Anatomy of a Boat

The first thing you learn when entering the world of sailing, is that sailors have a whole different language than the rest of us. Things that have one name on land have a different name on a boat. For instance: you don’t go downstairs, you go below. It’s not a kitchen, it’s a galley. It’s not a bathroom, it’s a head. And never mind when you get into navigational jargon. More on that later. For now, let’s start with the basics—the anatomy of a boat.

Bow: It’s not called the “front” of the boat, it’s called the bow. This is the end of the boat that faces into the wind when you are sailing.

Stern: It’s not called the “back” of the boat, it’s called the stern. This is the end of the boat where the rudder is and hence where the cockpit is.

Starboard: This is the side of the boat that is on your right if you are facing the bow. (If you’re facing the stern it would be on your left. That’s why they don’t use “left” and “right” because you can be facing any number of ways and that would get very confusing!)

Port: This is the side of the boat that is on your left if you are facing the bow.

Forward: If you are told to move forward, that means toward the bow.

Aft: If you are told to move aft, that means toward the stern.

Top sides: I used to think top sides referred to the deck of the boat, because boat shoes are called “top siders.” But, no. Top sides refers to the part of the hull that is above the water line.

Bottom: The bottom is the part of the hull that is below the water line.

Helm: The helm is the steering wheel. It’s where I plan to spend most of my time while the captain is trimming the sails!