Delta- Letter

The single-letter signal means, ‘Keep clear of me because I am maneuvering with difficulty’. Phonetically it is Delta.

Danforth

A type of anchor with excellent holding power

Day-boat

A small sailing boat, a few feet more or less than twenty, without a cabin, and used for pleasure sailing..

Day-mark

An unlit beacon, normally rather large and erected on the land, to provide a reference point by daylight. Day-marks take the form of towers of brick, stone or steel, and should be high enough to be clearly spotted.

Deadrise

The rise of the bottom of a boat from the keel outward to the turn of the bilge.

Deck light

A thick piece of glass let into the deck to allow light below

Deck log

A note-book in which the captain can keep notes for neat compilation of the proper Log at some later time.

Deck saloon

A raised coach roof with large windows that allow people inside to see out

Depression

In meteorology an area of relatively low atmospheric pressure and announcing a bad weather.

Deviation

The compass error resulting from the influence of magnetic materials aboard the ship

Dinghy

A small open boat, used under oars, sail, or outboard.

Dipping light

A light at such a distance that it appears and disappears over the horizon as the ship lifts to the swell.

Displacement

The weight of water which is displaced by a floating boat, and in other words the weight of the boat herself.

Distress Signals

There are fourteen internationally agreed signals which may be made when a vessel or her crew is in danger and help is required. We shall be back on the subject with extended info’s

Docking Line

Just a rope which is used to make a boat fast to a harbor wall, a pile, or even another boat

Draught

The depth of water a vessel draws, in other words the depth of water she needs to float

E- Letter

The single letter E means, ‘I am altering my course to starboard’. Echo in the phonetic alphabet

Ebb, to

When the tide falls, it ebbs. The event is the Ebb. The contrary term is Flood

Echo-sounder

The echo sounder is a depth-measuring electronic system for indirectly determining ocean floor depth. Based on the principle that water is an exceptional medium for the transmission of sound waves, the instrument transmits a sound pulse. The time interval between the initiation of a sound pulse and echo returned from the bottom, can be used to determine the depth of the bottom.

Electrolytic corrosion

Corrosion caused by current leaking from the boat’s own electrical system

Ensign

The flag of nationality worn by a vessel. The ensign is hoisted at 0800 in summer and 0900 in winter, and is lowered at sunset or 2100, whichever is earlier.

Equinox

The time of year when the length of day and night are equal. The 20^th of  March and 22^nd of September.

Foxtrot

In the International Code of Signals the letter F means, “I am disabled”, Phonetically it is “Foxtrot”

Fair wind

The wind that allows a vessel to sail from point A to point B without the need of a tack

Fairway

The main navigable channel in a harbor, that should be kept by all means clear of anchoring etc

Fast

Awkwardly, we say that a vessel is “fast” when she is held a boat is fast when she is held at a standstill, by mooring ropes or if she is stuck on the mud

Fathom

A unit of length equal to six feet, when we are measuring depth and/or the length of the anchor cable. Increasingly out of use in our days, because of the existing metric system.

Fender

Aplasti or elastic cushion, like a ball, a pear or a sausage, and with an eye for attachment of a lanyard, which is used to protect and pad the ship’s side when she is alongside a wall or another vessel.

Fisherman’s anchor

The most traditional type of anchor.

Flare

A firework intended to create a bright light, red as a sign of distress, or white to indicate position. White flares as used in small boats are always hand-held; red flares may be, but they may also be projected skyward by rocket, and may descend by parachute

Flashing light

An intermittent light showing a single flash at regular intervals. The period of light is less than the intervening periods of darkness

Flog, to

A sail flogs when it flaps widely from side to side.

Flotilla

A group of vessels, an organized charter in company with several boats led by a skippered yacht from the charter operator.

Fluke

The flattened and broadened area of an anchor which digs in the bottom. Also known as the Palm

Fly

The horizontal dimension of a flag. The vertical dimension is the Hoist.

Following wind

The opposite of headwind- that’s to say a wind up your tail.

Foot

The lower edge of a sail.

Fore

An adjective, when it has the opposite sense to After: fore cabin and after cabin, fore deck and after deck.

Freeboard

The height of a boat’s deck above the water level

Full and change

The times of the full and new moon, considerable dates in tidal predictions

G – Golf

In the International Code of Signals the letter G signifies, “I require a pilot”. Phonetically it is “Golf”

GA

The plan view of a vessel’s accommodation. The General Arrangement

Gale

The word is used to describe winds of Beaufort force 8 and 9

Galley

The space in the accommodation area of a boat, used for kitchen purposes.

Galvanic corrosion

Corrosion that occurs when different metals are connected and immersed in salt water

Gammon iron

A metal ring or band which holds the bowsprit to the stemhead. A bowsprit is rare in  modern yachts

Gangway

The boarding plank to come aboard a boat

Gate start

A method of starting a race when a large number of boats is involved. The starting line lies between a moving boat and a free-floating buoy

Genoa

A large triangular headsail, extending abaft the mast and usually coming right down to the deck. A very efficient sail.

Gimbals

Concentric, metal rings allowing a compass or a lamp, to swing freely and so to remain upright no matter how the ship pitches or rolls.

Go about (or put about)

To turn the ship’s head through the wind, to tack.

Goose neck

The gooseneck is the swivel connection on a sailboat by which the boom attaches to the mast. The boom moves from side to side and up and down by swiveling on the goose neck

GPS

Global Positioning System. A highly accurate navigational aid using the automatic measurements from a multiplicity of artificial satellites.

Gradient wind

More specifically wind speed gradient  or wind velocity gradient, is the vertical gradient of the mean horizontal wind speed in the lower atmosphere. A wind resulting from a difference in barometric pressure across the face of the earth

Grapnel

A multiple hook, with two, three or four prongs, intended to catch in a bush ashore, or to snare a lost cable on the bottom

Gribble

A small marine creature, which eats underwater timber

Guard rail

The -at least two feet- high ‘fence’ around the deck to protect from falling overboard

Guy

A rope used to restrain and/or guide a boom.

Gyrocompass

Commonly gyro. A non-magnetic means of ascertaining a vessel’s heading by always pointing to true north.

H – Hotel

In the International Code H means, “I have a pilot on board”. Phonetically “Hotel”

Half-decker

An open boat with a certain amount of decking, mostly over the forepeak, the stern sheets, and along each side of the well.

Hand, to

To lower and furl a sail. It is proper naval term to say that, and not “get the mainsail down”.

Harbormaster

The person in charge of a harbor

Hard-chine

A hard chine in boating refers to a sharp angle in the hull, as compared to “soft chine” the rounded bottoms of most traditional boat hulls

Hatch

An opening in a deck, through which people or goods can pass. Its cover is the  hatch-cover

Hawse-hole

A hole through the bows of the hull itself, where the anchor chain enters. In the good old traditional marine dictionary, the Italian word “occhio” (the eye), was used.

Heading

A boat’s heading is merely the direction in which she is heading

Headsail

Any sail set forward of the mast, or on vessels with more than one mast, the fore-mast.

Heave, to

To bring the vessel to a stop, as fast as possible, using the sails or the engine

Heaving line

A heaving line is a light line, with a weighted end (called the Monkey fist), which can be used when mooring a ship to the dock or in passing a heavy line for any purpose.

High Water

Is the High water as compared to the Low water

Highfield lever

A device for tensioning stays. The lever swings fore and aft, and throws over top dead centre to lie on the deck when in either the forward or aft positions.

House flag

The private flag of a private owner. A very gentlemanly thing to have!!

Hull

A hull is the watertight body of a yacht or a boat. Above the hull is the superstructure and/or deckhouse. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline.

Hull speed

The maximum speed that a hull can achieve, based on its waterline length

I – Letter

The single-letter signal means, »I am altering my course to port ‘. Phonetically it is India

Imminent

In weather forecast Imminent means that the expected conditions will arrive in the area within six hours

Indraft

A current setting into a bay or a sound

Inflatable

The inflatable boat is a rather small, light and stable vessel with a lot of uses. She is constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurized gas

Inglefield clips

Also known as a sister clip and a Brummel hook, is a clip for joining a flag or ensign quickly, easily and securely to flag halyards so that the flag can be hoisted

International Code of Signals – ICS

A system of signals and codes using mainly two letters in place of certain phrases and sentences, codes for use by vessels to communicate important messages (See related article)

Isobath

A line on a map connecting points of equal water depth

K - Kilo

In the International Code of Signals the letter K stands for, ‘I wish to communicate with you‘. Phonetically it is “Kilo”, pronounced ‘key-low’

Kedge

A rather small anchor of a vessel that has been dropped at some distance from it, to be drawn in this way. The kedge is normally used with a rope cable rather than chain.

Keel

A structural keel is a large beam around which the hull of a ship is built. The keel runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern, and serves as the foundation or spine of the structure

Keelson

The keelson is the member which, mainly in a wooden vessel, lies parallel with its keel but above the transverse members such as timbers, or floors

Ketch

A sailing boat with two-masts: the main mast and a shorter one abaft of the main mast but forward of the rudder.

King plank

The boat’s center flat timber on a laid deck

Kings spoke

The top spoke on a wheel when the rudder is centered.

Kitchen rudder

A combination rudder and directional propulsion delivery system for relatively slow speed boats. It turns the rudder into a directional thruster, and allows the engine to maintain constant revolutions and direction of drive shaft rotation while altering thrust by use of a control which directs thrust forward or aft.

L – Letter

In the International Code L means, “’You should stop your vessel immediately’”. Phonetically “Lima” (Lee-ma)

Laid deck

A deck made of narrow planks of teak, about two inches wide each

Lanby

Acronym from Large Automatic Navigational Buoy, a type of big enough buoy to provide refuge for seamen in distress, such a buoy houses a diesel generator and a variety of sophisticated equipment.

Land breeze

A land breeze is a type of wind that blows from the land to the sea. When there is a temperature difference between the land surface and the sea, winds will move offshore. Land breezes usually occur at night

Later

Weather forecasting term

A term in weather forecasts meaning ‘arriving after a lapse of twelve hours at least.’

Latitude

The Latitude is the angular distance of a location south or north of the Equator. The latitude is usually measured in degrees

Layout, to

To place an anchor ahead of the bow using another boat or on foot

To take an anchor out from your boat, in a dinghy or across the beach on foot, as distinct from dropping it underfoot, from the boat herself.

Lazarette

A locker in the stern used for storage of various items like ropes, color pots tec

Lee shore

A shore towards which the wind is blowing

A shore towards which the wind is blowing. A natural place of danger, since a vessel tends to be blown on to it

Left-handed

Anti-clockwise rotation of a propeller, when viewed from the rear. When the upper blade is rotating towards the left

Lie alongside

One boat next to another in harbor berth

Lifeboat

A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable boat carried for emergency reasons aboard a ship.

Lifejacket

A lifejacket is a type of personal flotation device designed to keep your airway clear of the water whether you are conscious or unconscious. They  come in two types, inflatable and foam.

Line

I line is commonly the smaller sizes of rope carried aboard a boat

Link shackle

A shackle in the form of a C, whose opening is closed by a screw nut, used in fastening or coupling

Longitude

The Longitude is the angular distance of a location of any point on the earth’s surface measured as an angle east or west of the Greenwich meridian.

M – Mike

In the International Code M means, “‘My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water ‘”. Phonetically “Mike”

Main mast

The tallest mast, usually located near the center of the ship.

Man overboard! MOB

Man overboard is a situation in which a person has fallen from a boat or ship into the water and is in need of rescue. Whoever sees the person’s fall should shout «man overboard» to alert other crew members and attempt to maintain visual contact with the person in the water, by pointing continuously at the victim. Learn what to do if come across a man overboard case

Manila

A natural rope much used in the past, but now displaced by the synthetics.

Marina

Artificial yacht harbor

Marker buoy

The surface marker buoy, is an inflatable buoy used by scuba divers, with a line, to indicate the diver’s position while he is underwater

MARPOL

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships

Mast

The mast on a sailing boat and/or a yacht is the pole from which the sails are rigged. A motor cruiser may have a mast that is no longer than a sailing cruiser’s ensign staff, but it is still called a mast. A mast has a Head at the top and a Foot at the bottom

Mast coat

A sleeve of canvas used to prevent water from passing down below decks. Both the lower and upper edges of the coat must be well sealed.

Master

The chief officer of the vessel. The captain of the ship.

Masthead light

The white light that shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailboat under sail.

Mayday

Mayday is an emergency procedure, corresponding to SOS,  word used internationally as a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications. It derives from the French venez m’aider, meaning «come help me»In such a case Mayday call,  is to repeat the word ‘Mayday’ three times in succession and without haste, then give the name of your boat, her position, the nature of the trouble, and what action you are taking.

Mercator’s projection

Most commonly used method of showing the spherical world on paper, it shows parallels of latitude parallel. It also shows meridians of longitude as parallel, an accepted inaccuracy, because in practice they meet at the north and south poles.

Meridian

The made-up lines which run due north and south between the poles of the earth, denoting longitude. The meridian which passes through Green­wich (England) is zero longitude and all others are measured as so many degrees east or west of that.

Millibar

A unit of pressure marked on a barometer, which is itself one thousandth of a bar

Moderate (in meteorology)

Is the weather condition with a visibility is between 2 and 5 nautical miles. The wave height of 1.25m to 2.5m

Multihull

A boat with more than one hull, such as a catamaran (two hulls) or trimaran (three hulls)

Mushroom anchor

An anchor used in soft mud, sometimes as part of a laid mooring. It is shaped like a mushroom with a very hollow crown.

N – Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter N stands for, ‘ No or Negative”.
Phonetically it is “November”

Narrows

The narrow part of a river, channel etc

Nautical almanac

A comprehensive publication describing the positions of a selection of celestial
bodies and a thousand and one useful items of information for the sailor.
They say that no boat should go to sea without one, as long as you do know
how to read it

Nautical mile

The international nautical mile is 1852 metres. A mile is divided into
ten ‘cables’, each of which is therefore approximately 200 yards

Navigation

Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a
craft or vehicle from one place to another. The art of finding a ship’s position
in the open sea

Nun buoy

A diamond-shaped buoy which is viewed from any side. It has a pointed top
and a pointed bottom

O-Letter

In the International Code O means, “Man overboard”. Phonetically “Oscar”

Oakun

Oakum is a preparation of tarred fiber used for caulking or packing the joints of timbers in
wooden vessels and the deck planking of iron and steel ships

Oar

Implement used for rowing and propelling a boat without the use of sails or engine.
The difference between oars and paddles are that paddles are held by the paddler, and
are not connected with the vessel.

Occulting light

A steady light with periods of darkness at regular intervals, but the general effect
being lighter that dark. In other words a steady light with dark flashes.

On the beam

Location description of an observed object in a line with the beams, or at right angles
with the keel.

On the bow

When we observe in either side of the forward end, especially with reference to the
direction of a distant object: for example, mooring three points off the starboard bow.

On the wind

Sailing with the wind coming from forward of abeam.

Outboard

An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained
unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, fitted beyond the normal
area of the deck.

Outhaul

A rope used to pull something in an outward direction in relation to the centre of the
boat. An outhaul pulls the tack of the jib to the bowsprit-end

Overtaking light

Any vessel approaching in the arc through which this white light shines (67.5 degrees
to port and starboard of dead astern) is an overtaking vessel in the meaning of the
International Regulations, and must keep clear. The same arc holds force in daylight.

P

In the International Code of Signals the letter P stands for, ‘I am ‘about to proceed to sea ‘. Phonetically it is “Papa”

Palm

A leather pad worn on the hand like a glove to protect the palm when sewing sailcloth.

Parbuckle

Traditional hauling and purchasing technique. The above picture explains the way it works. If one end of a rope is made fast and the other is passed around a log, say, then as you pull the free end the log rolls towards you. A possible use for the yachtsman is to get an inert body from the water to deck level,

Passage

A trip in a boat from one place to another is usually called a passage. “Voyage” is the  round trip

Passerelle

A gangway used in yachts for boarding from the shore, often fitted with stanchions

Pelican hook

A metal hook with a cam-action tongue which can be opened. Used for joining guard rails among other things.

Pillar buoy

A buoy with a tall and relatively slender structure to make it visible from a greater distance, and often placed at the seaward end of a series of channel buoys to act as a Landfall buoy

Pilot

A pilot is experienced captain with detailed knowledge of local waters who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. Small pleasure boats like yachts are not obliged to have one, but they can ask for one if they choose to, and if they can afford him

Pilotage

The ability of finding one’s way around in waters where the coast, rocks, buoys etc provide visual references

Pintle

A pintle is a pin or bolt, usually inserted into a gudgeon, which is used as part of a pivot or hinge, as in sailing to hold the rudder onto the boat

Piston hank

The metal clip with sliding plunger used to attach the Luff of a headsail to the forestay

Plow anchor

The anchor with a single blade

Point

Any of the 32 horizontal directions indicated on the card of a compass of a yacht

Point of sail

The point of sail describes a sailing boat’s course in relation to the wind direction

Pontoon

A floating structure, such as a flat bottom boat, that is used to support a bridge or a dock.

Poor (visibility)

Visibility between 1,000 metres and 2 nautical miles

Pop rivet

A rivet which can be closed from one side with a special tool

Port

The boat’s own left-hand side. Starboard is the right hand side

Pratique

Pratique is the license given to a ship to enter port on assurance from the captain to convince the authorities that the boat is free from contagious disease. In other words the license to come ashore.

Prime Meridian

The Meridian which passes through Greenwich Longitude zero

Prolonged blast

A sound signal of a single hoot lasting from four to six seconds. A short blast lasts about one second

Q – Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter Q stands for, ‘ My vessel is healthy and I request a free pratique”. It may relate to health, customs or immigration rules, hence the association of Q and quarantine”. Phonetically it is “Quebec” spelled “kay-Beck”. In the Navy the flag means “Boat recall; all boats return to ship”.

Quarter

The after end of the side of a boat. The starboard quarter is the ‘back right-hand corner’. The quarters complement the Bows, and like bows they indi­cate no precise point, but rather a region and a direction. Thus a ship may be seen ‘coming up on the port quarter’ which is equivalent to an approach from over your left shoulder.

Quarter badge

an ornament on the side of a vessel near, the stern

Quick flashing light

A light which flashes at a rate of sixty times a minutes or more.

R- Letter

In the International Code R means nothing for pleasure boats, yachts etc. In the Navy indicates the ready for duty ship. Phonetically it is “Romeo”

Racing flag

The racing flag a small rectangular flag or burgee, used to indicate that the boat was actually participating in a race

Racking seizing

A way of binding two ropes together by wind­ing the line between and round so as to make a number of figure-eight turns

Radar reflector

A radar reflector is a passive reflector of radar emissions which is attached to a boat to make it more visible on radar. Any private craft, of whatever material of construction, should carry a radar reflector if she moves in waters where she may encounter ships

Raft, to

To moor several boats side by side, all lying to the single anchor or mooring of one of them, a common spectacle in the Greek ports

Rake of a mast

Is the forward or aft inclination of the mast.

Ramark

A type of radar beacon occasionally used to mark maritime navigational hazards. The word is an acronym for RA-dar MARK-er.

Rapidly (in shipping forecast)

Moving at 35 to 45 knots

Rather quickly (in shipping forecast)

Moving at 25 to 35 knots

Reach, to

To sail with the wind abeam or forward of the beam

Readyabout

A helmsman’s warning to the crew that he is going to tack, so headsail sheets must be trimmed

Reedhorn

A kind of Foghorn which uses a vibrating reed to make the sound

Reef knot

The most common knot for joining two ends of a line together.

Reef a sail, to

The sailing manoeuvre intended to reduce the area of a sail on a sailboat or sailing ship, which can improve the ship’s stability and reduce the risk of capsizing, or damaging sails or boat hardware in a strong wind

Reefing gear

Mechanical apparatus for roller reefing of a mainsail around its boom or of a headsail around its luff-spar or rod.

Render, to

To ease a rope through a block or round a Samson post. The rope itself renders if it runs freely through a block.

Reserve buoyancy

the difference between the volume of a hull below the designed waterline and the volume of the hull below the lowest opening incapable of being made watertight.

Rhumb line

A straight line drawn between two points on an ordinary chart. It is NOT in fact the shortest distance between two points because the chart shows a distorted picture of the face of the earth.

Rigging screw

A device for adjustment of length fitted at the lower end of shrouds, stays. Rigging screws are the norm on modern boats for tensioning the rigging.

Right-handed propeller

A propeller which, when viewed from astern, rotates clockwise

Rogue’s yarn

A yarn of distinctive color, material, or twist, laid in a strand or strands of a rope to identify the owner or the maker

Roll

A yacht rolls when she rotates about the longitudinal (front/back) axis

Rough (in shipping forecast)

Wave height of 2.5 to 4m

Round up or Round to

To bring a boat’s head up to the wind.

Rowlock

The U-shaped metallic or plastic rowlock attaches an oar to a boat

Run

The distance covered in a stated time. The ‘day’s run’ implies a 24-hour day, noon to noon

Running lights

Navigation lights prescribed for a vessel making way, in the International regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

T- Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter T stands for, “Keep clear; I am engaged in trawling”.  In the Navy stands for “Do not pass ahead of me”’. Phonetically it is “Tang-go”

Tabling

The parts of a sail –usually the edges- which are reinforced by doubling or trebling the thickness of the material and over sewing.

Tachometer

An instrument for measuring the rate of revolution of the engine

Tack

1) The lower, forward corner of a sail.

2) Tack, to (verb)

When sailing close-hauled, to turn the boat’s head through the wind so that the sails draw on the opposite side. The boat is coming is ‘on the port tack, when sailing with the wind coming from port, and ‘on starboard’ when the wind comes from her starboard side

Taffrail

The rail around the stern of a boat to prevent fromfalling overboard. Today the yachts do not have the elegant wooden rails of their forebears, but have tubular metal railings instead, called Pushpits.

Tail, to

To pull on a rope that is round a winch

Telegraph buoy

The buoy that marks the position of a submarine cable

Tell-tale

The special compass which mounted over the skipper’s berth to check what the helmsman is doing.

Tender

Any small boat –mostly inflatable- used to take people or stores out to a bigger one.

Terminals

The metal fittings that form eyes or attachments in the ends of wire ropes

Thermal wind

A wind caused by differential heating of sea and land. For example the sun heats the land more rapidly than the sea, the air rises over the land and a sea breeze flows towards the shore to replace it.

Thole pins

Wooden pegs shipped vertically in pairs in the gunwale to constrain an oar for rowing

Thumb cleat

A small cleat with only one horn

Topping lift

A rope from the mast to the boom end which supports the boom and allows you to lift or lower it.

Topsides

The sides of the hull between the waterline and the deck.

Track

The vessel’s progress over the face of the earth. The actual line along which she travels

Trampoline

A net of rope filling the gap between the two hulls of a catamaran

Transom

Any of several transverse beams affixed to the sternpost of a wooden ship and forming part of the stern

Trick

A period of duty at the helm or on watch. A nautical term

Tricolor lamp

A lamp showing red in the proper port sector, green in the starboard sector, and white astern, allowed on some small sailboats instead of the normal bow and stern lights

Trim, to (verb)

To adjust the set of the sails for best results

True wind

The wind with the direction and velocity measured by a stationary observer. Apparent wind is the wind experienced by a moving object

Turk’s head

A decorative knot with a variable number of interwoven strands, forming a closed loop

Twin keels

This is a proper term to use for some sailing boats which have a pair of keels, but no central keel

U – Letter

One of the most important in the International Code of Signals is the letter U. U stands for ‘You are running into danger ‘. Phonetically it is “YOU-nee-form”

Uncovered

A rock or any other obstruction which is never covered by water at any state of the tide.

Under bare poles

With no sail set, but making way due to the wind pressure on hull and rigging

Under sail

According to the Collision Regulations a vessel being propelled by both sail and power is regarded as under power, and subject to the relevant rules. A rule all skippers should keep in mind!

Under way or Underway

A vessel is Underway if she is not aground, not at anchor or not been made fast to a dock, the shore, or other stationary object.

Underfoot

An anchor or any other object is underfoot when it lies vertically beneath the boat’s Forefoot, whether it be at the surface, or on the bottom

V – Letter

In the International Code of Signals is the letter V stands for “I require assistance”. Phonetically it is “VIK-tah”

Vane gear

Automatic steering gear holding the boat at a constant angle to the apparent wind. The vane senses the wind direction and actuates the tiller so as to correct any deviation from the pre-set relationship between boat’s head and wind direction. Obviously not a reliable instrument.

Variable pitcher propeller

Is a type of propeller with blades that can be rotated around their long axis to change their pitch. If the pitch can be set to negative values, the reversible propeller can also create reverse thrust for braking or going backwards without the need of changing the direction of shaft revolutions

Vee-bottom

A form of hull the two halves of whose bottom meet at the keel in a shallow V

Very high (in shipping forecast)

Wave with a height of 9 to 14 m.

Very light

A pyrotechnic signal in a system of signaling using white or colored balls of fire projected from a special pistol. Named after the inventor

Very rapidly (in shipping forecast)

Moving at more than 45 knots.

Very rough (in shipping forecast)

Wave with a height of 4 to 6 m.

Vessel

The Vessel is defined in the Collision Regulations as “every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft and seaplanes, used, or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water”

Vigia

A warning on a navigational chart indicating a possible rock, shoal, or any other hazard, the exact position of which is unknown..

Violent storm (in shipping forecast)

Winds of force 11 (56-63 knots).

W – Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter W stands for, ‘ I require medical assistance”. Phonetically it is “Whiskey” spelled “WISS-kee”.

Waist

The middle part of a boat, the region where her beam is greatest

Wake

The turbulent or smooth water left astern of a moving boat. The wake reveals the actual track of the vessel through the water. A common test for the apprentice helmsman to see if he can keep a straight course!

Wall knot

A knot forming a useful knob at the end of a rope, made by unwinding the strands and weaving them together

Warp

Heavier rope or wire used for mooring, anchoring and towing

Warp, (verb)

To move a vessel by hauling on ropes

Wash

The turbulent Wake left by a moving boat. Wake causes no noticeable disturbance, but wash does

Watch

A period on duty or a detachment of crew members acting as a unit for watch-keeping purposes

Waterline

The line traced by the water level around the sides of a floating hull, The line on the hull of a ship to which the surface of the water rises. “Issala” is the term used in Greek waters

Watermanship

The art and practice of handling small open craft, such as a rowing boat, in relatively sheltered water. The art or skill in rowing

Way

The movement through the water. A vessel ‘makes way’ when she moves, either ahead or astern. She is ‘under way’ when actually moving, and then she is said to ‘have way on’

Weather

It is to the side from which the wind is blowing. ‘Going to weather’ is going to windward. Generally, the weather condition

Weigh anchor, to

To break out the anchor from the sea bed and pulling it up to the side of the vessel

Wetted surface

The total underwater area of a boat. “Vrehamena” is the term used traditionally in Greek waters

Wheel effect

The sideways push of a rotating propeller, mainly noticeable when it first begins to turn or when its speed increases. If the propeller is ‘right-handed’ (turning clockwise when viewed from astern) it will tend to take the stern to the right (starboard)

Whistle-buoy

A navigational buoy which hoots or makes a whistling noise

White horses

The gleaming white crests of just-breaking waves in the open sea. The white foam of the waves. In Greek waters are called “Little lambs”

Windsail

a sail or funnel rigged as an air scoop over a hatch to catch breezes and divert them to the accommodation below

Windward

Towards the point from which the wind is coming. The opposite of Leeward

Wrecks

Abandoned craft, either adrift or cast up on the shore are technically wrecks

X- Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter X stands for ‘ Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals”. In a sailing regatta means “Individual Recall”. Phonetically it is “X-ray” spelled “ECKS-ray”.

Y – Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter Y stands for “I am dragging anchor”. In a sailing regatta means “Wear Life Jackets”. Phonetically it is “Yankee” spelled “YANG-kee”

Yaw

A hull in the water can yaw, i.e. turning left to right.

Yawl

A yawl is a two-masted boat with an additional mast located well aft of the main mast, specifically aft of the rudder post

Z – Letter

In the International Code of Signals the letter Z stands for “I require a tug”. Phonetically it is “Zulu” spelled “ZOO-loo”

Zenith

In navigation, the point in the celestial sphere which is directly above the observer

- Ensure that hot water, heating and drinking systems are drained down

- Ensure that engines, and any other water cooled machinery is well prepared for the winder days according the recommendations of the manufacturer

- For inland waterways yachts try to expel as much of the raw water from the cooling system as possible

- Ensure that upon re-launch all water systems are checked thoroughly for free flowing water and no leaks

We make sure that all the yachts of our yacht charter fleet are properly maintained in order for you to have the ultimate yachting and Greek Island experience through summer

You‘ve got a wonderful summer with your boat. You crossed seas, you visited
virgin places, you met new friends and, to make a long story rather short, you
enjoyed revoltingly this summer!

Now you can go home with your conscience as clear as possible.

Oh, no! The summer may be over but your obligations as far as the boat is
concerned are not yet over. You cannot go home just like that. Now you
must see to it that you keep her in good health by maintaining the boat
yours, right?

Sail loft

The sailing gear must be removed, then washed down, then dried properly
and then and only then must be stored in a dry place, away from the rain,
dew, humid air, etc.

Boat maintenance

As a yacht owner you know well that the entire thing is a continuous fight
against all the elements.

Sun, sea and salt water constantly attacks your paint, gel coat, metal,
leather, vinyl and isinglass in a very harsh environment. You must understand
that regularly washing off salt with fresh water goes a long way towards
preventing unnecessary erosion, however preventative protection will not only
keep your yacht glistening, it will extend its life and reduce depreciation.

Boat repairs

You are the happy boat owner you but you are continuously well aware that
there is always something to fix! May be that the gel coat is a little chipped or
some scratching of the haul or something else.

Your boatyard personnel can give you all relevant information and assistance
for the purpose. You have a variety of experts to choose who can carry out
the job in the best way. Mind you to pick up not the cheaper but the one who
knows the job.

Boat equipment

Make a last check on the equipment of the boat. All electronic, electric and
other stuff must be checked one more time before the boatyard. During the
cold days of the winder even a small problem can be a large one!

The safe anchorage of the small port is at the end of a small bay with rocky entrance
The island is good for those seeking for unfrequented holidays, although in the last years has become a gathering base for yachts and other pleasure boats!

Around Arki there is a number of even smaller islets worth a visit, like Marathi, Tsouka, Makronissi etc.

Around the square of the village there are different taverns and small coffee shops offering a variety of local delicacies.
In the winter months there are only 50 people on the island who live from  fishing as well as farming and breading animals (mainly goats)
After only a 15′ walk, you’ll find yourself on top of the small hill with the oldest church of the island, to enjoy the magnificent view of the sea.
There is also the cave -still unexplored cave- full of interesting stalactites and stalagmites. Ask a local guy to take you there.

HISTORY

The ancient name of the island is Akritis and Narki.
Due to the dry soil and the small size, Arki never acquired a structured settlement.
The first settlers were Dorians and later the Ionians of Militos who made a small stronghold to control the passage.
The old Roman castle was destroyed by Julius Caesar by himself since he was a hostage there.

Between Naxos and Amorgos, several small islands with great history known as East Small Cyclades, are waiting to be discovered. Donoussa, Schinoussa,  Koufonissia, Iraklia, are the only ones populated, thus making Small Cyclades the perfect destination if you are a yacht owner or if you chose to charter a yacht from Eolia Yacht Club

The locals are friendly and hospitable and they are waiting to welcome you in their unique way. They will tell you stories from the past and they will show you ‘hidden’ beauties.

Small Cyclades have natural beauties that make them stand out among the rest of the Aegean islands. The numerous virgin beaches, where you can relax and swim in their crystal clear waters will fascinate you with their different shades of blue and turquoise. Delicious local dishes and tasty natural products, leaving you craving seafood that one can enjoy by the sea or at villages on the inland, next to picturesque white houses and small churches.

Today, the ports and bays of Small Cyclades are known all over the Aegean as the best resorts for sailing boats yachts and high-speed vessels, and it is no coincidence they have been the favorite hiding place of many a pirates.

DONOUSSA

Donoussa -the most isolated of them- is the northern island of Small Cyclades 10 miles north of Amorgos.

The island has only 163 inhabitants, on an area of 13.75 km², composed of mountains, hills, rocks and some bushes. The highest point is 363 metres (1,191 ft). Donousa has a small port at Stavros, its main settlement, having ferry routes to Naxos and Amorgos. Other small villages include Mersini and Kalotaritissa.

History

According to some versions, Ariadne fled to this island after Theseus had left her sleeping on Naxos.

Not many things are known about this island’s ancient history, except that it was probably inhabited as early as in the 10century BC, and that it was a place where the Romans sent their exiles after they conquered the Cyclades in the 2nd century BC.

Just like the other islands, it belonged to Venetian rulers from the 13th to the 16th century, when the Turks took over. Being such a tiny island, it was not very interesting for the invaders, so pirates took the opportunity and established a foothold here.

During World War II, a British warship was sunk here, and you can still discern it from Kedros beach.

Donoussa is a paradise on earth, ideal for those who are willing to pass their holidays far away from overcrowded islands.
There are some fish taverns with fresh fish and local specialties.
There are no hotels on the island but there are some nice hotel studios and rooms for your accommodation, if you travel there without your yacht.

It is impossible to imagine that on such a small piece of land there are so many beaches. Small or large, sandy or pebbly, well concealed or not, Donousa beaches undoubtedly capture the memory of the visitor.

SCHINOUSSA

The island has some 9 km and 250 inhabitants

In some old maps of the 18^th century is referred as S.Quinoze possible name of a Vetetian governor.

Compared to other islands Schinoussa is blessed with a wide choice in sand beaches that are scattered all around the island. Altogether there are some 15 beaches, the best ones being Psili Amos, Tsigouri, Livadi, Aligaria, Lioliou and Almiros

Its harbor, which is one of three settlements on the island, beautiful Mersini was once an old pirate hideout. Today the sheltered, windless harbor is considered one of the best havens for anchoring smaller boats in the Aegean Sea. The other two settlements are Schinoussa or Chora (Hora) and Messaria.

The «Doric» beauty of the Cycladic landscape, where the marvelous beaches impress their prevailing serenity, the small quaint neighborhoods, the very good infrastructure for the islands visitors and the guileless hospitality of the locals, are the reasons that make the island a steady destination choice for those that dream of a unique escape away from civilization. And when we say away from civilization we mean it in every sense of the word, since Schinoussa has no banks, or fuel stations or busses or even taxis. So make sure you come to the island with your own vehicle although distances are small and most prefer walking. Whoever has a dirt bike will find it very useful since most beaches are accessible by dirt road.

Don’t omit celebrating with the locals in the local festivals of the island. It will be an unforgettable experience with Cycladic musical instruments and singers, good food and plenty of island «glendi» (fun).

Finally you can take a boat ride to Koufonisia which is only half an hour away from Schinoussa or to Heralkia, which you can reach by a leisurely swim, since it only takes 10 minutes.

KOUFONISSIA

The beautiful island of Halki, is located just a few miles from the island of Rhodes.

Chalki is the absolute island for those who have a dream for real vacations, away from noises, cars, pollution, stress etc.

Nimborio is the only village and port of the island. The people is warm, smiling and kind to tourists

Amphitheatrically built, the village is full of traditionally renovated mansions with two or three stores, which shows the wealth of the island in the past.

You can take a quiet walking holiday only to discover some 360 old small churches (one for every day of the year!)

Chalki history

Chalki got its name probably from the copper mines that existed in the old days. The first inhabitants, according to the Greek mythology, were the Titans. Then the Dorians followed and then the Phoenicians…

Aretanassa was the famous queen the island and she gave the name to one of the most beautiful beaches, Areta.

Finally, to make a long story short, Chalki was conquered by the Italians in 1912 and then incorporated with Greece along with the rest of the Dodecanese islands

Holidays in Chalki

The life on Chalki is so simple without any rush! You can stay in the picturesque port enjoying your coffee or you can visit one of the nearby beaches. If you are a yacht owner or you chose to charter a yacht then you shouldn;t miss the chance to visit Pontamos and Areta.

Do not forget to pay a visit to the coffee shop of kyr Kostas, by the barber shop, and the Nouris tavern on the port!

Also, with a rented yacht you can visit Alimia, an islet that has one of the most physically protected gulfs, used for an arsenal during the Italian occupation

Don’t forget! There are no cars in Chalki! Only Yachts and Bicycles!

The Greek island of Kalymnos (Greek: Κάλυμνος) is an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea. This island is the third most populous island of the Dodecanese and is located between the islands of Kos and Leros.

Inhabited from pre – Minoan times, Kalymnos has a similar story with all the other islands of the Dodecanese.

After the death of Alexander the Great, one of his successors, the first Ptolemy of Egypt, came to power in all over Dodecanese

The Dodecanesians were the first Greeks who became Christians after the Apostles Paul and John visited the area to teach them the new religion.

From the 7th century those islands began to attract various conquerors because of their strategic position.

After the Knights of St. John of the 14^th century, the Turks came in 1522 until 1912, when the island was occupied by the Italians, who (at the end of WWII) surrendered the islands to the British, until the 1947 where we have the final incorporation with Greece.

Today

This island is known as the home of sponge. Sponge diving has been called «the oldest profession» on the island.

Kalymnos is an island of rare natural beauty. It combines the charm of the mountain, the majestic scenery and wildlife banks full of herbs, with fine coastline and crystal waters.

In this beautiful island, you’ll enjoy some nice walks, you’ll swim at picturesque beaches with caves, and you‘ll discover places still «virgin», like the village of Vathi, hidden in a beautiful green valley.

Do not forget to visit sail with your boats the small islands of Pothia, Telendos and Pserimos. They say that the sunset of Telendos has the same majesty with that of Santorini!
Beaches Many beaches here have this mystical and so inviting element that urges you to visit. There are so many but we’ll only but a few, like  Panormos, Mirties, or Kantouni. However as in most Greek Islands the best beaches are only approachable from sea by a boat. Therefore, don’t miss the chance to charter a yacht and discover the hidden treasures of Kalymnos Historical sites The visitor is astonished by the number of the historical sites and the various monuments on this island like: Pothia Acropolis – The ruins of an ancient fort, built in the Hellenistic Period Damos – Rich ancient settlement that reached its peak in the Hellenistic times, with ruins of a large bathhouse complex, paved roads, houses, workshops etc Sanctuary of Delian Apollo (4th century b.C.) – This area was the most important place of worship of the ancient Kalymnos and functioned as a political and religious center. Hagia Sophia Evangelistria – A stately temple destroyed by the earthquake 554 a. C. repaired and then abandoned in the 7th century. The excavations have not have revealed the entire church. There are remarkably colorful mosaics.

]]> http://www.greece-yachtcharter.gr/blog/2011/05/sailing-the-dodecanese-islands-kalymnos-island/feed/ 1 http://www.greece-yachtcharter.gr/blog/2011/04/sea-flags-and-flags-etiquette/ http://www.greece-yachtcharter.gr/blog/2011/04/sea-flags-and-flags-etiquette/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:09:54 +0000 Eolia http://www.greece-yachtcharter.gr/blog/?p=230 Today we pay not so much attention and respect to the various flags at sea, along with an infinite number of things and situations, but this is another case and we won’t let it bother us for the moment.

Flags at sea. A very important matter in the good old days.

The study of flags is the “Vexillology”. The word is a synthesis of the Latin vexillium, meaning «flag», and the Greek suffix -logy, meaning «study of».

Flags have been used by all kind of ships, since the beginning of shipping activities. On ships, flags are a symbol of honor, dignity, and ownership.

There are several rules and regulations attached with hoisting flags on ships.

Whenever possible, the proper place for a yacht to display the national colors is at the stern, except that when at sea, the flag may be flown from a gaff; when in a port the flag should be hoisted at 0800 hours and lowered at sunset.

Apart from the national flag there are many other types of flags -thoroughly described in another article here- for various navigational purposes. Indeed there are some rules and regulations governing these flags

Flag Etiquette at Sea

All vessels and yachts should display flags for mainly three reasons – to display the nationality of the ship, to display the status assigned to them because of the services they offer, and to provide courtesy in accordance with the international rules and regulations, no matter if you are a small leisure yacht or an ocean going cargo ship.

There are rules that govern the position or the height of the flags as well. For example, the ensign flag that marks the nationality of the ship should be flown above all the other flags and the pennant should be flown above all other flags.

A Hint

Do you want to baffle your fellows boat owners, showing them how high is your seamanship?

Hoist the above pennant the moment you leave your boat and lower it the moment you are back.

The pennant indicates when the captain is ashore or aboard!!

What you can do? Where do you anchor? How close to another boat? Should you use just both a bow anchor and bow-and-stern anchors?

Let’s assume you did solve the problem and finally you’re anchored. What actions you may take or what actions you should avoid?

All the questions are answered in the unwritten etiquette of harbors!

We’ll try to epitomize only but a few of the tips you may need while in a harbor.

In anchoring, the “first come”, “first served” rule, is applied. The first boat into harbor has the right to choose its anchoring location, according of course to the local restrictions, if any. Any other vessel arriving later is obliged to leave a way of departure of the first boat. In fact, this is the only rule of etiquette that has a legal priority, dictating that an earlier arrival has the right-of-way even though it’s at anchor. Boats arriving later must stay clear or they bear the responsibility for any damage.

Take into consideration the local wind changes, since it may become a problem if the boats swing in circles depending on the length of the anchor rode.

So be careful to consider what will happen if conditions change, after you’ve dropped the anchor next to another boat. Ask the skipper of the other boat how much scope has out, and if for example it is 100 feet then you better drop your hook at least 100 feet away.

The «first-come, first-served» rule also applies to the anchoring style and, if the first boat is lying to a single anchor, then all later boats should do the same. If the first boat has bow-and-stern hooks out, it sets the precedent for the anchorage. Don’t like it? Go somewhere else.

Do not anchor in any open space you think it is a good place. Move your boat carefully through the anchorage, to see how the others have anchored, how much scope they have in the water, and then make your decision on the right anchoring spot for you.

Read something also important too. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quit spot, do not anchor near a large yacht because large yachts are quite “noisy” during the night, mostly kids and air condition generators….

If, on the other hand, you’re the guy who causes all that nuisance you better find a spot away from the rest of the anchored yachts.

If your boat is already anchored, it’s good manners to help the later arrivals by giving advice of the anchoring spot on the weather or the harbor bed.

Whether you’re the first to arrive or the last doesn’t matter if you start to drag your anchor, because now you’re the burdened vessel in the eyes of the law and you must keep clear of all other boats. Everyone drags anchor at one time or another; it’s how you handle the situation that makes the difference. If letting out more scope doesn’t stop the dragging, the best thing you can do is to up anchor and move to a spot with a better bottom for the anchor to bite. Too many skippers delay the decision to move until they’re already banging into other boats, and perhaps causing those anchors to drag as well.

Once you’re settled at anchor, don’t stop being a good neighbor. If you plan to use your barbecue, don’t send clouds of smoke into the boats downwind. If you need to run your engine to charge the batteries, pick a time when it isn’t going to foul the anchorage with noise and fumes. And don’t impose your cellphone conversations on the entire anchorage, either.

Make sure that your music stays within the boat’s area and do not make the mistake of assuming that everybody is so eager to listen too

Want to socialize? Fine! Take a tour of the area and by saluting the others, you’ll know quickly if they’re interested and, if not, just keep cruising.

Finally keep in mind that the marine etiquette is quite simple and it’s all about been a good neighbor.

When you make a routine call to an other vessel, yacht or some coast station, keep the normal way of communicating. In making a normal call to another yacht or coast station the most important points to remember are:

• You – (the other boat’s name)’ three times
• You – ‘This is (your boat’s name) three times
• You – “Over”
• After answering, both go on a working frequency
• after each transmission you say – ‘Over’
• You finish the conversation by saying – ‘Out’.

Safety message

When you hear a message that is preceded by the word ‘SECURITE’, it is a warning, navigational, weather warnings and forecasts, always initiated by ship stations and shore stations.

Urgency message

An urgency message shows that the sender (a vessel or a station) has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a vessel-yacht, or the safety of a person. Urgency messages are sent on all distress frequencies and are identified by the words and sequence:

• ‘PAN PAN’ three times
• HELLO ALL STATIONS‘, three times
• ‘THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ three times
• Urgency message’ once
• OUT’.

Distress message

Distress messages are sent ONLY when a vessel or yacht is in grave or imminent danger. They take priority over all other calls, so if you hear anything that sounds even remotely like a distress message, you should suspend your own calls immediately and try to listen carefully.

In an emergency, the vessel in distress has full control over all other calls

• You say – MAYDAY three times
• You say – ‘THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ three times
• You say – ‘MAYDAY – THIS IS… (name of the vessel)’ once, state your position as accurately as you can and then make sure you describe the problem with the needed information. Then state the number of people on board and the time afloat.