Before setting off on a sailing trip, it is good to recall or learn the names of individual parts of the vessel and its related equipment.
Preparation is particularly important for skippers, but also for all other crew members who will participate, as misunderstandings, accidents, and damage can occur in critical situations. Therefore, dedicating enough time to proper communication is crucial when preparing for sailing adventures.
A sailboat consists of several parts, which we have grouped into categories. Among the main parts are those that make up virtually every vessel. The second group includes the basic equipment of the vessel, while the third consists of special equipment needed primarily on sailboats.
Main Parts of a Vessel
Hull defines the basic shape of the vessel, which determines its sailing characteristics. There are various types of hulls, both for motorboats and sailboats (monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, etc.).
Keel is the main underwater part and the strongest component of the vessel. On sailboats, it enables sailing “against” the wind. The larger the ballast, the better it prevents the sailboat from heeling.
Rudder the steering system consists of the rudder blade, rudder post, and tiller (lever) or steering wheel.
Deck the external, walkable part of the vessel.
Cockpit the area where the vessel is controlled, usually serving as an outdoor dining or lounging space.
Cabin an interior space of the vessel, functioning as a living room or bedroom.
Bow the front part of the sailboat.
Stern the rear part of the sailboat.
Basic Equipment of the Vessel
Propeller driven by the engine, enabling vessel movement. It can be right or left-handed, which is useful to know when maneuvering during docking.
Anchors various shapes (Admiralty, Danforth, Plow, Grapnel, Hall, etc.).
Anchor winch a device used on larger vessels for lifting and lowering the anchor, operated electrically or hydraulically.
Cleats, fairleads, stoppers various forms of equipment used to secure different ropes.
Ropes used for mooring the vessel.
Fenders rubber bumpers that protect the vessel from damage while moored.
Boat hook a type of hook on an extendable pole used to retrieve ropes or buoys from the sea, very useful during docking.
Special Sailing Equipment
Mast a vertical pole on the sailboat used mainly for hoisting sails and signal devices.
Stays steel cables for securing the mast.
Halyards ropes used for hoisting sails.
Sheets ropes and pulleys used to adjust sail angles.
Vang a pulley system used to adjust the boom.
Winches devices for tightening ropes.
Winch handle a mechanical tool for manually or electrically operating the winch.
Boom the support structure for the mainsail.
Mainsail the sail hoisted between the mast and boom.
Headsail (Genoa) a sail that extends past the mast.
Headsail (Jib) a sail that does not extend past the mast.
Spinnaker a balloon-shaped sail used for downwind sailing.
Gennaker a hybrid sail between a genoa and a spinnaker, allowing sailing both upwind and downwind.
Spinnaker pole an auxiliary pole used when sailing with a spinnaker.
This time we have described only the essential and basic sailboat equipment, while in the future we will present other useful accessories.