Gunwale
What it is, why it matters, and how to pronounce it
There are few sailing words that cause quite as much quiet confusion as gunwale. It looks like it should be pronounced “gun-whale”, it sounds nothing like that at all, and yet everyone at the sailing club seems to know exactly what it means—except, perhaps, the newest sailors.
So let’s clear things up properly: what a gunwale is, why it matters when you’re sailing a dinghy on the Thames, and how on earth you’re meant to say it without embarrassment.
1. How Do You Pronounce “Gunwale”?
Let’s start with the important bit.
Gunwale is pronounced:
👉 “gunnel” (rhymes with tunnel)
Not gun-whale.
Not gun-wall.
Just gunnel.
Once you know that, you can say it confidently and enjoy watching someone else hesitate instead.
2. What Is a Gunwale?
The gunwale is the top edge of the boat’s hull—the strengthening rim that runs all the way around the boat.
On a dinghy like an RS Toura, it’s the solid edge that:
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Defines the shape of the hull
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Adds strength and rigidity
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Takes a lot of wear and tear
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Is often exactly where you sit, lean, or brace yourself
If the hull is the boat’s body, the gunwale is its backbone at the top edge.
3. Why Does the Gunwale Matter?
The gunwale does far more than just sit there looking important.
a) Strength and Structure
The gunwale stiffens the hull and helps prevent twisting, especially when the boat is heeling, bouncing through chop, or carrying crew weight on one side.
Without a strong gunwale, a dinghy would feel alarmingly floppy.
b) Where You Sit (A Lot)
On many training and cruising dinghies, sailors sit on or just inside the gunwale when sailing upwind.
It provides:
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A comfortable perch
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A predictable balance point
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A clear reference for how far out you’re sitting
On the Thames, where balance and heel control are critical, knowing where the gunwale is helps you manage your weight properly.
c) Grip and Stability
When conditions get lively, the gunwale gives you something solid to brace against.
You’ll often:
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Hook a foot under the gunwale lip
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Rest a thigh against it
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Lean gently over it when hiking lightly
It’s one of your main points of contact with the boat.
4. Gunwale vs Side Deck – Are They the Same?
Not quite.
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The gunwale is the reinforced edge of the hull
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The side deck is the flat (or slightly angled) surface just inside it
People often use the terms interchangeably, but technically the gunwale is the edge itself.
Knowing the difference helps when instructors say things like:
“Sit on the gunwale, not halfway across the cockpit.”
5. Gunwales and River Sailing
On a narrow river like the Thames, gunwales earn their keep.
They help with:
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Quick balance changes in gusty wind
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Controlled leaning without over-heeling
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Safe movement when tacking and gybing
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Stability when passing moored boats or paddleboarders
Good use of the gunwale often separates calm, controlled sailors from those who feel constantly on edge.
6. Looking After the Gunwale
Because it’s the most-used edge of the boat, the gunwale takes a lot of punishment.
Common enemies include:
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Pontoon edges
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Concrete slipways
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Mooring cleats
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Overenthusiastic landings
A quick check for cracks, wear or loose fittings is always worthwhile—especially on older boats and restorations like classic Thames craft.
7. Why Sailing Language Is Like This
“Gunwale” comes from “gun ridge”, dating back to the days when cannons were mounted along the sides of warships. Over time, pronunciation drifted, spelling stayed stubborn, and sailors just… accepted it.
It’s part of the joy of sailing language: odd, historic, and slightly mischievous.
Final Thoughts
The gunwale is one of those parts of a boat you use constantly without realising it—until someone explains it. Once you know what it is, how to use it, and how to pronounce it, sailing instructions suddenly make a lot more sense.
So next time you’re told to “sit on the gunnel”, you’ll know exactly what to do—and you can say it with confidence.
For a clear reference, see the sailing terms page here:
🔗 https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Gunwale.html
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