Safety Harness, Safety-Harness-Lifeline, Safety Rigging, Sail, Sailboat,
Sailing, Sailing-On-A-Run, Sailing Scow, Sailing Twine, Sailing Vessel,
Sailmaker's Palm, Sailor, Sailors Kit, Sails, Sail Shape, Sail-Tie,
Sail Track, Sail Trim, Salinity, Salon, Salt, Salt Water, Salt Water Sailing,
Salvage, Salvor, Samson Post, Sand Bar, SARSAT, Satellite Navigation,
Scend, Schooner, Sciatic Stay, Scope, Scow, Screw, Scud, Sculling,
Scuppers, Scurvy, Scuttle, Scuttlebutt, Sea, Sea Anchor, Sea-Bed,
Sea Breeze, Sea Buoy, Sea Coast, Sea Cock, Sea Floor, Sea Level,
Sea Room, Seagoing, Seamanlike, Seamanship, Sector Light, Secondary Port,
Secure, Securite, Seiche, Seismic Sea Wave, Seizing, Self-Bailers,
Self-Steering-Gear, Self-Tailer, Self-Tailing-Winch, Semaphore,
Semidiurnal, Sentinel, Separation Zone, Serve, Set, Set-Sail, Sextant,
Shackle, Shake Out, Shakedown Cruise, Shank, Shape, Shear-Pin, Sheathing,
Sheave, Sheepshank, Sheer, Sheer Strake, Sheet, Sheet-Bend, Shipshape,
Shoal, Shoelace Knot, Shooting Up, Shore, Shoreboat, Shoreline, Shove-Off,
Shroud-Laid, Shrouds, Shy, Side Deck, Side Lights, Sideslip, Sidestays,
Sight Reduction Tables, Signal Flag, Signal Halyard, Singlehanded,
Singlehander, Single-Side-Band (SSB) Radio, Sink, Sister Block, Skeg,
Skiff, Skipper, Skull-And-Crossbones, Slack, Slack Water, S-Laid Rope,
Slide, Slip, Slip-Knot, Sloop, Sloop-Rig, Slot, Snaps, Snap Hook,
Snarled Line, Snatchblock, Snub, Snubbing Winch, Snuffer, Snuffing, Sock,
Soft Eye, Solar Day, Sole, Sound, Sounding, South Pole, Southern Cross,
Spar, Spar Buoy, Spell, Spherical Buoy, Spider Band, Spilling Wind,
Spindle Buoy, Spinlock-Halyard-Clutch, Spinlock Jammer, Spinnaker,
Spinnaker Halyard, Spinnaker Pole, Spinnaker Pole Topping-Lift/Downhaul,
Spinnaker Sleeve, Spitfire, Splice, Splicing The Main Brace, Spreaders,
Spring Lines, Spring Tide, Sprit, Squall, Square Knot, Square Rig,
Square Sail, Stanchion, Stand-On-Vessel, Standard Port, Standard Time,
Standing Part, Standing Rigging, Standing Wave, Starboard, Starboard Tack,
Starting Line, Stateroom, Stationary Wave, Stationary-Wave-Theory,
Statute Mile, Stays, Staysail, Steady Course, Steadying Sail, Steaming Light,
Steep Seas, Steer, Steerage Way, Steering Compass, Steering Pedestal,
Steering Wheel, Stem, Stem Band, Stemhead, Stemhead Fitting, Step, Stepped,
Stepping, Stern, Stern Ladder, Stern Light, Stern Line, Sternpost,
Stern Pulpit, Sternway, Stick, Stiff, Stock, Stock Anchor, Stockless Anchor,
Stopper, Stopper Knot, Stores, Storm Jib, Storm Sail, Stow Strait, Strike,
Struck, Strum Box, Stuffing Box, S-Twist, Superstructure, Surf, Surge,
Swab, Swallow, Swamp, Swell, Swim Platform, Swim Step, Swing-A-Compass,
Swing Keel, Swinging Circle, Swinging Room, Swinging Ship, Syzygy.
SAFETY HARNESS
Strong webbing worn over the shoulders and around a person's upper body,
with a stainless steel eye fastened to the Harness at chest level. The
eye on the Harness is used to connect the Carbine Hook at one end of the
Safety-Harness-Lifeline, while the Carbine Hook on the other end of the
Lifeline is Shackled to a Jackstay or any other part of the Boat's
superstructure. The Safety Harness is used to prevent a person from
becoming separated from the Boat, especially during Heavy Weather.
SAFETY-HARNESS-LIFELINE
(Lifeline)
Specially designed material used specifically for the purpose of being
attached to a Safety Harness. Most Safety-Harness-Lifelines have two
non-magnetic Carbine Hooks fastened at each end of the Lifeline and a
Carbine Hook attached half way along the Lifeline so that one can
maneuver about the Deck and still remain Shackled to the Boat.
SAFETY RIGGING
(See JACKSTAY #1)
SAIL
An area of Canvas or fabric configured to be Rigged on Spars and
Trimmed for the purpose of catching the Wind to propel a Sailboat.
(Also, see SAILING)
SAILBOAT
(Sailing Vessel)
A Vessel propelled primarily by Wind power on its Sails.
SAILING
(To Sail)
Making Way on a Vessel under Sail.
SAILING-ON-A-RUN
(SOAR)
(See DEAD-DOWN-WIND)
SAILING SCOW
(Bilgeboard Sailboat)
(See SCOW)
SAILING TWINE
Small two-fiber strand, used for Whipping, Seizing, and Lashing
larger Lines.
(Also, see MARLINE)
SAILING VESSEL
(See SAILBOAT)
SAILMAKER'S PALM
(Palm)
A stiff rawhide or metal shield worn over the palm of the hand, used
as a thimble when sewing Sails or canvas.
SAILOR
(Mariner)
One who Sails, whether it be Crew or Skipper.
(Also, see YACHTSMAN)
SAILORS KIT
(Kit)
A small duffel bag brought Aboard in which a Sailor accesses and Stows
personal belongings.
(Also, see DITTY BAG)
SAILS
(Canvas)
[Plural for Sail]
SAIL SHAPE
The optimum aerodynamic configuration of a Sail.
(Also, see SAIL TRIM)
SAIL-TIE
A Lanyard or bungy chord tied around Flaked or Furled Sails.
(Also, see MARLING HITCH)
SAIL TRACK
(See Mast Track)
SAIL TRIM
(Trim)
To adjust Sails and Rigging so that the Vessel is Sailing at its
highest efficiency.
(Also, see SAIL SHAPE)
SALINITY
The amount of salt that is dissolved in water, measured in parts per
thousand. The Salinity of the Ocean varies as a result of evaporation,
precipitation, and other factors such as depth and area of water.
Salt Water differs from Fresh Water (i.e., Bodies Of Water without
Salt), in that Salt Water has a higher density than Fresh Water.
SALON
The area On Board a Vessel, usually next to the Galley, where
people eat and meet.
SALT
(Old Salt)
1. A Sailor with lots of Time-On-The-Water.
2. Sodium Chloride.
SALT WATER
The saline water of Seas and Oceans, which have varying degrees of Salinity.
SALT WATER SAILING
Sailing on the Seas or Oceans.
SALVAGE
An award (i.e., a percentage of the Salvaged Vessel's post-casualty
value) to a Salvor and Crew for the successful rescue of the Vessel
and passengers Aboard from Peril at Sea.
SALVOR
One who Salvages.
SAMSON POST
A strong metal Fitting with a horizontal Normanpin, firmly mounted on
the Foredeck of large Vessels, to which Line or Rope is Belayed.
(Also, see BITT)
SAND BAR
An area in shallow water where Wave or Current action has created a
small and long hill of sand. Since Sand Bars are created by water
movement, they tend to relocate and may not be shown on a chart.
SARSAT
Search And Rescue Satellite Assisted Tracking.
(Also, see SATELLITE NAVIGATION)
SATELLITE NAVIGATION
(Sat Nav)
Navigating by using radio transmissions from satellites.
(Also, see GLOBAL-POSITIONING-SYSTEM)
SCEND
(Pronounced: "Send")
The depth of a Wave Trough below average water level.
SCHOONER
Any of various types of Sailing Vessels having a Foremast and
Mainmast with or without other Masts and having Fore-And-Aft
Sails on all lower Masts.
[NOTE: On a Schooner, the Foremast is shorter than the Aft Mainmast]
(Also, see KETCH and YAWL)
SCIATIC STAY
The Stay led from the Mainmast Head to the Foremast Head of a Schooner.
SCOPE
The ratio of the length of Anchor Rode relative to the distance from
the Bottom to the point of attachment to the boat.
[Note: A Scope of seven is the minimum ratio recommended to Secure an
Anchor. That is, seven to ten times as much Rode is let out as the
total depth of water plus the height of the Bow from the Waterline.
Too little scope can cause the Anchor to Drag.]
SCOW
1. A Bilgeboard Sailboat with a Planing Hull such as an A-scow, E-scow,
C-scow, M-20, M-16, etc. Scows are racing Sailboats and designed for speed.
2. Configuring the Rode in order to pull the Anchor up by its Crown.
[Note: To Scow an Anchor, usually a Kedge anchor, Bend the Rode to
the Crown, then lead it back along the Shank to the Head, lashing it
to the ring with Marline or other easily breakable sailing twine. When
it's time to drop Anchor, pay out more Scope than usual so that the pull
is more along the Shank near the Ring and not on the Crown. When it is
time to Weigh Anchor, bring the Vessel directly above the Anchor, Heave
up on the Rode short, so that the pull snaps the lashing thus, bringing
the Anchor up Crown first.]
SCREW
(See PROPELLER)
SCUD
To Run Before-The-Wind in a storm with little or no Sail.
(Also, see BARE POLES)
SCULLING
Propelling a Dinghy with only the Rudder by moving the Tiller
back and forth, Athwartships.
SCUPPERS
Openings in the Cockpit Sole allowing spray and excess water to
drain Overboard.
(Also, see SELF-BAILERS and FREEING PORTS)
SCURVY
1. A disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums and livid spots on
the skin, resulting in a general lethargy and prostration, due to
a diet lacking in vitamin C.
2. A term used to identify one who is base, cheap, contemptible,
discourteous, low, mean, sorry, vile, etc.
(Not to be confused with MOTLEY)
[e.g., Crews on pirate ships were usually a Scurvy lot, while the
Motley assortment of sailors on Navy Ships were honorable in their
duty.]
SCUTTLE
To intentionally Sink a Vessel.
SCUTTLEBUTT
(Gossip)
The term Scuttlebutt evolved from the name of a keg containing water
and alcohol On-Board the old Tall Ships. The Scuttlebutt was a place
where sailors could gather about and gossip, usually before meals.
SEA
(See OCEAN)
SEA ANCHOR
(Drogue)
An open-ended conical or tapering canvas device attached to a Line
Made Fast to the Vessel, cast into the water off the Bow so that it
will Drag in the water in order to keep the Bow headed into
the Wind and Sea, to reduce the possibility of Broaching.
SEA-BED
(Sea-Floor)
The ground at the Bottom of the Ocean or Sea.
SEA BREEZE
Wind coming off the Sea and blowing onto land.
SEA BUOY
The last Buoy encountered as a Vessel heads out to Sea.
SEA COAST
Land immediately adjacent to the Sea.
SEA COCK
A valve in the Hull of a Vessel for admitting outside water into
the Hull.
SEA-FLOOR
(See SEA-BED)
SEA LEVEL
The horizontal plane of the Ocean surface at Mean-Tide-Level (MTL).
(Also, see MEAN-SEA-LEVEL)
SEA ROOM
Room for a boat to travel without danger of running aground.
SEAGOING
A Vessel Fit Out for Blue-Water Sailing.
SEAMANLIKE
To prudently effect the essential elements of good Seamanship.
SEAMANSHIP
Knowledge and skill pertaining to the operation, Navigation, management,
safety, and maintenance of a Vessel-At-Sea.
SECONDARY PORT
A Port that is not directly listed in the Tide Tables, but for which
information is available different from a nearby Standard Port.
SECTOR LIGHT
A Navigational light that is visible only for a specific Sector or
arc of a circle (e.g., Green Sector, Red Sector, and White Sector),
enabling Vessels to determine what another Vessel is doing within
that Sector. Sector Lights may also Mark the entrance to a Channel.
(Also, see RUNNING LIGHTS)
SECURE
(Secured, Secures, and Securing)
To Stow, cover openings, make movable objects fast and safe.
[e.g., "Secure the Forehatch, and see that the Mainsail
is Secured to the Boom."]
(Also, see BATTEN DOWN)
SECURITE
(Pronounced: "Say-Cure-E-Tay")
The verbal audio signal "SECURITE" is a warning indicator, preceding an
international radio message transmitted by shore stations, informing
Vessels-At-Sea of impending storms, Navigational Hazards, and other
potential problems that are not immediately urgent.
(Also, see MAYDAY and PAN)
SEICHE
(Pronounced: "Saysh")
Oscillation of the water in Lakes, Bays, Estuaries, and certain
areas of the open Ocean.
(Also, see STATIONARY-WAVE-THEORY)
SEISMIC SEA WAVE
(See TSUNAMI)
SEIZING
Tying two Lines together with small or light Line.
(Also, see MOUSING)
SELF-BAILERS
Bailing devices affixed to the Bottom of some Sailing Dinghies
(e.g., Scows) for the purpose of draining accumulated water out
of the Bilge while Underway. Self-Bailers work by stepping on the
locking lever, which opens a small three-sided draining flap at the
bottom of the Self-Bailer. When the locking lever is pushed
down, the opened end of the draining flap faces aft and descends
beneath the Hull and into the water. While the boat is moving
forward over the water at a sufficient speed, the water flowing
past the Hull creates a pressure that sucks the Bilge Water out
through the Self-Bailer flap.
[Note: Self-Bailers should not remain open, because when the boat
slows down, outside water will enter through the flaps.]
(Also, see SCUPPERS)
SELF-STEERING-GEAR
Self-steering mechanism on a Sailboat that uses a Wind vane instead
of electrical power.
SELF-TAILER
(See SELF-TAILING-WINCH )
SELF-TAILING-WINCH
(Self-Tailer)
A Winch with a grooved lip above the Drum that grips the Tail of a Line,
allowing Crew to Grind under Tension without the need of a Tailer.
SEMAPHORE
A method of signaling by one person, standing with a Signal Flag
in each hand with arms extended out at shoulder height.
SEMIDIURNAL
(Tidal Cycle)
Having a period or cycle of approximately one-half of a Tidal Day. The
predominant type of Tide throughout the world is Semidiurnal, with two
High Waters and two Low Waters each Tidal Day. The Tidal Current is
said to be Semidiurnal when there are two Flood and two Ebb periods
each day.
(Also, see DIURNAL and TYPE OF TIDE)
SENTINEL
(Kellet)
A weight [approximately 25 pounds (11.3 kg)] suspended half-way down
the Rode between Anchor and Vessel, used to keep the Chain Leader
horizontal, and to prevent Dragging especially during Heavy Weather.
SEPARATION ZONE
A region drawn on a Chart indicating two separate lanes showing
shipping Vessels moving in opposite directions.
SERVE
To twist small Line around a Rope to protect it from Chaffing and
weather.
SET
1. (See TIDAL CURRENT MOVEMENT)
2. (See SET SAIL)
SET SAIL
(Set)
1. To Hoist Sail.
2. To get Under Way.
3. The Tack to which the Sail is Hoisted.
[e.g., "Rig the Spinnaker for a Port Set."]
SEXTANT
An instrument used in Celestial Navigation to determine the vertical
position of the sun, moon, or stars, relative to the observed Horizon.
(Also, see ALTITUDE)
SHACKLE
A stainless steel Fitting used to connect Running Rigging to Sails,
Chain to Buoys, and Ground Tackle. There are Shackles of various
sizes and shapes such as the snap Shackle, Shackles with swivel
tops, the D-shaped Shackle, to name a few.
SHAKE OUT
To remove a Reef from a Sail.
SHAKEDOWN CRUISE
A short, first-time, Sail of a Vessel to ensure that everything is
operating properly.
SHANK
The long, straight, and usually narrow solid shaftlike extension,
connecting the Crown and Head of the Anchor. The Flukes are
at one end of the Shank and the Stock is at the other.
(Also, see ANCHOR)
SHAPE
(See DAYSHAPE)
SHEAR PIN
A Shear Pin is used to connect one part to another and is designed
to break if excessive loads are applied.
[e.g., A Shear Pin connecting the Propeller to the propeller shaft
will break if the Propeller strikes something, preventing damage
to the Propeller and engine.]
SHEATHING
A covering to protect the outside bottom part of the Hull.
SHEAVE
A freely rotating grooved wheel in a Block or at the Masthead.
SHEEP-SHANK
Knot used to temporarily shorten a Line.
SHEER
(1) A sudden change of the direction of the Wind.
(2) The Fore-And-Aft curvature of the Deck.
SHEER STRAKE
The top plank on the side of a wooden boat that follows the Sheer
of the Deck.
SHEET
Line attached to the Clew of a Sail used to control Sail Trim.
SHEET-BEND
Knot used to attach two Lines together, especially Lines of
different gauge.
SHIPSHAPE
A clean and orderly Vessel, ready to Sail.
(Also, see BRISTOL FASHION)
SHOAL
(Shallow Water)
An underwater sand Bar or hill that has its top near the surface.
SHOELACE KNOT
(See SLIP KNOT)
SHOOTING UP
A Vessel with Carry after Luffing Sails when Head-To-Wind.
SHORE
The edge of the land near the water.
SHOREBOAT
(See LAUNCH)
SHORELINE
Where land meets a body of water such as a Lake or the Ocean.
(Also, see COASTLINE)
SHOVE OFF
To push a boat away from the Shore, a Pier, or another Vessel.
SHROUD-LAID
S-Laid Rope made up of three to four strands twisted left-handed.
(Also, see HAWSER-LAID)
SHROUDS
(See STAYS)
SHY
A term used to describe a Spinnaker Set on a Close-Reach with the
Spinnaker Pole near the Forestay and the Spinnaker Sheet Close-Hauled.
SIDE DECK
The Deck that runs alongside the Cockpit and/or between the
Cabin Trunk and Gunwale.
(Also, see AFTERDECK and FOREDECK)
SIDE LIGHTS
(See RUNNING LIGHTS)
SIDESLIP
(Lateral Motion)
The Lateral or sideway Motion of a Sailboat due to Currents and Leeway.
SIDESTAYS
High tension cable attached to the top of the Mast and down to
to Chainplates attached to the Port and Starboard sides of the
Deck.
SIGHT REDUCTION TABLES
Navigation tables containing information about the position of the
sun, moon, planets and stars. When using Celestial Navigation these
tables are used to determine the position of a Vessel-At-Sea.
SIGNAL FLAG
Any one of a number of small rectangular or swallow-tailed flags that
represent a letter of the alphabet and other signals, Hoisted on a
Signal Halyard to communicate to other Vessels.
SIGNAL HALYARD
A Halyard used to Hoist Signal Flags.
SINGLEHANDED
To Sail alone without Crew.
SINGLEHANDER
One who Sails alone without Crew.
SINGLE-SIDE-BAND (SSB) RADIO
A Single-Side-Band (SSB) Radio signal is Amplitude Modulated and
uses only a single sideband that is adjacent to a Carrier wave
rather than double sidebands on either side of the Carrier wave.
SSB Radio allows for reliable marine telephone voice communication
over distances of 25 miles.
(Also, see VERY-HIGH-FREQUENCY (VHF) RADIO)
SINK
To go to the Bottom.
SISTER BLOCK
(See FIDDLE BLOCK)
SKEG
A projection on the outside and Aft end of the Hull used to support
things such as a propeller shaft or Rudder at its lower end.
SKIFF
A small boat used for transport to larger Craft.
SKIPPER
The owner or Captain of a Vessel.
SKULL-AND-CROSSBONES
(See JOLLY ROGER)
SLACK
1. To let loose or ease off
[e.g., "Give me some slack in the line."]
2. Short for Slack Water.
3. To be undisciplined.
SLACK WATER
(Slack)
A period of almost no water movement between Flood Tide and Ebb Tide
when the speed of a Tidal Current is about zero Knots.
S-LAID ROPE
(S-Twist)
Rope with a left-handed (i.e., counter-clockwise) final spin.
(Also, see Z-LAID ROPE)
SLIDE
(Lug) BR>
One of a number of metal and/or plastic Fittings fastened equal-distant
along the Luff and/or Foot of a Sail, for the purpose of attaching the
Sail onto the Mast and/or Boom Track.
(Also, see LUFF ROPE)
SLIP
A Berth between two Piers where Vessels are Moored.
SLIP-KNOT
(Shoelace Knot)
A Knot in which, at the last step, a Bight is left in the Knot so
that it is quick and easy to untie. The Slip Knot is sometimes
used for connecting Reef Ties in place of the Square Knot,
because of the quick release feature when it's under load.
SLOOP
(See SLOOP-RIG)
SLOOP-RIG
(Sloop)
A Sailboat characterized by a single Mast with one Mainsail and
one Foresail.
(Also, see FORE-AND-AFT-RIGGED)
SLOT
1. The opening between the Trailing Edge (Leech) of the Jib and the
Leading Edge (Luff) of the Mainsail when Under Way.
2. The opening at the top of the Winch where the Winch Handle is inserted.
3. The opening in the Hull through which the Centerboard or Daggerboard is
lowered and raised.
(Also, see TRUNK)
SNAP
(See HANK)
SNAP HOOK
1. A hook-shaped Hank attached to the Luff of a Sail (usually the Jib)
with a spring-loaded retractable pin, used to attach the sail to the Stay.
2. A hook-shaped metal fitting (sometimes called "Jaws") attached to the
ends of Gaffs or poles, where the gap of the hook is closed by a
spring-loaded retractable pin opened by a Cable or Line that
runs along the length of the pole.
[Note: Snap Hooks attached to Spinnaker Poles serve two purposes.
On the one end, where the Jaws are connected to the Mast Ring, the
retractable pin will remain closed to Secure the pole to the ring
until it is time to Douse the Spinnaker and remove the pole. At the
other end, the retractable pin is frequently opened and closed when
releasing or Securing the Guy during Jibes.]
(Also, see CARABINER, CARBINE HOOK, and PELICAN HOOK)
SNARLED LINE
A Line that is entangled or twisted.
(Also, see FOULED LINE)
SNATCHBLOCK
A Block that can be opened at its Sheave to receive the Bain
of a Line anywhere along its length.
SNUB
To suddenly make Taut, to stop, or Secure a Line.
SNUBBING WINCH
A Winch without a handle that turns only in one direction.
When the Line is wrapped around the Snubbing Winch Drum in
the opposite direction of its turn, the Line will Snub
when Tensioned and Pay Out along its turn, when Eased.
SNUFFER
(See SPINNAKER SLEEVE)
SNUFFING
Dousing a Spinnaker from the top down.
(Also, see SPINNAKER SOCK)
SOCK
(See SPINNAKER SLEEVE)
SOFT EYE
An Eye Splice without a Thimble.
SOLAR DAY
The period of rotation of the Earth with reference to the Sun; that
is, the twenty-four hour interval from one midnight to the next.
SOLE
Mariner's term for the Cabin or Cockpit floor.
SOUND
(Fog Signal)
Sound signals made by a Vessel, either by bell or horn, describing
the type of Vessel and its activity during dense fog.
SOUNDING
Determining the depth of the Bottom with a Lead Line or
electronic depth finder.
SOUTH POLE
(Magnetic Pole)
The southernmost point of the axis line about which the earth rotates.
(Also, see NORTH POLE)
SOUTHERN CROSS
A constellation of stars in the shape of a cross that is used in the
Southern Hemisphere to determine the direction of the South Pole .
SPAR
Term used to describe the Boom, Gaff, Mast, Spinnaker Pole, etc.
SPAR BUOY
A tall Buoy used as an Aid-To-Navigation.
SPELL
To relieve someone from a Watch or Lookout.
SPHERICAL BUOY
A ball-shaped Buoy Marking a Navigational Hazard.
SPIDER BAND
A metal band around a Spar with an eye to take the Shackles used on
the Running Rigging.
SPILLING WIND
To Depower a Sailboat by Heading-Up and Luffing or Easing the Sheets
and letting the Wind out of the Sails.
SPINDLE BUOY
A tall cone-shaped Navigational Buoy.
SPINLOCK-HALYARD-CLUTCH
(See SPINLOCK JAMMER)
SPINLOCK JAMMER
(Spinlock Halyard Clutch)
A Cleating device with a mechanical lever arm that, when closed,
jams the Halyard Line and stops it from moving after the Sail is
Hoisted.
SPINNAKER
(Chute)
A large, lightweight cone-shaped Headsail used for Reaching and Running.
SPINNAKER HALYARD
A Halyard used to Hoist the Spinnaker.
SPINNAKER POLE
A removable lightweight Spar, with a Snaphook at each end, which
attaches to the fore-ring on the Mast and extends out toward the
Bow for the purpose of extending the Foot and Securing the
Tack of the Spinnaker.
SPINNAKER POLE TOPPING-LIFT/DOWNHAUL
(Topping-Lift/Downhaul)
Small gauged Lines extending from the Mast (Topping-Lift) and the
Foredeck (Downhaul), which connect to the upper and lower Bridles
of the Spinnaker Pole for the purpose of controlling the Height
of the Spinnaker Tack when Hoisted.
SPINNAKER SLEEVE
(Dowser, Snuffer, or Sock)
A tubular sleeve of light cloth encasing the Spinnaker, keeping it
Furled as it is hoisted up the Forestay. The Spinnaker fills only
when the Sock is Hauled up and above its Head. It can be Furled
by Hauling the Snuffer down over the Spinnaker. The Spinnaker
Sleeve is used mostly with Spinnakers without Spinnaker
Poles, usually on Single Handed Vessels.
SPITFIRE
(Storm Jib)
A small Jib made out of heavy cloth for use in Heavy Weather.
SPLICE
To join two Lines into one in order to make a longer Line.
SPLICING THE MAIN BRACE
A phrase used by Sailors of old to indicate it's time to drink some Grog.
SPREADERS
Horizontal struts attached to the Mast Aloft, on a Sloop Rig Sailboat,
extending out from each side for the purpose of spreading the Shrouds
out sideways so as to reduce the load and size of Standing Rigging.
(Also, see CROSSTREES)
SPRING LINES
Docklines used in conjunction with Bow and Stern Lines to prevent
the boat from moving Fore and Aft when Moored parallel to a Pier.
SPRING TIDE
(Syzygy)
The Tide with the most variation in water level, occurring during
new moons and full moons. This is the time of the Highest High
Tide and the Lowest Low Tide.
(Also, see NEAP TIDE)
SPRIT
A small Spar crossing a quadrilateral Fore-And-Aft Sail diagonally from
the Mast to the upper aftermost corner, in order to extend the Sail.
[Usually used on Gaff Rigged Sailboats]
SQUALL
A sudden intense Wind storm of short duration, often accompanied by
rain, sleet, or snow and dark rain clouds (Black Squall), or
suddenly appear from a cloudless sky (White Squall).
SQUARE KNOT
(Reef Knot)
The Square Knot connects two Lines of the same size together. It is
used for Reefing because of its holding power under Tension, and the
added feature of being able to untie the Knot quickly by pulling on
its slip end for a speedy Shake-Out.
(Also, see GRANNY KNOT)
SQUARE RIG
A Sailing Vessel Rigged with Square Sails.
(Also, see FORE-AND-AFT RIG)
SQUARE SAIL
A rectangular Sail with its Head Bent to a Yard hung across the Mast.
(Also, see QUADRILATERAL SAIL)
STANCHION
1. An upright post set in the edge of the Deck to support Lifelines.
2. Extended upright support of a Pier.
STAND-ON VESSEL
(Privileged Vessel)
The Navigation Rules stipulate that Stand-On Vessels maintain their
Course, direction, and speed unless collision is imminent.
For example, a Sailboat with the Wind on its Starboard side is
Stand-On. For Vessels Sailing with the Wind on the same side, the
Leeward Vessel is Stand-On. In overtaking situations, the Overtaken
Vessel is Stand-On. A Sailboat is Stand-On to a power driven Vessel.
[NOTE: The term "RIGHT-OF-WAY" is applicable only with regard to boat
traffic in Channels and in specific situations such as Regattas.]
(Also, see GIVE-WAY VESSEL and HAMPERED VESSEL)
STANDARD PORT
(Reference Station)
A Port used for daily Tidal predictions included in the Tide Tables.
STANDARD TIME
(Civil Time)
Time based upon the Transit of the Sun over a specified Local Meridian,
each Meridian differing by a multiple of 15° from the Prime Meridian.
(Also, see GREENWICH MEAN TIME)
STANDING PART
The section of Line that will carry the load after it is made fast
to an object or Cleat.
[As distinguished from the BAIN, BIGHT, or FALL of a line.]
STANDING RIGGING
Stays and other stationary support for the Mast.
STANDING WAVE
(Stationary Wave)
A Wave that oscillates without progressing.
STARBOARD
The right-hand side of a boat when facing the Bow from the Stern.
STARBOARD TACK
When Sailing on a Starboard Tack, the Wind is coming over the
Starboard side of the boat, with the Boom out on the Port side.
(Also, see PORT TACK)
STARTING LINE
The line Sailboats cross at the start of a race that lies between
the Committee Boat on the inside and a Buoy on the outside.
(Also, see FINISHING LINE)
STATEROOM
A private compartment, usually with a Berth, On-Board a Vessel.
STATIONARY WAVE
(See STANDING WAVE)
STATIONARY-WAVE-THEORY
An assumption that the basic Tidal movement in the open Ocean consists
of a system of Stationary Wave Oscillations, any Progressive Wave
movement being of secondary importance except as the Tide advances
into tributary waters. The continental masses divide the Sea into
irregular basins, which, although not completely enclosed, are capable
of sustaining Oscillations which are more or less independent. The
Tide-Producing Force consists principally of two parts, a Semi-Diurnal
force with a period of approximately half a day and a Diurnal force
with a period of approximately a whole day. Insofar as the free period
of Oscillation of any part of the Ocean, as determined by its
dimensions and depth, is in accord with the Semi-Diurnal or Diurnal
tide-producing forces, there will be built up corresponding
Oscillations of considerable amplitude, which will be manifested
in the rise and fall of the Tide. The Diurnal Oscillations,
superimposed upon the Semi-Diurnal Oscillations, cause inequalities in
the heights of the two high waters and the two low waters of each day.
STATUTE MILE
A mile as measured on land, 5280 feet or 1.6 kilometers.
(Also, see NAUTICAL MILE)
STAYS
(Shrouds)
Standing Rigging that supports the Mast.
STAYSAIL
A triangular Sail similar to the Jib set on a Stay forward of the
Mast and Aft of the Headstay.
STEADY COURSE
Maintaining a Vessels Heading on a Constant Bearing while Underway.
STEADYING SAIL
(Stability Sail or Riding Sail)
A small Sail Set for the purpose of stabilizing a Vessel when
at Anchor or in Heavy Weather.
(Also, see STORM JIB)
STEAMING LIGHT
(See MASTHEAD LIGHT)
STEEP SEAS
Tall Waves caused by a combination of water Current with Wave
movement opposite the direction of the Wind.
STEER
To be at the Helm and to control the direction the Vessel is moving.
STEERAGE WAY
The speed necessary for the Vessel to travel for Rudder control.
STEERING COMPASS
The compass that is mounted on the Steering Pedestal used by
Helm to maintain the Vessel's Course.
STEERING PEDESTAL
(Pedestal)
A column or support post on which the Steering Wheel is mounted.
STEERING WHEEL
The wheel that is mounted on the Steering Pedestal used to
Steer the Vessel.
STEM
The forwardmost vertical edge of the Bow.
STEM BAND
A metal strip that is fastened along the height of the Stem for
Ram protection.
STEM-THE-TIDE
To Make Way against the Tidal Current.
STEMHEAD FITTING
The metal alloy Fitting Fixed to the Stemhead on Deck and at the Bow,
to which the Forestay is attached.
STEP
To place the Mast Heel into a matching Mast Step either on Deck,
on the Keel, or in a Tabernacle.
STEPPED
A Mast that is properly sitting in its Step and ready to Sail.
STEPPING
Placing the Foot of the Mast in its Step when raising it.
STERN
The Aft or backmost vertical end of a boat.
(Also, see TRANSOM)
STERN LADDER
(Boarding Ladder or Folding Ladder)
The permanent lightweight metal alloy ladder that is part of the Stern
Pulpit or Fixed to the Transom on Vessels with high Freeboard. Stern
Ladders are either folding or collapsible and are accessible directly
from the water, the Swim Platform, or the Swim Step.
STERN LIGHT
A white Running Light placed at the stern of the boat, visible
at a horizontal arc of 135° from the rear of the boat.
STERN LINE
A Line running from the Stern of the boat to a Mooring.
STERNPOST
An upright beam rising from the after-end of the Keel which
supports the Rudder.
(Also, see RUDDERPOST)
STERN PULPIT
A sturdy railing around the Weather Deck at the Stern.
(Also, see PUSHPIT and TAFFRAIL)
STERNWAY
The movement of a Vessel, under reverse power, Stern first.
STICK
Sailor slang for Mast.
STIFF
Term used to describe a Sailboat that does not Heel easily.
(Also, see TENDER)
STOCK
A transverse metal rod at the upper part (Head) of an Anchor,
perpendicular to its Flukes.
[Note: The Stock of a Danforth Anchor is located at its Crown.]
STOCK ANCHOR
A Traditional Anchor with the Stock Set at right angles to the Arms
and Shank.
STOCKLESS ANCHOR
A very heavy Anchor without a Stock and rotating Flukes used by Large Ships.
STOPPER
(Cam-Jammer)
A three-sided metal device with a rotating Cam lever at its head, mounted
on the Deck or Cabin roof of the Vessel, used as a temporary backup clamp
for a Cleat or Winch.
[e.g., The Bain of a Line, such as a Sheet or Halyard, is led from the Sail,
run through the Stopper, and Secured to the Winch. To engage the Stopper,
the Cam lever is rotated until the grooves on the bottom of the lever
firmly hold the Line in order to maintain tension. Once the Stopper
is engaged, the Line can be safely released from the Winch.]
STOPPER KNOT
A Figure-Eight Knot made at the end of a Line to prevent the Line
from running through Blocks and Fairleads.
STORES
Supplies on a boat.
STORM JIB
(Spitfire)
A small Jib made of thick Canvas for use in strong Winds.
STORM SAIL
A short, Loose-Footed Sail made of thick Canvas, rigged to the Mast
in Heavy Weather.
STOW
To put in place, usually Below-Decks.
STRAIT
A narrow and mostly Unnavigable Waterway between two large Bodies-Of-Water.
(Also, see CHANNEL)
STRIKE
To lower Sails and/or flags.
(Also, see DOUSE)
STRUCK
(Past-tense of Strike)
STRUM BOX
A strainer in the Bilge Pump.
STUFFING BOX
A Fitting around the Propeller Shaft to maintain the lubrication
of the bearing and to keep the water out of the boat.
S-TWIST
(See S-LAID ROPE)
SUPERSTRUCTURE
Cabins and rooms at Deck level or above.
SURF
The breaking Waves and resulting foam near Shore.
SURGE
A sudden, strong and swelling Wave, usually emanating from Sea
toward land.
SWAB
1. A large mop used for cleaning Decks, etc.
2. To mop and clean the Deck(s) of a Vessel.
3. A slang term used to describe a navy Sailor.
SWALLOW
The place between the Sheave (roller) and housing of a Block,
through which the Line is Rove.
SWAMP
A boat filling or filled with water.
SWELL
A Long Wave with shallow Troughs and no Crests.
(Also, see FREE WAVE and PROGRESSIVE WAVE)
SWIM PLATFORM
An extension that is either Fixed or designed to slide in and out
at the lower part of the Transom, just below the Stern Ladder, to
provide easy access to get back On Board the Vessel.
(Also, see SWIMSTEP)
SWIM STEP
The Swim Step is part of the lower end of an inset Transom.
(Also, see SWIM PLATFORM)
SWING-A-COMPASS
(See SWINGING SHIP)
SWING KEEL
A movable Keel that pivots back and up into a waterproof Trunk within the
Hull of a larger Sailing Vessel. The Swing Keel design is similar to that
of the Centerboard found on smaller Sailing Dinghies. The advantage of
the Swing Keel over the Fixed Keel is that it can retract when it hits
the Bottom in shallow water, reducing the potential for Hard Grounding.
(Also, see DROP KEEL)
SWINGING CIRCLE
(See SWINGING ROOM)
SWINGING ROOM
(Swinging Circle)
The distance needed between Vessels-At-Anchor within an Anchorage
to avoid collision with one another.
SWINGING SHIP
(Swing a Compass)
Comparing Compass Bearings on various Headings to determine Compass Error.
Swinging Ship is executed on a Vessel that is Anchored so that it can
pivot its Mooring every 20° in order to obtain a number of Compass
Bearings at different Headings from a known Magnetic Bearing on Shore.
Deviation is the difference between the two Bearings.
(Also, see COMPASS DEVIATION, COMPASS VARIATION, and MAGNETIC DIRECTION)
SYZYGY
(Pronounced: "Sizz-a-gee")
(See SPRINGTIDE)
