| GPS |
Global positioning system for navigation using satellite signals to fix a position. |
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| Gunwale |
The railing of the boat at deck level. |
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| Halyard |
A line used to raise and lower a sail. |
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| Hatch |
Opening on deck with a cover. |
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| Head |
A nautical term for bathroom. It is also the top of a sail. |
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| Head to wind |
The bow turned directly into the wind. |
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| Headway |
Forward motion. |
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| Heeling |
The leeward lean of the boat caused by the winds action on the sails. |
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| Helm |
The wheel or tiller of a boat and the surrounding area. |
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| Hoist |
To raise aloft. |
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| Hull |
The frame or body of a boat. |
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| Jib |
A foresail. |
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| Jibing |
A change of tack while going downwind. Also gybing. |
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| Keel |
The fixed underwater fin on the hull, which provides lateral stability and prevents the boat from slipping sideways. It is the lowest part of a boat in the water. |
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| Knot |
One nautical mile per hour. |