that this person is available to “rent” for a weekend of “yachting”. Typically worth $30K for the “party” - Meghan Markle @3Days3Nights https://t.co/E3WfMjnVL9 pic.twitter.com/QFv476GL0b — yacht girl (@yachtgirlmm) November 27, 2019

Markle’s close friendship pre-Harry with actress Priyanka Chopra has naturally led some to guess that Chopra once yachted as well.

Another actress that faces endless rumors of yachting is Russian actress Irina Shayk , which according to THR, is par for the course as the outlet writes that yachting your way to stardom happens with “disturbing frequency,” particularly when it comes to foreign-born actresses.

According to THR, who claims to know “of at least one now-prominent actress who made her first connections on a Cannes yacht and quickly landed her debut role in a U.S.-shot movie,” such as with Shayk’s 2014 film “Hercules,” it’s “a red flag any time you see a foreign-born actress with no credits suddenly make her way into a U.S.-shot movie.”

Of course, when it comes to yachting in Hollywood, all of these claims appear to be unfounded.

These rumors make for good gossip, whether you’re talking about low-level social media influencers or high-profile celebrity actresses.

However, nothing is proven, leaving us to wonder any time we see a photo of women on a yacht.

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Micki Spollen is an editor, writer, and traveler focused on relationships, news, and pop culture. Follow her on Instagram .

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Basic Game Rules

Tips and tactics, play online, yahtzee flash, free for all, national parks, power yahtzee, yahtzee star wars, yahtzee turbo, texas hold'em, word yahtzee, buy yahtzee, other games, the history of yahtzee.

Over the past several years, the dice called Yahtzee has become widely known among a countless number of people as one of the most enjoyed and addictive games available. One of the advantages of this game that attracts numerous people is that it can be played with just one player or with a group of people.

People of all walks of life, age groups and gender consider the dice game Yahtzee to be one of the best choices in activities to be used as a great experience for family fun time. Much of this is due to the large amount of thrills that this game can provide, that simply cannot be found in any other game of its type.

Before this game became well known as the classic and popular dice game of today that is played with five dice, it was actually invented by accident and played by a young Canadian couple. The creation of the game in 1954 was sparked by the play of other games of earlier times that were also played with dice.

A few of these games were known as Yacht and Generala. When the game was first invented, it soon became known as the game called Yacht. The reason for this particular name was because when it was first played, the couple and a few of their friends happened to be onboard a yacht.

The young Canadian couple and the friends that enjoyed playing the game of Yacht with them soon began spreading the rules of the game to just about everyone they knew. The men and women that learned the rules would then continue spreading the plays of this game to all the people that they knew and so on.

The Commercial Release of Yahtzee The commercial release of the popular dice game Yahtzee did not occur until the year 1956. This is when Edwin S. Lowe, famous game entrepreneur received permission from the Canadian couple to purchase the rights of the game. What is quite amazing is the amount they agreed upon was only equal to about 1,000 of the game's gift sets.

The fame of the Yahtzee dice game did not occur when it was first introduced onto the market. This however did not discourage Lowe, as he envisioned a great potential for the game within the market and he soon came up with a solution to the problem.

It was not very long before Lowe thought of an advertising strategy that would prove to be worthwhile. He started having Yahtzee parties organized for public play. This tactic gave numerous men and women the advantage and experience of being able to play the dice game firsthand.

It did not take long for many of these people to convert into enthusiasts of the game and the popularity and sales of the game began to grow significantly just by their word of mouth.

Lowe continued to own the rights to the Yahtzee game from 1956 to 1973. There would be several different changes the game would undergo while still in Lowe's ownership. The changes that occurred during this time were made to the appearance, the packing and the contents of the game.

During the time that Lowe owned the rights to the game; its commercial success was unremarkable. Over 17 years' time, Lowe enjoyed the success of selling 40 million games worldwide. The popularity of the dice game Yahtzee has not only continued to grow in the United States but it has also become just as popular in many other areas all around the world.

In 1973 the popular game manufacturer Milton Bradley purchased the rights of the Yahtzee dice game from Lowe. After this change of ownership, the game's popularity continued to be just as strong and well-liked as it ever was.

From the years 1973 until 1984, the ownership of the game of Yahtzee remained in the hands of Milton Bradley and the sales continued to climb. This soon made it one of the most popular dice games to be played throughout all of America and other areas.

In 1984, the Hasbro company, while is a multinational company that is well-known by the large number of board games and toys they manufacture, then purchased the rights to the Yahtzee dice game from Milton Bradley. After they had purchased the Milton Bradley Company, they made the decision to continue its operation under the name of Hasbro Bradley.

They continued the manufacturing of their toys and board games under this name until 1986. After this time, the name of the company was changed to Hasbro Inc.

There are now, somewhere around 50 million Yahtzee dice games that are sold each and every year.

Yahtzee Free for All

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Instructions

Yacht is a classic dice-rolling game that inspired the hit game Yahtzee by Milton Bradley. Play online against random opponents, create a game with your friends, or practice against the computer.

In Yacht, you need to make specific combinations that score the most points possible at the end of three rolls. At the end of the game, whoever has the most points wins. 

Every turn, you have three dice rolls. After your first roll, you can choose to hold dice. The dice you hold will not be part of your next roll. After three rolls, pick a category on the scorecard to lock in your points. If you aren't sure what each category means, tap on the name to get more details.

HINT: If you score 63 or more points in the upper section of the scorecard, you'll earn a 35-point bonus.

You can either play this game against a computer, or play online and go head-to-head against players anywhere in the world. Either way, you can expect to have a fun and exciting challenge.

Probably the biggest factor in this dice game is whether or not you are able to get the 35-point bonus. Because of this, you should try and focus on the upper section in order to work toward that bonus. 

Make sure to keep your chance section clear for as long as you can. It is nice to have a safety net that can catch you if you have a bad roll. 

Every turn, you have three dice rolls. After your first roll, you can choose to hold dice. The dice you hold will not be part of your next roll. After three rolls, pick a category on the scorecard to lock in your points. If you aren't sure what each category means, mouse over the name to get more details.

Is Yahtzee similar to the Yacht Dice Game?

Besides a few small rule changes, Yahtzee and Yacht are very similar games. If you have a decent understanding of the game Yahtzee, then learning how to play Yacht will be no problem at all.

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100 Basic Yachting & Sailing Terms You Need To Know

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Yachting is an increasingly popular activity that involves exploring and enjoying bodies of water aboard sailboats or motorboats. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned sailor or brand-new to the sport; knowing the language used in yachting is crucial for efficient communication and secure navigation. We’ll look at some of the most often used terminology and expressions in the world of yachting in this list of 100 fundamental yachting terms, from boat parts to navigation and safety gear, and more. This list is an excellent place to start whether you’re seeking to brush up on your yachting terminology or are just beginning into the sport.

Aft – Toward the back of the boat

Anchor – A heavy object used to keep a boat in place

Ballast – Weight added to the bottom of a boat to improve stability

Beam – The width of a boat at its widest point

Bilge – The lowest point inside the boat where water collects

Bimini – A type of sunshade or canopy used on boats

Bow – The front of a boat

Buoy – A floating marker used to mark channels, hazards or anchorages

Cabin – An enclosed space on a boat used for sleeping and living quarters

Capsize – To tip over or turn upside down

Cleat – A metal or plastic fitting used to secure ropes or lines to the boat

Cockpit – The open area in the back of the boat where the steering and controls are located

Compass – A navigational tool used to determine the direction

Crew – The people who work on a boat, assisting with sailing or other duties

Deck – The top surface of a boat where people can stand or walk

Dock – A platform or structure where boats can be tied up or moored

Draft – The depth of a boat below the waterline

Fender – A cushion or bumper used to protect the boat from damage when docking

Flag – A piece of fabric used to signal or communicate on a boat

Galley – The kitchen area on a boat

Genoa – A type of sail that is used for cruising and racing

GPS – Global Positioning System, a navigational system that uses satellites to determine the location

Halyard – A rope or line used to hoist or lower a sail

Hatch – An opening in the deck or cabin of a boat

Head – The bathroom on a boat

Hull – The main body of the boat, typically made of fiberglass or wood

Jib – A small triangular sail located forward of the mast

Keel – A fin-shaped object located under the boat that provides stability and helps prevent drifting

Knot – A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour

Lanyard – A short cord or rope used to secure equipment or gear on a boat

Latitude – A measure of distance north or south of the equator

Leeward – The side of the boat sheltered from the wind

Lifeline – A line or rope used to provide safety and support on the deck of a boat

Log – A device used to measure speed and distance traveled

Mast – A vertical pole or spar that supports the sails

Mooring – The process of securing a boat to a dock or anchor

Nautical – Relating to or involving ships, sailors, or navigation on water

Navigation – The process of planning and controlling the course of a boat

Oar – A long pole with a flat blade used for rowing a boat

Outboard – A motor located on the outside of the boat

Port – The left side of a boat when facing forward

Propeller – A device that uses rotating blades to provide forward motion to a boat

Pulpit – A railing or fence located on the bow of the boat

Rudder – A flat object located at the back of the boat used to steer

Sail – A piece of fabric used to catch the wind and propel the boat

Sailing is the practice of using the wind to power a vessel through the water

Sheet – A line or rope used to control the angle of the sails

Skipper – The person in charge of operating a boat

Stern – The back of the boat

Tack – The direction of a boat when it is sailing upwind

Throttle – The control used to increase or decrease engine speed

Tiller – A handle or lever used to steer a boat

Transom – The flat, vertical surface at the back of the boat where the outboard motor is mounted

Trim – The adjustment of the sails and other equipment to optimize performance

Wake – The waves created by a boat as it moves through the water

Windward – The side of the boat facing into the wind

Winch – A device used to pull or hoist heavy objects on a boat

Yacht – A larger, more luxurious type of boat typically used for pleasure cruising

Bilge pump – A device used to pump water out of the bilge

Boom – The horizontal pole or spar that extends from the mast to support the bottom of the sail

Bowline – A knot used to secure a line to a fixed object

Cam cleat – A device used to secure a line under tension

Catamaran – A type of boat with two parallel hulls

Centerboard – A movable fin located underneath the boat that helps improve stability and maneuverability

Chafe – The wearing away or damage to a rope or line caused by friction against another surface

Clew – The lower corner of a sail

Current – The flow of water in a particular direction

Dinghy – A small boat used to transport people or supplies to and from shore

Fairlead – A device used to guide a line or rope in a particular direction

Flotation device – A piece of equipment used to keep a person afloat in the water

Forestay – The wire or rope that supports the mast at the front of the boat

Gaff – A spar used to support the upper edge of a sail

Headway – The forward motion of a boat

Inboard – A motor located inside the boat

Jibsheet – The line or rope used to control the jib sail

Keelboat – A type of sailboat with a fixed keel for stability and maneuverability

Luff – The forward edge of a sail

Masthead – The top of the mast where the highest sails are attached

Navigation lights – Lights used to signal other boats of the position and direction of a boat at night

Outhaul – The line or rope used to control the tension of the bottom of the sail

Planing – The state of a boat when it is moving quickly across the water and partially out of the water

Powerboat – A type of boat that is powered by an engine rather than sails

Ratchet block – A device used to reduce the effort required to pull a line under tension

Reefing – The process of reducing the size of the sails in high wind conditions

Rigging – The system of ropes and wires used to support and control the sails and mast

Rudderpost – The vertical post or shaft that the rudder is attached to

Scow – A type of sailboat with a flat bottom and squared-off ends

Shackle – A metal fitting used to connect two pieces of rope or chain

Spinnaker – A large, lightweight sail used to catch the wind when sailing down

wind 90. Spreaders – The horizontal struts on a mast that help to support and spread the shrouds

Standing rigging – The fixed parts of a boat’s rigging system, such as the mast and shrouds

Stern light – A white light on the back of a boat used to signal other boats at night

Stowaway – A person who hides on a boat in order to travel without permission

Tiller extension – A device used to extend the length of the tiller to make steering easier

Topside – The upper part of a boat, above the waterline

Transom door – A door in the back of a boat that provides access to the water

Traveler – A device used to move the mainsail along the boom

Waterline – The level at which a boat floats in the water

Winch handle – A handle used to turn winches to control the sails and lines

Yawl – A type of sailboat with two masts, the smaller of which is located aft of the rudder post.

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Race countdown: How to time the starting sequence perfectly

• September 23, 2019

Crossing the start line at the right time and maximum speed can be the key to winning a race. Mike Broughton explains how it’s done

Yachts approach the start line of the 2017 Fastnet Race. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex

Starting a yacht at the right end of the line at target speed is very much a team game. On boats longer than 40ft, vital input comes from the bow person, trimmers, helmsman, tactician and navigator.

The role of the navigator has evolved in recent years to assist the tactician and helmsman by utilising navigation software to help the timed run into the start. Before the start of any competitive race fleet we now see over 90% of the fleet ‘pinging the ends’ of the line – GPS positioning helps us work out where the start line is and how far away we are at any moment.

We can now do the same with a modern sports watch with a GPS interface. However, to start a boat like a TP52 , there is a little more to it than just GPS positioning then using course and speed over the ground; but even this information can be very useful – particularly with long start lines.

I’ve been using software to help start races since I first discovered Deckman in 1989. It was developed to aid America’s Cup starting, but in those days many crew were pretty sceptical about its merits.

To work out our sailing time to the start line, the software needs to know our boat’s polars (how fast we will sail compared to true wind speed and true wind angle). One factor we need to refine is that normally we are not able to sail at 100% polar speed in the run into the start line as we have other yachts in close proximity and more ‘dirty air’ to deal with.

Simplified version of the B&G data for the two minutes pre-start on Y3K , showing time, distance to the line and boat speed as a percentage of polars

The solution is to use separate start polars and here I tend to reduce the normal optimum upwind boat speed target by about 12-15%. I also reduce the downwind polar speeds as we don’t usually have a spinnaker when downwind sailing pre-start.

For working out our time to the line, we also need to know the tidal stream or current. Some software will try to factor it in for you, but with a lot of manoeuvring it can easily give erroneous readings and it can be best to dial it into the software manually just for the start. A good habit is always to check the current on the start boat and pin end as you ‘ping’ their positions.

If the calibration of our sailing instruments is awry it can generate big errors in the software predicted ‘time to the line’, which is exacerbated if you need to tack or gybe prior to your final run-in. Instruments often take up to 45 seconds to settle down after a manoeuvre.

Quicker systems with high-speed GPS all help, but most software has a ‘t’ feature that allows the navigator to ‘hold’ or freeze the wind while turning. A useful tip here can be to just call boat lengths to the line while turning.

For good reasons, we sometimes slow the yacht down, then ‘pull the trigger’ or increase speed in the approach. Few racing software packages can handle yacht acceleration, and the afterguard need to be aware of that.

Once we have pinged both ends of the start line, we can instantly see the line bias, but that is only true for that moment. My tip here is to give the ‘square line’ bearing and compare that with the mean true wind direction over the last five minutes. It is always worth double-checking the line bearing with a hand-bearing compass as you get the line transits (a shoreline object that you can line up with the pin or buoy end).

Helping to work out where the layline to each end of the line is a useful feature of starting software. With a couple of practices you can often then identify another transit to help you quickly find that layline in the heat of the battle.

Using a countdown in boat lengths to the layline helps the tactician a great deal, particularly in placing your yacht relative to another already approaching the start line. When sailing in current you preferably need to know the ‘tidally adjusted layline’ transit.

Article continues below…

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The popularity of double-handed sailing is on the rise. The Rolex Fastnet Race is the perfect case in point –…

Navigation briefing: How to anchor your yacht mid-race

There are two factors to consider when it comes to racing and anchors. One is whether you might find yourself…

It is usually a matter of the tactician’s preference whether to call ‘sailing time to the line’ or ‘time to burn’ and whether you are factoring in the time for a tack or gybe if required. My view is to switch to ‘time to burn’ from 2 minutes 30 seconds to go, though you need to specify ‘time to burn’ to the start line and your preferred start end.

Larger and heavier yachts really don’t want to be manoeuvring in the last 45 seconds prior to the start. So helping find the correct turn in is vital. One of the best yachts at starting I have raced on is the J Class yacht Velsheda , which weighs in at 143 tonnes.

The team never likes to have to alter course in the last minute as they start building speed. On a 140ft boat they use headsets for communication and the bowman has a key input in the last 30 seconds when it comes to calling the time to burn.

With practice, the crew can learn to have good confidence in the navigator’s calls using software, but it’s vital also to cross-check those calls with reality. This is particularly important in light and shifty conditions. Here you have to remember the software can’t see that shift that is 50m away from the boat. In light winds it is a useful to focus more on boat lengths to the start line (also when in the middle of a tack).

About the expert

Mike Broughton is a pro race navigator who has won many titles including World and European championships. He is a qualified MCA Master to captain superyachts and previously had a successful career in the Fleet Air Arm flying Sea King and Lynx helicopters.

Do you speak yachtie? A-Z glossary of Yachting terms

Updated: Apr 24, 2023

Superyacht industry has its own unique set of terminologies, that may seem confusing to someone who is new to superyachting. While some of the terms used is borrowed from the boating industry, others are unique to the superyacht world. In this article, we will explore the most common terms used in the superyacht industry, and help newcomers understand the language of yachties.

Aft – The back of the yacht. It is also known as the stern, and it’s where the yacht’s engines and steering mechanisms are located.

AIS - AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is used to track other vessels and communicate with them. This is important for safety and navigation.

Anchor - A heavy weight that is dropped from the yacht to hold it in place.

Abeam - At a right angle to the center of a vessel’s length

APA - APA or Advanced Provisioning Allowance is an additional charter fee paid in advance to cover the cost of provisions such as fuel, food and drink, and marina fees. The APA is usually 30% of the charter fee.

Bow – The front of the yacht. This is the direction the yacht moves towards.

Beam - The beam of a yacht refers to its width, measured at its widest point. This is an important measurement, as it can impact a yacht's stability and performance.

Berth - A designated space in a marina or on a yacht where a yacht can be docked or anchored.

Bridge - The area of the yacht where the captain navigates and controls the yacht.

Bilge - The deepest part of the vessel’s hull often used for storage

Crew – The team of people who work on a yacht. This includes the captain, first mate, deckhands, steward(ess), chef, and engineers.

Captain - The captain is the person in charge of the yacht and its crew. They are responsible for the safety of the yacht and its passengers, as well as navigating the vessel.

Capstan - A winch used to wind in an anchor and tighten lines

Draft – The distance from the waterline to the bottom of the yacht’s hull. This measurement is important for determining the depth of water needed to navigate safely.

Displacement - The weight of the yacht when fully loaded.

Deckhand - A crew member responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht.

EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This device is used to send a distress signal in case of an emergency.

ENG1 - MCA-approved medical certificate required for all crew on commercial superyachts.

ENGINEER - The engineer or chief engineer ensures the safe and efficient operation of the main propulsion and all auxiliary systems on board, including deck machinery, tenders and toys, and all hotel services. He/She is the one that keeps toilet flushing, AC working and the galley power on as some would also say 😊

Fender – A cushion or bumper that is placed between the yacht and the dock or another vessel to prevent damage.

First Mate - The second in command after the captain.

Flybridge - An open deck on the top of the yacht.

Foredeck - The forward part of the deck of a ship, usually level with the main deck

GPS – Global Positioning System. This is used for navigation and to pinpoint the yacht’s location.

Galley - The galley is the kitchen on a yacht. Depending on the size of the yacht, it may be a small space with limited amenities or a fully equipped professional kitchen.

Gunwhale - The upper edge of a yacht’s sides

Gross Tonnage - This is a measurement of the volume of the yacht’s enclosed spaces.

Hull – The body of the yacht that floats on the water. The hull design affects the yacht’s performance and efficiency.

Head - The head is the bathroom on a yacht. Depending on the size of the yacht, there may be multiple heads for guests and crew.

Interior – The living quarters of the yacht. This includes cabins, the galley, and the salon.

IMO - IMO stands for International Maritime Organisation and is the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping

Jib - on sailing yachts, it is the foresail

Jacuzzi – well... Do we need to say what it is? 😊 A hot tub on a yacht. It’s a luxurious addition to any yacht and can provide a relaxing soak after a day of activities.

Knot – A unit of speed used in navigation. One knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour.

Keel - On sailing vessels, a structural framework that runs longitudinally along the centreline of a hull to increase stability

LOA – Length Overall. This is the length of the yacht from the tip of the bow to the end of the stern. It is a common way to measure the size of the yacht.

Leeward - The side sheltered from the wind

Mooring – The process of securing the yacht to a dock or anchor. It’s important to moor the yacht properly to prevent damage and ensure safety.

Mile - Nautical Mile (to be more precise) is a unit used in measuring distances at sea, equal to 1,852 meters

Navigation – The process of determining the yacht’s position and direction. This includes using GPS, charts, and other navigation tools.

Net Tonnage - Net tonnage is a measurement of a yacht's cargo carrying capacity. This measurement takes into account the yacht's volume and the amount of cargo it can carry.

Owner – The person or entity that owns the yacht. The one you need to satisfy (almost) anytime for (almost) anything! They may hire a crew to operate the yacht or use a management company.

Overhead - The overhead on a yacht refers to the ceiling or roof of a cabin or room. This can be important for crew to know when moving around the yacht

Port – The left side of the yacht when facing the bow. It’s important to know port and starboard when navigating a yacht.

Quarter - The quarter of a yacht refers to the aft part of the vessel. This can be an important area for crew to work in when mooring or maneuvering the yacht.

Quality – The level of excellence and attention to detail that goes into building and maintaining a yacht. High-quality materials and craftsmanship are essential for a safe and comfortable yacht.

Radar – A device used to detect other vessels or objects in the water. This is important for avoiding collisions and navigating in poor visibility.

Rudder - An underwater blade used for steering

Steward(ess) – A crew member responsible for maintaining the interior of the yacht and attending to the guests. This includes cleaning, cooking, and serving meals.

Superstructure - The part of the yacht above the hull, including the decks and cabins.

Salon - The living room on a yacht.

Starboard - the right side of the yacht (when facing the bow).

Stern - The rear end of a yacht.

Tender – A smaller boat used to transport guests or supplies to and from the yacht. It’s important to have a reliable tender for accessing remote areas and exploring.

Trimming - Adjusting the angle of the sails on a sailing yacht

Underway – The state of the yacht when it’s moving. This is different from being at anchor or docked.

Varnish – A protective coating used on the yacht’s woodwork. Varnish needs to be regularly maintained to keep the yacht looking beautiful.

Windlass – A device used to raise and lower the anchor. This is important for anchoring the yacht securely and safely.

Warp - A line used for anchoring or mooring

X-ray – A medical test that crew members may need to undergo to ensure they are healthy and fit to work on a yacht. Crew members need to be in good physical condition to handle the demands of the job, especially when they stay a long time at sea.

Yachtie – A term used to refer to someone who works on a yacht. This includes crew members such as the captain, first mate, deckhands, steward(ess), chef, and engineers. Being a yachtie is not just a job, but a lifestyle that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. One of the most important aspects of being a successful yachtie is being able to communicate effectively with your crew members and guests. Superyacht terminology can be complex and daunting for newcomers, but with some guidance and practice, anyone can learn to speak yachtie.

Zulu Time – A standardized time used in navigation and communication on yachts. It’s also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This ensures that everyone on the yacht is on the same schedule, regardless of their location.

You want more?

If you want to go further and master all technical words, have a look at the most complete report on maintenance systems used onboard yachts across the world.

To go quick, have a look at this video and discover the BoatOn Book 😊

You have other words you want to add to this article or want some explanation about? Write to us at [email protected] !

Related Posts

How do yacht managers and crews benefit from the BoatOn Book ?

Practical guide for the technical inspection of a yacht

Top 10 tips to keep your boat safe in stormy weather

What is the First Four in March Madness? Explaining NCAA Tournament play-in games

Eight teams. One location. Four tickets to punch to March Madness .

It's part of the beauty of what has made the First Four a tradition like no other. Two nights on a college campus in winner-take-all games to kick off one of the best postseason tournaments in all of sports.

MORE: Watch NCAA Tournament First Four games live with Sling TV

Will we see one of the four potential suitors for a 16 seed replicate the success of Fairleigh Dickinson last year of going from the First Four to beating a 1 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament? Or will there be an 10 seed that stirs up some madness, such as Shaka Smart's 2011 VCU team and Mick Cronin's 2021 UCLA team, both of which went from Dayton to the Final Four?

Time will only tell if there will be madness — which, after all, is what makes March Madness fun, right?

IT'S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY's basketball tournament bracket contests for a chance at $1 million prize.

Here's everything you need to know about the First Four from how it started, who is competing in it this year and past winners:

REQUIRED READING: 'I'll never forget the love.' Quincy Olivari has been a 'godsend' to Xavier basketball

What is the First Four in March Madness?

The First Four was first introduced to March Madness in 2011 when the NCAA expanded the field from 65 teams to 68. The first year of the First Four consisted of UTSA, Alabama State, Clemson, UAB, UNC-Asheville, Arkansas-Little Rock, USC and VCU.

The First Four is a play-in tournament to reduce the field of 68 teams by four, setting the final 64-team field for March Madness. The tournament in April 2010 expanded from 65 teams to 68 teams — not the widely projected 96 — creating three more play-in games.

Prior to that, the NCAA held just one play-in game from 2001-10, creating a 65-team field in that span. The reason for that was the fact the Mountain West champion became one of the 31 automatic qualifiers for the NCAA Tournament beginning in 2001.

Who plays in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament?

The First Four is composed of the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the four lowest-seeded at large teams. Of the four games that take place in Dayton at UD Arena , two of them consist of teams that will earn a 16-seed in the NCAA Tournament while the other two will be tabbed with an 11 seed (though those teams have also been on the 12-, 13- and 14-seed lines, as well).

The 2024 NCAA Tournament is the first to include First Four teams on the 10-seed line: Boise State vs. Colorado and Colorado State vs. Virginia.

Those who win in the First Four advance to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

First Four 2024 schedule

Tuesday, March 19

• Game 1:  (16) Wagner vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m | truTV ( Sling TV )
• Game 2:  (10) Colorado State vs. (10) Virginia | 9:10 p.m. | truTV ( Sling TV )

Wednesday, March 20

• Game 3:  (16) Grambling State vs. (16) Montana State | 6:40 p.m | truTV ( Sling TV )
• Game 4:  (10) Colorado vs. (10) Boise State | 9:10 p.m. | truTV ( Sling TV )

Where is the First Four played?

The First Four has called the University of Dayton's UD Arena its home since its inauguration in 2011. This year is the 12th time that the First Four will be in Dayton, Ohio (the tournament was canceled outright in 2020 and held entirely in the state of Indiana in 2021 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic).

Here's a full list of results from First Four games since it began in 2011:

• (11) UTSA 70, Alabama State 61
• (12) Clemson 70, UAB 52
• (16) UNC-Asheville 81, Arkansas-Little Rock 77
• (16) VCU 59, USC 46
• (12) South Florida 65, Cal 54
• (14) Vermont 71, Lamar 59
• (16) BYU 78, Iona 54
• (16) Western Kentucky 59, Mississippi Valley State
• (11) Saint Mary's 67, Middle Tennessee 54
• (13) La Salle 80, Boise State 71
• (16) North Carolina A&T 73, Liberty 72
• (16) James Madison 67, LIU-Brooklyn 55
• (11) Tennessee 78, Iowa 65
• (12) NC State 74, Xavier 59
• (16) Albany 71, Mount St. Mary's 64
• (16) Cal Poly 81, Texas Southern 69
• (11) Dayton 56, Boise State 55
• (11) Ole Miss 94, BYU 90
• (16) Hampton 74, Manhattan 64
• (16) Robert Morris 81, North Florida 77
• (11) Michigan 67, Tulsa 62
• (11) Wichita State 70, Vanderbilt 50
• (16) Florida Gulf Coast 96, Fairleigh Dickinson 65
• (16) Holy Cross 59, Southern 55
• (11) Kansas State 95, Wake Forest 88
• (11) USC 75, Providence 71
• (16) UC Davis 67, North Carolina Central 63
• (16) Mount St. Mary's 67, New Orleans 66
• (11) St. Bonaventure 65, UCLA 58
• (11) Syracuse 60, Arizona State 56
• (16) Radford 71, LIU-Brooklyn 61
• (16) Texas Southern 64, North Carolina Central 46
• (11) Arizona State 74, St. John's 65
• (11) Belmont 81, Temple 70
• (16) North Dakota State 78, North Carolina Central 74
• (16) Fairleigh Dickinson 82, Prairie View A&M 76
• (11) UCLA 86, Michigan State 80
• (11) Drake 53, Wichita State 52
• (16) Norfolk State 54, Appalachian State 53
• (16) Texas Southern 60, Mount St. Mary's 52
• (11) Notre Dame 89, Rutgers 87
• (12) Indiana 66, Wyoming 58
• (16) Texas Southern 76, Texas A&M Corpus Christi 67
• (16) Wright State 93, Bryant 82
• (11) Pitt 60, Mississippi State 59
• (11) Arizona State 98, Nevada 73
• (16) Texas A&M Corpus Christi 75, SE Missouri State 71
• (16) Fairleigh Dickinson 84, Texas Southern 61

What's the farthest a First Four team has advanced in March Madness?

VCU in 2011 and UCLA in 2021 are the two teams that have made it the farthest out of the First Four in the history of the NCAA Tournament.

Smart's 11-seed Rams, who sneaked into the NCAA Tournament in the first year of the First Four, defeated USC 59-36 to punch the program's first ticket to March Madness since 2009. VCU then picked up wins against 6-seed Georgetown, 3-seed Purdue, 10-seed Florida State and 1-seed Kansas before ultimately losing to 8-seed Butler in the Final Four.

The 2020-21 Bruins matched VCU's accomplishment, almost advancing from the First Four to the national championship game. The Bruins defeated Michigan State in the First Four to advance to the first round, where it picked up a win over 6-seed BYU. UCLA then took down 14-seed Abilene Christian, 2-seed Alabama and 1-seed Michigan to win the East Regional that year.

Cronin's Bruins fell to No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga, 93-90 in overtime.

Though there hasn't been a team to go as far as VCU or UCLA out of the First Four in recent years, there have been two teams make it out of Dayton and pick up a win in the first round: Notre Dame in 2022 and FDU in 2023.

Following its win in Dayton over Rutgers, the Fighting Irish, led that year by Nate Laszewski and now-North Carolina guard Cormac Ryan, found some Irish luck on St. Patrick's Day, taking down 6-seed Alabama in the first round. Notre Dame would then lose in the second round to Texas Tech.

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are the latest team to stir up some First Four magic, defeating No. 1 overall seed Purdue in the first round and becoming the only First Four 16 seed to beat a 1 seed. The Knights were also just the second 16 seed to defeat the top overall seed since the bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage .

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of yachting in English

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• age of sail
• ocean-going
• under sail idiom

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Examples of yachting

Translations of yachting.

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Word of the Day

a servant or someone who behaves like one by obeying someone else's orders or by doing unpleasant work for them

Renowned and celebrated (Words meaning ‘famous’)

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• Nautical Sayings: Exploring the Fascinating World of Maritime Language

Ahoy there, fellow adventurers of the sea! Whether you're an experienced sailor or just someone fascinated by the world of nautical adventures, you've probably come across some intriguing and often perplexing maritime sayings. In this comprehensive article, we'll dive deep into the ocean of nautical sayings, yacht word origins, boating sayings, and the rich tapestry of nautical slang that has shaped the language of the high seas.

Setting Sail with Nautical Sayings

Ahoy, matey.

Our journey begins with the iconic greeting, "Ahoy, matey!" This classic nautical saying has been immortalized in countless pirate tales and seafaring adventures. But have you ever wondered about its origins and the fascinating history behind it?

The phrase "Ahoy, matey!" finds its roots in the 17th century when pirates and sailors needed a catchy and distinctive way to greet each other on the high seas. We'll explore how this phrase became a symbol of maritime camaraderie and adventure.

Charting the Course of Nautical Language 

Before we delve into specific nautical sayings, let's navigate through the history of maritime language. The sea has always been a source of inspiration for unique expressions, and understanding the evolution of this language is key to appreciating its richness.

Maritime language is a dynamic blend of influences from various cultures, including English, Dutch, and even French. We'll journey through time to uncover how these linguistic influences shaped the nautical lexicon we know today.

Knots and Nautical Expressions 

The maritime world is a treasure trove of fascinating expressions related to knots and ropes. From "tying the knot" to "left in the lurch," we'll unravel the meanings behind these captivating sayings.

Let's explore more nautical phrases related to knots, rigging, and seamanship. Each saying carries a unique history, often reflecting the practical challenges and traditions of sailors.

The Call of the Sea 

Beyond greetings and practical expressions, sailors had a language of their own to communicate effectively on the vast expanse of the ocean. We'll delve into the lesser-known but equally intriguing nautical phrases that were used for signaling, navigation, and coordination.

Discovering Yacht Word Origins

The yacht: a luxurious icon .

Yachts epitomize elegance and luxury on the water. But have you ever wondered where the term "yacht" itself comes from? Let's set sail on a journey through time to explore its origins.

The word "yacht" has a fascinating history that dates back to the early days of sailing. We'll trace its evolution from humble beginnings to the opulent vessels we associate with yachts today.

Yacht or Jacht: A Linguistic Odyssey 

Did you know that "yacht" is closely related to the Dutch word "jacht"? We'll uncover the linguistic connection between these two words and how it has influenced modern yacht culture.

The Dutch influence on yacht design and terminology is profound. We'll delve into how Dutch shipbuilders and explorers played a pivotal role in shaping the yacht industry.

The Golden Age of Yachting 

Yachting isn't just about boats; it's a cultural phenomenon with a rich history. During the 19th century, the "Golden Age of Yachting" saw a surge in yacht building and racing. We'll explore this period and its impact on yacht word origins.

Sailing Through Boating Sayings

Smooth sailing ahead.

When it comes to boating, the saying "smooth sailing" is music to a captain's ears. Join us as we explore the origin of this optimistic phrase and how it reflects the sailors' eternal quest for favorable winds.

"Smooth sailing" isn't just a saying; it embodies the aspirations and experiences of mariners throughout history. We'll recount stories of legendary voyages and the calm seas that inspired this expression.

Weathering the Storm 

Boating isn't always smooth sailing. Sometimes, sailors must "weather the storm." We'll examine the origin of this phrase and its enduring relevance to the maritime world.

Navigating storms at sea has always been a formidable challenge. We'll share tales of courage and resilience that shed light on the origins of this powerful metaphor.

Deciphering Nautical Slang

Aye, aye, captain .

Nautical slang is a language all its own, and "aye, aye, captain" is one of its most recognizable phrases. But what does it really mean, and why is it used so frequently on ships?

Read   our  top  notch   articles  on  topics  such as  sailing ,  sailing   tips  and  destinations  in  our   Magazine .  

Swabbing the Deck: Nautical Work Lingo 

"Swabbing the deck" might sound like a chore, but it's also a nautical saying with a rich history. We'll uncover its origins and its role in the daily life of sailors.

Navigating Ship Sayings

Shipshape and bristol fashion .

When something is "shipshape and Bristol fashion," it's in excellent condition. Discover the intriguing story behind this phrase, which hails from the bustling port city of Bristol.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 

Sometimes, sailors find themselves "between the devil and the deep blue sea." Explore the origins of this saying and the predicaments it describes.

Exploring Boat Phrases

In the same boat .

We often say we're "in the same boat" when facing a common challenge. But where does this saying come from, and why do we use it to express solidarity?

Casting Adrift: Origins of "Adrift" 

Being "adrift" can have a figurative meaning beyond just being at sea. Discover the roots of this saying and how it found its way into everyday language.

Unraveling Nautical Expressions

By and large: a nautical measurement .

The phrase "by and large" has nautical origins tied to sail trimming. Join us as we explore the history of this saying and its transition to everyday language.

Three Sheets to the Wind: A Nautical Reference to Intoxication

Have you ever heard someone described as being "three sheets to the wind"? Learn about the nautical basis of this humorous expression.

Boating Phrases and Sailor Jargon

"know the ropes": mastering the art of sailing.

To "know the ropes" means to be skilled and knowledgeable. We'll sail through the history of this saying and its significance for sailors.

"The Whole Nine Yards": Nautical or Not?

Is "the whole nine yards" a nautical phrase? We'll unravel this linguistic mystery and see if it has nautical origins or not.

Sailing Expressions and Seafaring Terms

"batten down the hatches": preparing for a storm.

When sailors "batten down the hatches," they're preparing for a storm. Discover the practical origins of this vital nautical saying.

"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea": A Nautical Dilemma 

We revisit the phrase "between the devil and the deep blue sea" to explore its deeper connotations in the context of seafaring.

Nautical Words and Phrases: A Sailor's Lexicon

Nautical sayings: the ultimate lexicon .

Summarizing our exploration, we'll compile a comprehensive list of some of the most intriguing nautical words and phrases that have left their mark on the English language.

As we sail back to the shore of this captivating journey through nautical sayings and maritime language, it's clear that the sea has not only inspired adventurers but also enriched our vocabulary with colorful expressions. From "ahoy, matey" to "the whole nine yards," each saying carries a piece of nautical history that continues to resonate with us today.

So  what  are  you   waiting   for ?  Take  a  look   at   our   range   of  charter  boats  and  head  to  some   of   our  favourite     sailing   destinations .  

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yachting adjective

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What does the adjective yachting mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective yachting . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the adjective yachting ?

Where does the adjective yachting come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the adjective yachting is in the 1840s.

OED's earliest evidence for yachting is from 1847, in the writing of William Thackeray, novelist.

yachting is formed within English, by conversion.

Etymons: yachting n.

Nearby entries

• yacht, n. a1584–
• yacht, v. 1836–
• yacht basin, n. 1929–
• yacht broker, n. 1882–
• yachtdom, n. 1901–
• yachter, n. 1828–
• yachtery, n. 1861–
• yachtian, n. 1842–
• yachtie, n. 1874–
• yachting, n. 1836–
• yachting, adj. 1847–
• yachtist, n. 1895–
• yachtling, n. 1872–
• yachtman, n. 1820–
• yachtsman, n. 1862–
• yachtsmanship, n. 1862–
• yachty, adj. 1950–
• yachty, adj. 1892–
• yacht-yard, n. 1933–
• yack, n.¹ 1789–
• yack, n.² 1860–

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Meaning & use

Entry history for yachting, adj..

Originally published as part of the entry for yachting, n.

yachting, n. was first published in 1921; not yet revised.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1921)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View yachting, vbl. n. in OED Second Edition

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Factsheet for yachting, adj., browse entry.

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• About Ahoy Club

21 Common Yachting Terms Explained

Does it ever feel like yacht enthusiasts speak a whole other language? We get it. Everyone was new to yachting once and we all had to learn what different terms mean. Luckily, you have Ahoy Club to show you the ropes. Brush up on your sea vocabulary with some common definitions in our glossary below.

Essentially, parking your yacht so that you can hop over to shore and explore. It also refers to the literal anchor which holds your yacht in place.

APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)

A deposit paid by charterers to cover expenses during their trip. Expenses may include taxes, harbour fees, food and alcohol.

Base charter rate

The rate that you pay for the hire of your yacht and its crew. This does not include on board expenses and taxes which are covered by your APA (see above).

The total width of the yacht at its widest point.

The bedrooms on your yacht.

A type of yacht with two hulls. It was designed this way for increased stability on the water.

Explorer yacht

A yacht that is built to go to the farthest corners of the globe and into rough terrains. See examples in our past blog .

The territory under which a yacht is registered. The yacht’s flag state will govern the laws and regulations which it must follow.

A traditional motorised sailing yacht typically found in Turkey.

The main body of the yacht floating in the water; covers the front, sides, back and underside.

A boat or yacht’s speed measured in nautical miles per hour (see below).

A large luxury yacht typically measuring over 70m.

A boat with a single hull. May be a sailing yacht, motor yacht, luxury super- or megayacht. See Catamaran above for comparison.

Motor yacht (or M/Y)

A yacht which is powered with engines. 

Nautical mile

A measure of distance on the water. One nautical mile is equal to 1852 metres or 1-minute of latitude on a navigational chart.

Preference sheet

The questionnaire that guests fill out before beginning their charter. It is meant to provide as much information as possible to the captain, crew and chef so that they may meet your preferences for an excellent trip.

Sailing yacht (or S/Y)

A yacht which is primarily powered with wind sails. Most also have motors as a backup.

The main living or lounge area on your yacht. Pronounced ‘sal-on’ not ‘sal-oon’.

A luxury yacht measuring between 24-69m.

A smaller boat housed on your yacht which can be used for transfers to shore, with your watertoys or on short day trips.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

A compulsory consumption tax set out by the countries you are visiting. See our blogs on the recent changes in Italy and France to learn more.

Yachting from A to Z with Ahoy Club

With Ahoy Club, you can expect everything about yacht chartering to be simpler. From our digital platform allowing you to browse thousands of yachts to our concierge team here to help with any questions. Check out our yachts for charter and test out your new yachting lingo ASAP.

Stripes On Yachts: What Do They Mean?

Whether you are new to the yachting industry or an experienced professional, we’ve all asked ourselves the same question at least once in our career, “what do those stripes mean?” This article breaks down the meanings behind these cryptic stripes.

What do Yacht Stripes Mean on Epaulettes?

The epaulettes worn on the shoulders of superyacht crew are a legacy of 17th-century military dress in France —when they were used both as a decorative sign of status and a handy way of stopping your sword belt from slipping off your shoulder.

Epaulettes (also epaulets) were adopted by most world navies by the 18th century as a formal insignia of rank and then made their way into the merchant and leisure cruising industries.

The word ‘epaulettes’ comes from the French ‘épaule’, meaning shoulder, and are black with stripes in either gold or silver braid, with a symbol to designate department.  

Why and When do Yacht Crew Wear Them?

Yacht crew wear epaulettes in their formal dress as a way of signifying their rank and department, as well as adding a certain status to an occasion.

Epaulettes are usually worn while welcoming guests onto the yacht at arrival and on evening service and passerelle watch, but rarely during daytime activities. These small bits of material add formality and are used as a sign of respect to the guests. You will also often wear epaulettes during boat shows or, less commonly, when welcoming officials or marine pilots on board.

Guests can use the epaulettes to know the rank and department of the crew member they are talking to (even if few guests probably know what they all mean!) Knowing the epaulette system is also helpful for crew to identify another’s rank and department at a glance. In contrast, the epaulettes act as a valuable code for the wider industry — for instance, for port officials to recognise a captain upon arrival.

Not all superyachts use epaulettes in their uniform, as they are in no way a legal requirement (as they are in the Navy). But most do — even if just for that first welcome of the boss from the airport.

The Epaulette ‘Ranking’ System The stripes run from 4 to 1 in descending order of rank. Unlike in the cruise ship industry, there are no half-stripes.

You might have noticed that the different colours of the stripes are significant: The gold braid is reserved for deck and engineering roles, while the silver is for interior roles.

Symbols  

• The symbols of anchors and propellers for deck and engineering roles are (hopefully!) self-explanatory.
• The stew’s crescent moon is a throwback to the 1800s when Napoleon introduced crescent-shaped bread to feed his army.
• The quills on a purser’s epaulettes refer to their administrative role.

How to Wear Epaulettes Like You Know What You’re Doing

Now that you know what an epaulette is and what each variation means, it’s your job to a) not lose them and b) wear them the right way up. You might wonder how you could lose an epaulette in a closed environment like a yacht, but trust us, those tiny bits of material sprout legs when you’re not looking.

We strongly suggest that you make a first-day-and-forever habit of always taking your epaulettes off and putting them on the same shelf in the bathroom. And once you’ve found them, always take a quick look to see that you haven’t put them on upside down.

Slipping on your epaulettes for the first time is a rite of passage for any new crew member. Relish the moment. Take a look in the mirror. Look sharp, don’t you?

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Definition of yachting

Examples of yachting in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yachting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1836, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near yachting

Cite this entry.

“Yachting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yachting. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

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How to watch LSU Tigers vs. North Texas Mean Green: TV channel, NCAA Basketball live stream info, start time

How to watch lsu vs. north texas basketball game, who's playing.

North Texas Mean Green @ LSU Tigers

Current Records: North Texas 17-13, LSU 17-14

How To Watch

• When:  Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET
• Where:  Pete Maravich Assembly Center -- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• TV:  SEC Network
• Follow:   CBS Sports App
• Online streaming:   fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• Ticket Cost: $31.00

What to Know

LSU is on a two-game streak of home wins, while North Texas is on a two-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The LSU Tigers and the North Texas Mean Green are set to clash at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in an SEC postseason contest. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

The point spread may have favored LSU last Thursday, but the final result did not. They fell 70-60 to the Bulldogs. LSU has struggled against Miss. State recently, as their match on Thursday was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Despite the loss, LSU had strong showings from Trae Hannibal, who scored 18 points, and Hunter Dean, who scored ten points along with six rebounds.

Meanwhile, North Texas probably aren't too happy after their recent playoff game against Tulane. The Mean Green took a 77-71 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Owls on Friday.

The losing side was boosted by Jason Edwards, who scored 26 points. He didn't help North Texas' cause all that much against Tulane on Thursday but the same can't be said for this game.

The Tigers' defeat dropped their record down to 17-15. As for the Mean Green, their loss dropped their record down to 18-14.

Going forward, LSU is the favorite in this one, as the experts expect to see them win by 2.5 points. For those looking to play the spread, watch out: LSU is playing as the favorites at home, but their 5-8 record against the spread as such isn't exactly encouraging.

LSU didn't have too much breathing room in their match against North Texas in their previous meeting back in November of 2023, but they still walked away with a 66-62 victory. Will LSU repeat their success, or does North Texas have a better game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.

LSU is a slight 2.5-point favorite against North Texas, according to the latest college basketball odds .

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 2.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

The over/under is 135.5 points.

See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now .

Series History

LSU won the only game these two teams have played in the last year.

• Nov 17, 2023 - LSU 66 vs. North Texas 62

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NIT 2024: What to know about National Invitational Tournament schedule, times, TV

The National Invitation Tournament , or NIT, had its selection show Sunday, with 32 teams set to compete in the postseason tournament. First-round games are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19-20.

Here is what you need to know about the NIT in 2024. The first-round matchups are listed below with game times and channel information.

More: Bradley Braves back in NIT with first-round game against Loyola Chicago

What is the 2024 NIT schedule?

Top left bracket.

First round

Saint Joseph's at 1 Seton Hall, 6 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN2)

North Texas at 4 LSU, 6 p.m. Tuesday (SEC Network/ESPN+)

Boston College at 3 Providence, 6 p.m. Tuesday (ESPNU)

UNLV at 2 Princeton, 7 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+)

BOTTOM LEFT BRACKET

Appalachian State at 1 Wake Forest, 7 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+)

Xavier at 4 Georgia, 6 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN)

Richmond at 3 Virginia Tech, 8 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN)

Cornell at 2 Ohio State, 6 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN2)

TOP RIGHT BRACKET

SMU at 1 Indiana State, 6 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+)

Minnesota at 4 Butler, 8 p.m. Tuesday (ESPNU)

Loyola Chicago at 3 Bradley , 6 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+)

San Francisco at 2 Cincinnati, 8 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+)

Prediction for 2024 NIT opener: Bradley vs Loyola Chicago

BOTTOM RIGHT BRACKET

VCU at 1 Villanova, 8 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN2)

South Florida at 4 UCF, 8 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN+)

Kansas State at 3 Iowa, 8 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN)

UC Irvine at 2 Utah, 10 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN2)

More: LSU basketball makes NIT, set to play North Texas in first round

When is the 2024 NIT?

Played every year since 1938 — except in 2020 — the NIT has been known for games being played on college campuses in the opening rounds instead of a neutral site, with the semifinal and final round at Madison Square Garden in New York City. After one year in Las Vegas, the semifinals and final in 2024 are scheduled for Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

First round: March 19-20, campus sites

Second round: March 23-24, campus sites

Quarterfinals: March 26-27, campus sites

Semifinals: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. April 2, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

Championship: 6 p.m. April 4, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

How are teams selected for the NIT?

The NIT selects 32 teams that don't make the NCAA Tournament. The first 12 teams selected to the NIT field will be the remaining top two teams in the NET ranking from each of the six largest conferences: Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern. After those 12 automatic bids, the NIT committee selects the "20 best teams available" to complete the field, according to a news release. These 20 can come from any conference. Regular-season champions who do not win their league tournament no longer earn an automatic bid.

How is the 2024 NIT seeded?

The NIT will seed 16 teams. The 12 automatic-qualifying teams will be seeded and given a chance to host, as will four of the 20 at-large teams, with "deference given" to the first four teams left out of the NCAA Tournament, according to the NCAA. The 16 seeded teams are spread among the quadrants and the opponents will be placed by geography where possible.

More: Indiana State has to turn attention to NIT vs. SMU as Sycamores miss out on March Madness.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Full 2024 NIT bracket, schedule, game times, results and scores

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Downloadable Content

Coming soon, about this content, new endgame crisis, new player crisis path, individualistic machines, new cybernetic and synthetic reactive portraits, new situations and advanced authority swap, 3 new origins.

• Cybernetic Creed - Your empire pursues a divine calling: the holy fusion of the body and cybernetics. Augmentation is worship.
• Synthetic Fertility - Once a thriving society, a novel genetic disease leaves your empire unable to reproduce biologically. Digital salvation seems the only option to avoid extinction.
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System Requirements

• OS: Windows® 10 Home 64 Bit
• Processor: Intel® iCore™ i3-530 or AMD® FX-6350
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 460 or AMD® ATI Radeon™ HD 5870 (1GB VRAM), or AMD® Radeon™ RX Vega 11 or Intel® HD Graphics 4600
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 10 GB available space
• Sound Card: Direct X 9.0c- compatible sound card
• Additional Notes: Controller support: 3-button mouse, keyboard and speakers. Special multiplayer requirements: Internet Connection
• Processor: Intel® iCore™ i5-3570K or AMD® Ryzen™ 5 2400G
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 560 Ti (1GB VRAM) or AMD® Radeon™ R7 370 (2 GB VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 12
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card
• OS: 10.11 (El Capitan)
• Processor: Intel® iCore™ i5-4570S
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GT 750M or equivalent AMD® card with 1GB Vram
• OS: 10.13 (High Sierra)
• Processor: Intel® iCore™ i5-4670
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 780M with 4GB Vram or AMD® Radeon™ R7 370 (2 GB VRAM)
• OS: Ubuntu 20.04 x64
• Storage: 12 GB available space

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In Britain’s degraded politics, fighting racism has become a cynical game

This goes far beyond a Tory donor’s racist comments about Diane Abbott, and Labour’s opportunistic response

“T he very serious function of racism is distraction,” Toni Morrison argued in a lecture in Portland, Oregon, in 1975. “ It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and so you spend 20 years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says that you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says that you have no kingdoms, and so you dredge that up. None of that is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”

So, in the furore over Frank Hester’s comments , let us not be distracted by the question of whether they were racist. Let us not demean ourselves by explaining why the statement “you see Diane Abbott on the TV and … you just want to hate all Black women” is racist. We do not need to explain that this is not a question of rudeness. Racism is an issue of power and equality, not politeness and etiquette. Those who don’t get it, won’t get it.

Nor should we squander any time on how the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, should respond. Less than two weeks ago he took the extraordinary step of addressing the nation from outside 10 Downing Street to denounce the fact that “MPs do not feel safe in their homes” and that “longstanding parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns”.

Now he defends taking millions of pounds from Hester, who said he thought that Diane Abbott “should be shot”. That is hypocrisy. It’s not a tough call. Sunak may be the first British-Asian prime minister. But that merely describes the ethnicity and job title of the hypocrite. Adding the adjectives does not change the noun.

He may lead one of the most diverse cabinets in history, but that does not alter the fact that this version of diversity is being bankrolled by a man whose best defence is that he “doesn’t hate all Black women at all”. That is nobody’s contradiction but their own.

What, however, is worth spending time on is an exploration of how this incident goes beyond one rich man and the spineless leader he bankrolls, to the racial degradation of our discourse, the instrumentalisation of our grievances and the utter contempt for our intelligence.

It is right to call for Sunak to return the money. But when it comes to this particular issue, the Labour party does not have the moral authority to make that demand, and its opportunistic sanctimony in doing so is difficult to stomach.

Hester did not invent British racism. His comments are the product of it. In the run-up to the 2017 election, an Amnesty International investigation found that Abbott had attracted almost half of all the online abuse directed at female MPs. Hester’s comments illustrate a confidence that he could disparage Abbott in the most heinous manner and get away with it. It’s as though she was nothing.

It is not difficult to see why Hester thought Britain’s first Black female MP was fair game.

Abbott had frequently been treated with the utmost disrespect by her own Labour colleagues. In the first parliamentary Labour party meeting after Jeremy Corbyn became leader, Jess Phillips, a newly elected MP, boasted that she told Abbott , the then shadow international development secretary and an MP of 28 years, to “fuck off” in front of their colleagues. (Abbott denies this happened.) Phillips then invited a pile-on. “People said to me they had always wanted to say that to her, and I don’t know why they don’t as the opportunity presents itself every other minute,” she said. She later apologised.

A couple of years later, according to a leaked internal report , Labour officials hostile to Corbyn mocked Abbott for crying in the toilets and suggested telling a journalist where she was. One official called Abbott an “angry woman” (a clear racist trope) while another called her “repulsive”. To my knowledge, none of them have apologised.

The Forde report on factionalism in the Labour party, commissioned by Keir Starmer and conducted by the barrister Martin Forde KC, found that the criticisms of Abbott “are not simply a harsh response to perceived poor performance – they are expressions of visceral disgust, drawing (consciously or otherwise) on racist tropes, and they bear little resemblance to the criticisms of white male MPs elsewhere in the messages”.

Forde concluded that racism in the party is experienced through “hearing the particular disdain which colleagues reserve for (for example) ethnic minority MPs”, among other ways.

No one, including Abbott herself, denies she has made mistakes. Last year she sent an appalling letter to the Observer claiming that “Irish, Jewish and Traveller people” do not suffer racism “all their lives”. The criticism that the letter was antisemitic was, if anything, too narrow. She was wrong about everything and everyone, not just Jews. Within hours she had apologised profusely and had been suspended from the party, pending an investigation.

Meanwhile Darren Rodwell, who is white and had told the audience at a Black History Month event in Barking that he had the “worst tan possible for a Black man” but had the “passion and the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean” was cleared of wrongdoing by the party and remains Barking’s official Labour candidate.

More than 10 months later, Abbott is still suspended. One wonders what more there is to investigate, apart from whether Black women are allowed a second chance and whether the issues of MP security apply to them.

So when Labour lambasts Sunak for his unprincipled and unconvincing response to Hester’s comments, it does not do so in defence of Abbott: those now in charge of the party have been complicit in insulting her for years. Nor is it motivated by combating the levels of anti-Black racism in politics: almost a year after his report came out, Forde lamented that no one from the party had even contacted him to discuss his recommendations.

Labour pursues it because it can score clear political points against its adversaries. That is the definition of instrumentalisation. It is not only cynical, it is dangerous. Racism is not a game. It is a serious issue that affects the lives of millions of people. When a party or faction exploits racism for its own political or electoral advantage, it cheapens the accusation and deepens the cynicism. What it does not do is address the racism or advance the cause of equality.

It is a distraction. It’s clear what it does for Labour. It’s not clear what it does for Black people, or for Abbott.

Gary Younge is a sociology professor at the University of Manchester. His most recent book is Dispatches from the Diaspora: from Nelson Mandela to Black Lives Matter

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here .

• Diane Abbott
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March Madness: These teams will be in Indianapolis for NCAA tournament first, second rounds

Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host first- and second-round 2024 NCAA tournament games, highlighted by No. 1 Midwest Region seed Purdue . The Boilermakers — who famously have had trouble in the early rounds in recent seasons — will meet the winner of a play-in game.

Here's who are playing on Friday, March 22, 2024. The winners of these games play Sunday, March 24. Here's ticket information .

Midwest Region

No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 16 Montana State/Grambling State, 7:25 p.m. ET, TBS

Montana State (17-17) finished fifth in the Big Sky Conference but won three games in the conference tournament. Grambling State (20-14) swept the Southwestern Athletic regular-season and tournament titles. They meet Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio.

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On the schedule: No. 1 seed Purdue will face 16-seed play-in winner

Rough starts: March Madness hasn't been kind to Purdue in recent seasons

No. 8 Utah State vs. No. 9 TCU, approx. 9:55 p.m. ET, TBS

The Aggies (27-6) come from the tough Mountain West (six NCAA Tournament bids), while TCU (20-12) is from the tough Big 12 (eight bids).

South Region

No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 winner of the Boise State/Colorado play-in game, approx. 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS

Walter Clayton Jr. leads four Gators (24-11) in double figures (18.3 points per game). Boise State (22-10) and Colorado (24-10) will play Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio.

No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Western Kentucky, 2 p.m. ET, TBS

Marquette (25-9) is the Big East tournament runner-up, but has played recently without injured point guard Tyler Kolek. Western Kentucky (22-11) features a couple of notable transfers: Brandon Newman from Purdue, and Khristian Lander from Indiana.

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How to sail: A-Z of Yachting Terms

When learning how to sail have you ever wondered when you are on a yacht what some of those yachting terms mean, we have asked our RYA Training Centre pupils which ones confuse the most. Here are a selection, which includes the obvious to the more obscure!

A baft: A location on the boat but further to the rear of the boat. “The tiller is abaft the mast.”

A beam: The beam is the widest part of the boat. When another boat is abeam, it is at a right angle off the beam to either the starboard or port side of the boat you are on.

A ft: When on a boat you refer to the stern part of the boat as being aft or to the rear of the boat.

A head: A term used to describe the area in front of the boat you are on. “Look ahead.”

A ids to Navigation: This includes all external systems like channel markers, preferred route buoys, danger and safe water buoys, isolated danger and regulatory markers etc. that help determine a boats position or course, the presence of dangers or obstructions and the preferred route to navigate.

A midships: In the middle of the boat between the stern and the bow.

A pparent Wind: The apparent wind is a combination of the true wind and the wind caused by the boat travelling through the water. On an windex, the apparent wind will cause the windex to show wind direction just in front of the true wind.

A stern: A location off the boat and behind it.

B ulkhead – Refers to an often watertight, interior wall on the boat

Backing Wind: Refers to the wind shifting direction in a counter-clockwise direction. This usually means that bad weather is approaching.

Backstay: A wire running from the top of the mast to the stern of the boat. The backstay stops the mast from falling forward and also helps to control the degree of mast bend when tuning a boat.

Battens: Wood, fiberglass or plastic strips slid into pockets along the leech of the sail. Battens help to shape and strengthen the sail to increase overall performance.

Beam: The widest part of the boat.

Beam Reaching: One of the points of sail. You are ‘beam reaching’ when sailing directly sideways to the wind on either a port or starboard tack. Think of a clock face – if the wind is blowing from 12 o’clock, sailing at between 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock would be a beam reach.

Bearing Away: Turning away from the wind or turning downwind.

Beating: Sailing towards the wind by tacking back and forth across the wind.

Belayed: Secured, tied to, made fast to.

Bend On: To secure one thing to another. Tieing two lines together.

Bifurcation: A channel junction (two channels meeting) usually marked by a ‘bifurcation buoy’ indicating the perferred channel to follow.

Bight: A loop or bend in a line.

Bilge: The lowest inner part of a boats hull.

Bitter End: The utmost free end of a line. (The other end is referred to as the ‘Standing Line’).

Boat Wind: The wind created by the boat moving through the water. The true wind and the boat wind combine to create the apparent wind direction.

Boat Fall: Rigging used to raise or lower a ship’s boat.

Boat Painter: Rope tied to the front end of a boat used to either tow a boat or to secure it to a dock.

Bollard: Wooden or iron post on a pier to which the boat is secured.

Boom: The boom is the pole running aft from the mast to which (among other things) the foot of the mainsail is attached.

Bowline: A very strong and yet easy to untie knot that creates a loop in the end of a line.

Breastlines: Mooring lines that run from the bow and the stern at right angles to the dock to stop the boat from drifting out from the dock.

Broad Reach: One of the points of sail. Sailing downwind off to the port or starboard side. Think of a clock face – if the wind is blowing from 12 o’clock, sailing at between 4-5 o’clock or between 7-8 o’clock would be a broad reach.

By the Lee: Sailing downwind with the mainsail remaining on the same side of the boat that the wind is hitting. If you are sailing downwind on a port tack, typically the mainsail would be off the starboard side of the boat. When sailing ‘by the lee’, the mainsail in the same situation would remain on the port side of the boat out at a 90 degree angle to the boat.

C lew – The lower aft corner of a sail

Cabin: The below deck living quarters.

Cable: Measurement of distance equal to 0.1 nautical mile.

Cam cleat: A fitting through which a line is run through. The cam cleat consists of two cams that wedge against the line stopping it from being pulled out.

Cardinal Aids to Navigation: Buoys with indicate the location of hazards, safe water or deep water by reference to the four cardinal points of a compass (North, South, East, West).(See our section on buoys for a more complete explanation.)

Catboat: A boat with one mast flying no foresail (jib).

Cast Off: To release the lines allowing the boat to leave it’s mooring.

Chainplates: Very strong metal plates affixed to the hull to which the forestay, backstay and shrouds are attached.

Chart Datum: For navigational safety, depths on a chart are shown from a low-water surface or a low-water datum called chart datum. Chart datum is selected so that the water level will seldom fall below it and only rarely will there be less depth available than what is portrayed on the chart

Chock: a metal fitting, either oval or U-shaped, through which mooring lines are passed. Chocks help reduce abrasion saving the lines from excessive wear and tear.

Cleat: A small, metal deck fitting with horns used for securing lines (belaying).

Clew: The lower rear corner of a sail.

Close Reach: Point of sail – sailing against the wind at an angle somewhere between a Beam Reach and Close Hauled. Think of a clock face – if the wind is blowing from 12 o’clock, sailing at 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock would be a close reach.

Close Hauled: Point of sail – sailng as close to the wind (sharp angle to the wind) as possible without the sailings luffing (fluttering).

Cockpit: The open inset area from where the boat is steered.

Companionway: Stairs or ladder on a boat usually leading down to the cabin.

Cringles: Open metal rings inserted into the sail (also called grommets) used as reefing points for a sail but also found at the clew, head and tack of the sail to attach halyards, lines, outhauls etc.

Cunningham: A line used to adjust the forward edge of the mainsail. Usually runs from the tack of the sail to the front area of the boom.

Current: The horizontal flow of water. (Tide is the vertical flow of water.)

Cutter: A cutter has one mast but sails with two foresails.

D raft – This describes the depth of a boat measured from the deepest point to the waterline

Davit: A crane onboard that can be swung out over the side for hoisting or lowering boats.

Dead Reckoning: Navigational term – method used to plot the course already travelled by measuring speed and time to calculate distance.

Deep Six: A slang term meaning to discard something over the side of the boat.

Degree: A distance of measurement on a nautical chart. One degree equals 60 nautical miles. Each degree is broken down into 60 minute intervals. One minute of one degree equals 1 nautical mile.

Deviation: A ship’s magnetic compass reading can be affected by metal objects on the boat (electronic equipment etc). The difference between the correct magnetic reading and the ships compass magnetic reading is called deviation. Deviation will vary depending on the direction of the boat.

Dog: A metal fitting used to secure watertight doors, hatch covers and scuttles.

Downhaul: A line attached to the tack of the sail and used to pull down or tighten the mainsail to increase sale efficiency.

E ase: To let out or ‘ease off’ a line.

E nsign – The national flag of the boats home country

F Fairleads: A metal fitting through which lines are run to in order to change the direction of the lines while reducing friction on the lines.

Fairway: Sailing on inland waters, fairway means an open channel or being in midchannel.

Fast: To make fast. To secure (snugly tie) a line to something.

Fathoms: A unit of measurement. One fathon equals 6 feet.

Fenders: Cylindrical air filled plastic or rubber bumpers hung off the side of a boat or dock to prevent damage to both dock and boat.

Fetch: The distance over open water the wind has blown.

Faked: A line is faked by zig zagging it back and forth so that when it is used it will not tangle on itself.

Flaked:A sail is flaked when lowered. Flaking a sail is the process of folding the sail back and forth upon itself like the blades on a paper fan. Flaking a sail will help prolong the sail life.

Foot (Sail): The foot of a sail is the lower part of the sail. In the case of a mainsail, this is the part of the sail that runs along the boom.

F orepeak- The cabin most forward in the bow of the boat

Forestay: The forestay is a wire that runs from the top of the mast (or near the top of the mast) to the bow of the boat. The forestay supports the mast from falling backwards and is also used in shaping the bend in the mast for maximum efficiency. The luff (front) of the foresails (jib, genoa) are also generally attached to the forestay depending on the rigging system.

Forward: When on a boat, forward means towards the bow. “Move forward” – move towards the front of the boat.

Galley: The boat’s kitchen.

Genoa: The Genoa is a foresail that is larger than a jib. The clew (lower corner at the foot of the sail) extends aft of the mast unlike a jib.

Give-way Boat: Navigational rules – the boat not having the right-of-way. The Give-way boat must stay clear of the Stand-on boat. The Give-way boat must make it’s intentions known by making a decisive maneuver to alert the Stand-on boat.

Gooseneck: This is a metal fitting that attaches the boom to the mast.

G oosewinging – To sail downwind with the mainsail set on one side and the foresail on the other

Gybing: Sailing down wind and turning through the wind causing the sails to move from one side of the boat to the other.

Gybe ho: Term used by the helmsman to let his crew know that he has started to turn the boat into a gybe.

H alyard – A line which is used to raise things on a boat, so the main halyard line would be used to raise the mainsail

Halyards: Lines used to lower and raise sails.

Hanks: Clips found along the luff (front) of the foresail used to clip the sail onto the forestay (wire running from the bow to the top or near the top of the mast).

Hard over: Turning the wheel or pushing the tiller all the way over.

Head: Generally used to refer to the boat’s toilet. When talking about a sail, the Head is the top of the sail.

Head to Wind: The bow of the boat is pointed directly into the wind.

Heading up: Turning up more into the wind.

Heaving to: A way to, in effect, stall a sailboat by backing the jib, easing out the mainsail and turning the rudder hard into the wind. The forward wind pressure on the foresail wants to force the bow downwind. The rudder turned towards the wind wants to force the bow windward. These two counter effects balance each other causing the boat to hold it’s position with little movement. The mainsail is eased out all the way so that it does not catch any wind and therefore has no bearing on the boats postion.

Heeling: Leaning or heeling over caused by wind pressure on the sails.

Helm: The Helm is the steering mechanism of the boat (wheel or tiller). The person at the helm is called the helmsman.

Helms Alee: A term used by the helmsman to notify the crew that he has started to tack. Hypothermia: A dangerous condition where the body core temperature has been lowered causing extreme shivering, loss of co-ordination, in ability to make decisions and in extreme cases, loss of conciousness and even death.

I nlet – A recess, such as a cove or bay, along a coastline

In Irons: This occurs where the boat has been turned directly into the wind and has lost all forward momentum. Without forward momentum the boat loses it’s ability to steer.

J ackstay – A strong line, that can be made of wire, which runs fore and aft alongside the boat that can be used to attach your safety harness to.

Jacob’s ladder: A light ladder made of rope or chain with metal or wooden rungs used over the side or aloft.

Jib: The jib is a foresail (smaller than a genoa). The jib is about the same size as the triangular area between the forestay, mast and foredeck.

Jiffy reefing: This is a way to make the mainsail smaller by partially lowering it, tying or reefing the lower slack part of the sail onto the boom through gromets (holes in the sail) called reefing points. This is done in high wind conditions to power down the sail.

Jury rig: Makeshift – adapting parts and materials for a use not specifically designed for in order to get by until proper parts or repairs can be obtained.

K etch – A sailboat with 2 masts

Kedging: A method used to free a grounded boat by dropping it’s anchor in deeper water and then pulling on the anchor rode to attempt to free the boat.

Keel: The large heavily weighted fin like structure secured to the bottom of the boat. The keel helps to keep the boat upright and also reduces leeway (side slipping across the wind).

Ketch: A two masted boat. The second and smaller mast (mizzen) is positioned just forward of the rudder post.

Knot: Rate of speed. On land it is miles per hour, on the water it is knots (nautical miles) per hours. One knot equals 1.15 land miles – so one knot is just a bit faster than one mph.

L eeway – The sideways movement of a boat caused by wind and currents

Lateral Aids to Navigation: channel buoys (Red & Green), isolated danger buoys (Black & Red), safe water ahead (Red & White), regulatory buoys (Yellow), bifurcation buoys (Black & Yellow) plus channel identification markers and navigation markers are all considered Laterial Aids to Navigation.

Lazarette: A storage compartment, usually under the seats of the cockpit.

Lee Helm: Also called Weather Helm, this is the tendancy of the boat to turn into the wind once it has heeled over at a sharp angle.

Lee Shore: Feared by most sailors, this is the downwind shore from the boat.

Leech: The rear edge of the foresail or the mainsail running from the head (top) to the clew (rear corner) of the sail.

Leeward: Downwind.

Leeway: When a boat sails across the wind, the force of the wind causes the boat to slip sideways. This drifting or sideway motion is known as Leeway.

Lifelines: The lines running around the outside of the deck creating a railing. The lines are attached to stanchions (upright metal posts).

Luff: The forward edge of a sail running from head to tack (front corner of the sail).

Luffing: A sail is luffing when it starts to flutter in the wind. The term Luff is also used to describe the same situation. “The sail is starting to luff.”

Luff Up: To turn into the wind to cause the sails to start luffing.

M ultihull – Any boat that has more than one hull, such as a catamaran.

Made fast: Secured to.

Mast: The upright pole supported by the shrouds, forestay and backstay to which the sails are attached.

Masthead fly: A windvane attached to the top of the mast to show which direction was wind is coming from.

Monkey fist: A type of knot, heavy in nature and tied to the end of the rope. The weighted knot makes it easier to throw the rope a farther distance.

Mooring ball: An anchored ball to which you can secure your boat. Safer alternative to anchoring provided the mooring ball and lines are in good condition.

Mooring lines: Lines used to secure a boat to a dock or mooring ball.

MSD: Marine sanitation device (toilet).

N eap tide – When during the four week tidal cycle, the tide rises and drops the least.

Nautical mile (NM): International standard for measuring distance on water. One nautical mile equals one minute of latitude. (One nautical mile equals 1.15 land miles.)

O uthaul – This is a line used to tension the foot of the sail, to better control the curvature of the sail

P ulpit – A sturdy rail around the deck on the bow, normally surrounding the forestay

Pad eye: A metal eye (ring) through which lines can be passed in order to stop chaffing.

Painter: The bow line of a dinghy.

P-effect (Prop Walk): When a boat is in a standstill position and put into forward or reverse, the resistance of the boat to move and the motion of the propeller creates a paddlewheel effect pulling the stern of the boat to either port or starboard side depending on the spin of the propeller. This paddlewheel effect is known as P-effect or Prop Walk. P-effect is especially noticable in reverse where there is greater boat resistance to move backwards thus making it easier for the prop to pull the boat sideways.

PFD: Personal Floatation Device – life jacket.

Pintle and gudgeon: The pintle and the gudgeon together form a swinging hinge usually associated with the installation of the rudder on smaller tiller steered boats. The pintle has pins that fit into the holes on the gudgeon thus creating a hinge like fitting.

Points of sail: A reference for the direction the boat is travelling in relation to the wind. (in irons, close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, running)

Port: When on a boat and facing forward, the left hand side of the boat.

Port tack: Sailing across the wind so that the wind hits the port (left) side of the boat first.

Pulpit: Located at the bow of the boat, this area is enclosed by a metal railing.

Pushpit: Located at the stern of the boat and like the pulpit, this area is enclosed by a metal railing.

Q uadrant – This is a device connected to the rudder that the steering cables attach to

R egatta – Boat races

S hroud – The wires at the side that hold the mast up

Schooner: A sailboat that has two masts both the same height or on some schooners, the aft mast is higher than the fore mast.

Scope: Expressed in terms of a ratio, it is the length of the anchor rode let out compared to height above the sea bed. Height is measured not from the water line but from the top of the deck to the sea bed. A safe anchoring ratio is 1:7 which translates to 7 feet of anchor rode for every foot of height. Many sailors incorrectly assume that height means water depth and therefore find themselves dragging the anchor for lack of proper scope.

Seaworthy: A boat that is fit to be sailed at sea.

Self-bailing cockpit: A cockpit that allows water to drain automatically from the cockpit to the outside of the boat.

Shackles: Metal fittings (often U shaped) that open and close with a pin across the top of the ‘U’. Lines and halyards often use shackles. The mainsail halyard is secured to the head of the mainsail with the use of a shackle.

Sheave: A roller/wheel to guide a line or wire.

Sheets: Lines that are used to adjust sails by either pulling them in or by letting them out.

Shrouds: Also called sidestays, shrouds are the metal wires found on both sides of the mast running from the deck to the top or near top of the mast. The shrouds support the mast by providing lateral support.

Slack water: The period between the flood (tidal water moving in) and the ebb (tidal water moving out) where the water has in effect stalled – little or no movement.

Slides: The groove in the mast to which the luff (front side) of the mainsail is inserted. The slides hold the sail tight against the mast and allows the sail to be easily raised or lowered.

Sloop: a sailboat that has one mast and sails with the mainsail and one foresail.

Soundings: Water depths.

Spar: A spar can refer to any of the following: mast, boom or a pole.

Spinnaker: A large balloon-like foresail used for sailing downwind (running or broad reach).

Spinnaker pole: The spinnaker pole is boom-like in nature, but smaller and lighter, and attaches to fore part of the mast a few feet up from the deck. The other end of the spinnaker pole attaches to the leeward (down wind) base of the spinnaker.

Spreaders: Bars extending sideways from the mast (gives the mast a cross-like appearance). The spreaders hold out the shrouds so that they do not interfer with the rigging.

Springlines: Springlines are used to secure a boat to a dock and stop the boat from moving forward or backwards. The aft springline runs from a point on the boat near the bow to a point aft on the dock. The forward springline runs from a point on the boat near the stern to a point forward on the dock.

Squall: A sudden isolated storm associated with potentially high wind gusts.

Stanchions: Upright metal posts running around the outside of the deck supporting the lifelines.

Stand: This refers to the short period of time where the tide is neither rising or falling. (At a stand still.)

Standing rigging: Standing rigging includes the forestay, backstay and the shrouds. Unlike the ‘running rigging’, the standing rigging is generally only adjusted when the boat is not underway.

Stand-on boat: The boat that must retain her current course and rate of speed in order to avoid a potential collision with an approaching give-way boat.

Starboard: As you face towards the bow on a boat, starboard is the right hand side of the boat.

Starboard tack: Sailing across the wind with the wind hitting the starboard (right) side of the boat first.

Steerage: The ability of the boat to be steered. In order for a rudder to be effective in steering a boat, there must be boat movement. A boat not moving cannot be steered.

Stern: The most aft part of a boat (the very back of the boat).

Storm jib: Same as a jib but not as big. The smaller sail is used in high wind conditions.

T ender – A small boat or dinghy used to ferry crew between the boat and shore

Tack: The front lower corner of a sail. Also means to sail back and forth across the wind in either a port or starboard tack.

Tacking: Also called “Coming About”. Tacking is when the bow of the boat is turned through the wind onto the opposite tack.

Tail: The bitter end of a sheet tailing out from a winch.

Tang: A metal fitting used to affix the stays to the mast.

Telltails: (Also called Ticklers) These are small strings (wool, plastic) attached to both sides of the luff of the sail. When the telltails on both sides of the sail are blowing straight back, this indicates that the sail has been properly trimmed.

Through hulls: Through hulls are holes that go through the boat. Each through hull will have a shuttle cock (value) to stop the flow of water. An example of a through hull would be the head (bathroom). A through hull value is opened so that water from outside the boat can be pumped into the MSD (toilet). The value is closed and the toilet pumped empty into a holding tank.

Tide: The vertical rise and fall the oceans.

Tide rips: This is an area of rough water where the wind is blowing across the water in the opposite direction from which strong tidal current is flowing.

Tiller: In boats that are not steered by a wheel, a tiller (long handle) is attached to the top of the rudder in order to facilitate steering.

Toe rail: A small metal railing running around the outside of the deck used to support your feet.

Topping lift: A line running from the top of the mast to the end of the boom. The topping lift supports the boom when the sail has been lowered.

Topside: The portion of the hull above the water line.

Transom: The flat area across the stern of the boat.

Trim: To trim or adjust the sail to make it more effective against the wind.

True wind: The actual wind felt wind the boat is not moving.

Turnbuckles: Adjustable fittings usually attached at the end of shrouds and stays. Turning the turnbuckle one way or the other tightens or loosens the wire.

U nfurl – To unroll a sail

Upstream: Moving from seaward into harbor, moving with the flood of the tide, moving up river toward the headwaters.

V ane – A wind direction indicator

Veering: A wind shift in the clockwise direction usually indicating that good weather is approaching.

W inch – A mechanical device for pulling in a line

Wake: The waves created behind a boat as a result of the boat moving through the water.

Way: Movement of the boat.

Weather helm: The tendancy of the boat to turn up wind after heeling (leaning over).

Wheel: Controls the rudder. Taking control of the wheel is taking the helm.

Winch: Provides a mechanical advantage. Used to raise the sails, tighten the sheets and other lines.

Windward: Towards the wind.

Wing to wing: Running (sail directly downwind) with the mainsail out one side of the boat and the foresail out the other side of the boat.

X marks the spot on the treasure map!

Y awing – The side to side movement of a boat on an uneven course

Yawl: A sailboat that has two masts. The aft mast (mizzen) is shorter than the foremast. The mizzen mast is located aft the rudder post. (On a Ketch, the mizzen mast is located fore of the rudder post – this is the distinquishing factor between the two.)

Z ephyr – A very light westerly wind

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