Starlink

A low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband system widely adopted on cruising and commercial vessels since the mid-2020s for high-speed internet at sea, replacing older geostationary Fleet and V-SAT services on many yachts.

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

Self-tacking jib

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

Spar

Any pole that supports a sail — mast, boom, gaff, sprit, yard, whisker pole, or spinnaker …

Sea anchor

A large parachute-like drogue streamed from the bow on a long rode in survival conditions …

Stem

The forwardmost structural member of the hull — the bow's leading edge.

Skeg

A fixed vertical fin ahead of the rudder, protecting and supporting it.

Seacock

A through-hull valve that can be opened or closed to admit water to, or prevent water from…

← Back to full glossary