Boltrope

A length of rope sewn inside the foot or luff of a sail so the sail can be slid into a groove on the boom or mast.

Test your knowledge

Know your nautical terms? Play the free SkipperCheck daily maritime quiz — COLREGs, navigation, VHF radio, seamanship. Earn points, climb the global leaderboard.

Play the Daily Quiz →

Related B-terms

Bilge

The lowest internal part of the hull, where water inevitably drains and collects.

Below

Any space inside the vessel that is beneath the deck.

Broad reach

A point of sail with the wind coming over the quarter — roughly 135° from the bow.

Beating

Working to windward by sailing a succession of close-hauled tacks.

Boom

The horizontal spar that extends aft from the mast and carries the foot of the mainsail.

By the lee

A run in which the wind is coming over the same side of the boat as the boom — a configura…

← Back to full glossary