The Language of Sailing – Talk Like a Skipper
Because shouting “pull that rope!” isn’t nearly nautical enough
When you first step into a sailing club, you quickly realise something odd: no one speaks English anymore. Suddenly, ropes are lines, left is port, and the front of the boat is forwards — unless it's called the bow, which it is.
Sailing has its own vocabulary — and if you want to crew, helm, or even just sound like you belong within 100 metres of a dinghy, you’ve got to learn the lingo.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
🗺️ Why Sailing Has Its Own Language
Because boats are old. And complicated. And full of parts that need names so people know what to pull, where to sit, and when to duck.
The language of sailing:
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Helps you communicate clearly under pressure
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Avoids confusion (mostly)
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Makes you sound wildly impressive to your non-sailing friends
⚓ Some Favourites from the Riverbank
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Tack – a turn through the wind (also the side your sail is on… also a metal fitting… don’t worry about it)
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Gybe – the slightly scarier version of a tack
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Sheet – the rope (sorry, line) that controls a sail
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Boom – the thing that will try to hit you if you’re not paying attention
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Goosewinging – not illegal, just unsightly
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Painter – not an artist, but the rope that ties the bow to the dock
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Outhaul, kicker, Cunningham – mysterious devices designed to test your memory mid-race
💡 Top Tip
If you forget a term, just say “line” and point confidently. 50% chance you’re right. 100% chance someone will correct you with a smile. Maybe.
🧭 Want to Learn the Proper Terms?
We've put together a full Glossary of 75 Sailing Terms You Need to Know, perfect for beginners, instructors, and anyone who’s ever accidentally called the mainsheet a “ropey thing”.
https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Sailing-Terms.htmlIt's full of simple explanations, diagrams, and the occasional mild sarcasm. Because learning sailing should be fun, not frightening.
Final Thought
Talking like a skipper isn’t about being fancy. It’s about making sure that when someone yells “tack!”, you duck in the right direction.
And yes — shouting “Ready about!” does make you feel like you're starring in your own nautical adventure.
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