| Abeam |
At right angles to the side of the boat. |
 |
| Aboard |
On or in the boat. |
|
| Adrift |
A boat floating free, not being fastened to any stationary mooring. |
|
| Aft |
Towards the stern of the boat. |
|
| Aground |
When the hull or keel is touching ground. |
|
| Aloft |
Overhead, above. |
|
| Anchor |
Object designed to grip the ground under water to hold the boat. |
|
| Anchorage |
A place for anchoring a boat. |
|
| Apparent Wind |
the perceived wind direction on a moving boat. |
|
| Astern |
In the direction of, or behind, the stern. |
|
| Autopilot |
A device used to steer a boat automatically. |
|
| Backstay |
A wire support for the mast, usually running from the stern to the head of the mast. |
|
| Bail |
To remove water from the boat. |
|
| Ballast |
Weight in the lower portion of a boat, used to add stability. |
|
| Battens |
Thin wooden or plastic strips inserted into a pocket on the back part (leech) of a sail to assist in keeping its form. |
|
| Batten pockets |
Sewn enclosure in the leech of the sail which holds the battens in place. |
|
| Beam |
The width of a boat at its widest poiint. |
|
| Beam reach |
A point of sail where the boat is sailing at a right angle to the wind. |