Basic Sailboat Crew Terms

Everything you need to know before stepping aboard for the first time

Why learn this?

Knowing the basic terminology helps you communicate better with the captain and crew. In an emergency, understanding a command correctly can save lives.

Sailboat Diagram

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1
Příď Bow The front end of the hull
2
Záď Stern The rear end of the hull
3
Stěžeň Mast The vertical pole that supports the sails
4
Bóm / výložník Boom The horizontal pole at the base of the mast, holds the foot of the mainsail
5
Hlavní plachta Mainsail The largest sail, positioned behind the mast
6
Přídní plachta Jib / Genoa The forward sail in front of the mast (genoa = larger version)
7
Stěh Forestay A wire from the masthead to the bow, supports the jib
8
Kýl Keel A weighted fin under the hull providing stability and preventing leeway
9
Kormidlo Rudder The vertical blade under the stern that steers the boat
10
Kokpit Cockpit The open area at the stern where the crew sits and steers

Sides of the Boat

VÍTR ↓ PŘÍĎ ZÁĎ BABORD (PORT) STRIBORD (STARBOARD)
Babord  — Port The left side of the boat when facing the bow. Marked with a red light.
Stribord  — Starboard The right side of the boat when facing the bow. Marked with a green light.
Příď  — Bow The front of the boat — the direction it is sailing
Záď  — Stern The rear of the boat — where the engine and cockpit typically are
Luv  — Windward The side from which the wind is blowing — the boat heads toward it when beating
Lee  — Leeward The downwind side — more sheltered, sails hang toward this side

Basic Commands

Czech English Meaning
Odvez! Cast off! Release the mooring line from the dock or buoy
Přiváž! Make fast! Secure and tie off the line
Spusť kotvu! Drop anchor! Lower the anchor to the seabed
Zdvihni kotvu! Weigh anchor! Raise the anchor — preparing to depart
Přiluffuj! Luff up! Turn the boat closer to the wind (bow toward the wind)
Odpadni! Bear away! Turn the boat away from the wind (stern toward the wind)
Připravte se na obrátku! Ready to tack! Prepare for a tack — bow passing through the wind
Obrátka! Tack! The bow crosses the wind line — sails switch sides
Halza! Gybe! The stern crosses the wind line — watch the moving boom!
Uvolni šot! Let go the sheet! Release the sail control line — the sail will ease
Pozor! Watch out! General warning — pay attention
Člověk ve vodě! Man overboard! Emergency call — immediately begin rescue manoeuvre

More Important Terms

Halyard / Ráhnovka Halyard Line used to hoist and lower the sail
Šot Sheet Line used to control and trim the sail angle
Bakšov Backstay Wire from masthead to stern, supports the mast from behind
Windex Wind vane Wind direction indicator at the top of the mast
Bedeving Close-hauled Sailing as close to the wind as possible — sails pulled in tight
Traverz Beam reach Wind blowing directly across the beam — typically the fastest point of sail
Volný vítr Running Wind blowing from directly behind — sails eased out wide
Hlídka Watch Regular crew rotation on duty (typically 3–4 hours)
Knot Knot Unit of speed — 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour ≈ 1.85 km/h
Námořní míle Nautical mile Unit of distance at sea — 1 nm = 1,852 metres
Přístav / Marina Harbour / Marina Harbour with facilities for yachts — water, electricity, showers
Kotviště Anchorage A suitable spot to anchor away from a marina

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