Scope

The ratio between the length of anchor rode paid out and the depth of water (plus bow height), e.g. 5:1 all-chain, 7:1 chain-and-warp.

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 S-terms

Shackle

A U-shaped metal fitting closed by a threaded pin (D-shackle, bow shackle, snap shackle et…

Sea breeze

A daytime onshore wind caused by the land heating faster than the sea, drawing cool air in…

Spreader

A horizontal strut projecting from the mast that redirects the shrouds outboard, increasin…

Sole

The floor of a cockpit or cabin.

Self-tacking jib

A small headsail fitted with a track across the foredeck so the sheet travels automaticall…

Stay

A piece of standing rigging supporting a mast in the fore-and-aft direction.

← Back to full glossary