Gennaker

A hybrid between a genoa and a spinnaker — an asymmetric downwind sail flown from a bowsprit or tack line, easier to handle than a symmetric kite.

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 G-terms

Gaff
On a four-sided fore-and-aft sail, the spar that supports the sail's upper (head) edge.
Give way vessel
Under the COLREGs, the vessel that is required to keep out of the way of another when risk…
Gooseneck
The articulated fitting that joins the forward end of the boom to the mast, allowing the b…
Grab bag
A watertight bag pre-packed with survival essentials (flares, water, food, EPIRB, handheld…
Genoa
A large headsail whose clew overlaps the mast, giving extra upwind drive compared with a w…
GPS
Global Positioning System — the US satellite constellation whose signals let a receiver co…
← Back to full glossary
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo