Comprehensive Glossary from A to Z for ScandicYachts

Short-term yacht rental for occasions like day trips or events. ScandicYachts offers flexible solutions that can be arranged within hours, including crew and catering.

• Link: Yacht Charter

The deck at the rear of a yacht, often used for leisure activities such as sunbathing or outdoor dining. On superyachts, it may include luxurious amenities like hot tubs, bars, or seating areas.

• Link: Stern

A traditional greeting among sailors, signaling a welcome or to draw attention. Originating from the Dutch word 'hoi,' it became popular in the 17th century.

Luxurious facilities on board, such as jacuzzis, gyms, home theaters, or saunas, especially on superyachts. Modern superyachts may also offer underwater lounges or helipads.

Operations where troops are deployed from sea to shore or retrieved from land to ship, such as combat landings or evacuations. Requires coordination between ships, helicopters, and ground forces.

• Link: Landing Ship

A device with a chain or line that secures a yacht to the seabed to 'park' it. Types, such as plow anchors (for sand) or folding anchors (for rocks), are chosen based on seabed conditions.

• Link: Anchorage

A system that distributes anchor load across two points, reducing wear and dampening chain noise. Particularly useful for catamarans due to their wide structure.

• Link: Catamaran

A location in the water where a yacht drops anchor, often in sheltered bays. Water depth, wind protection, and currents are considered. Choosing a safe anchorage is critical for comfort and safety.

The combination of true wind and headwind from the yacht’s motion, important for sail trimming.

On the shore, as opposed to being at sea or on board the yacht.

A system that automatically steers a yacht's course based on GPS or compass data. Ideal for long distances; modern systems integrate wind and weather data for optimization.

Ships with civilian crews or for support tasks, e.g., supply or research vessels.

The angle between north and a point, measured clockwise (0–360°). Used in navigation for course determination, often with a compass or GPS.

• Link: Navigation

A German Navy command facility in Rostock, specializing in naval warfare in the Baltic Sea, often in collaboration with NATO partners.

• Link: DEU MARFOR Staff

The maximum width of the yacht, an important factor for berths, maneuverability, and transport (e.g., on a trailer).

A box-shaped bed on a yacht for the crew, often space-saving in small cabins.

The lowest part inside a yacht where water collects and is removed by bilge pumps. Regular checks prevent damage from water ingress.

A canvas canopy over the cockpit, providing protection from sun and rain. On superyachts, often equipped with integrated lighting or speakers.

A detection method (radar/sonar) where the transmitter and receiver are separate to enhance stealth. Used militarily, e.g., in submarine hunting.

Inspection of ships by a team, e.g., for embargo control or anti-piracy measures. In the German Navy, organized by the marine battalion.

A crew member responsible for the maintenance and care of the yacht, often overseeing deck equipment. Historically, a significant rank in the navy.

A metal or wooden part extending at a 90-degree angle from the mast to hold the sail. Beware of uncontrolled movements ('jibe') in strong winds!

• Link: Mast

The front part of the yacht, often used as a sun deck or storage area. On superyachts, equipped with seating areas or anchor winches.

• Link: Fore

A knot that forms a strong loop, easy to tie and load-bearing. Often used to secure lines to rings.

• Link: Knot

A bucket on board, always secured, traditionally used for scooping water.

Sleeping quarters on a yacht, ranging from simple berths to luxurious suites with bathrooms and air conditioning on superyachts.

The master of a civilian yacht, responsible for navigation, safety, and management.

The command to untie the lines to set the yacht in motion, a maritime ritual.

A yacht with two hulls, known for stability, space, and reduced rolling compared to monohulls.

The international emergency and calling frequency on VHF radio (156.8 MHz), which every yacht should monitor. Used for distress calls and initial contact.

See Yacht Charter.

A yacht rented for self-sailing, offering freedom and adventure. At ScandicYachts, also available with luxury options like crew.

Narrow sections of maritime routes, such as straits or canals (e.g., the Suez Canal), strategically important for trade and military operations.

• Link: Straits

A knot for temporary fastening to poles, quick to tie but less stable under load. Ideal for securing fenders to railings.

• Link: Knot

The control area of the yacht, usually at the stern, often equipped with navigation devices like GPS and autopilot.

Special forces for coastal operations, deployed from submarines or helicopters, e.g., the German 'KSM.'

The master of a warship, often an officer with military training.

A small warship for coastal and adjacent sea operations, maneuverable and lightly armed.

The entire personnel of a yacht, including the captain, crew, and possibly additional staff like chefs or stewards. On superyachts, often includes specialized personnel like engineers.

• Link: Crew

The yacht’s crew, ranging from a few people to dozens on superyachts, including chefs, stewards, and technicians.

• Link: Crew

A large warship, now rare, for three-dimensional combat (air, sea, underwater).

The efficient speed of a yacht for long distances, typically 20–30 knots for motor yachts. Optimizes fuel consumption and comfort.

The horizontal levels of a yacht, such as the main deck, sun deck, or aft deck. Superyachts often have multiple decks with specific functions.

A large, fast ship type, now often replaced by frigates, e.g., the 'Sachsen' class.

A German Navy staff for multinational forces, the core of the Baltic Maritime Component Command, responsible for coordination.

A small inflatable boat for trips between the yacht and shore, often attached to the yacht. On superyachts, also used as a luxurious 'tender.'

• Link: Tender

A small boat, often with an outboard motor, for transport between the yacht and shore. On superyachts, also used as a luxurious 'tender.'

• Link: Tender

The weight of displaced water, equal to the yacht’s weight. Displacement yachts are more stable but slower than planing yachts.

A 30-ton concrete block used as a breakwater for coastal protection, developed in South Africa, unrelated to Greek mythology.

The distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel, critical for navigation in shallow waters.

• Link: Draft

See Draft.

Loosening sails or lines to reduce tension, e.g., during gusts of wind.

Detection and disruption of enemy electronic signals, such as radar or radio, a part of naval military tactics.

The propulsion system of a motor yacht, often diesel or hybrid on superyachts. Modern models also use electric drives for sustainability.

Members of the lowest rank group in the navy, e.g., sailors, responsible for basic tasks.

The act of a yacht entering a port from the sea, requiring precise maneuvering.

• Link: Port

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon that transmits the yacht’s position to rescue services in an emergency, often with GPS.

A sea zone extending 200 nautical miles from the coast, where the coastal state has exclusive economic rights (e.g., fishing). Other states retain navigation freedom.

• Link: High Seas

A small, fast warship for coastal operations, e.g., the 'Gepard' class.

A cushion between the yacht and dock to prevent damage during mooring. Available in various sizes, often cylindrical or spherical.

Used for communication (e.g., signal flags), decoration, or to indicate nationality. Displaying the host country’s flag is a sign of courtesy.

A group sailing holiday with up to 12 yachts, led by a yacht with a skipper and crew, popular among charter guests.

See Reconnaissance Ship.

The forward part of the yacht, synonymous with bow, often equipped with an anchor winch or seating areas.

• Link: Bow

The forward part of the hull, often used as a sleeping or storage area.

A highly maneuverable warship for protection and escort duties, often equipped with helicopters and missiles.

The command to run the engine at full power for maximum speed.

The kitchen on board, often professional on superyachts, equipped with appliances for gourmet meals.

• Link: Berth

See Galley.

A movable ramp for boarding and disembarking between the yacht and dock. On superyachts, often hydraulic and illuminated.

A large foresail with a red stripe, controlling the yacht’s direction and power, often larger than the jib.

• Link: Sail

A navigation system for precise positioning of the yacht, integrated with AIS (Automatic Identification System) on modern vessels.

Lines used to hoist sails or flags on the mast, typically made of durable material like Dyneema.

• Link: Halyard

A rope used to hoist sails or flags, often run through pulleys on the mast.

• Link: Halyard

A designated area for helicopter landings and takeoffs, ensuring safe operations.

A wheel or tiller for steering the yacht, often supplemented with a joystick on superyachts.

The high seas are stateless waters (beyond 200 nautical miles), while territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.

When the bow points into the wind, and the yacht loses headway, often in strong headwinds.

The main body of the yacht, made of materials like wood, steel, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

A concept with rotating crews to keep ships operational longer, e.g., in military operations.

A cabin below deck without windows, often for crew or guests, saving space and cost.

The planned route of a yacht trip, flexibly adaptable to weather or guest preferences.

A maneuver where the stern passes through the wind to change the windward side. Can be dangerous if uncontrolled ('patent jibe').

The lower part of the hull, providing stability and acting as a counterweight on sailing yachts. Can be fixed or swing keel.

A unit of speed (1 knot = 1.852 km/h) or a method of fastening, such as a bowline or clove hitch.

• Link: Bowline
• Link: Clove Hitch

A ship for deploying troops and equipment ashore, e.g., via ramps or helicopters, like the German 'LCM.'

The international legal framework for seas, e.g., the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

A net of ropes that catches the sail when lowered, easing handling in strong winds.

The side or direction opposite the wind, where the wind blows, important in sailing.

The length of the yacht in contact with the water, affecting maximum speed.

The maximum length of the hull, including overhangs, important for berths and shipyard work.

A flotation device for safety in emergencies, often with automatic inflation and lighting.

A rope on board for mooring or sail operation, often made of polyester or nylon.

Areas below the main deck, e.g., cabins, engine rooms, or storage spaces.

The primary sail that captures most of the wind’s power during sailing, attached to the mast and boom.

• Link: Sail

Seas largely enclosed by land, e.g., the Baltic or Black Sea.

A harbor with berths, power, water, and services for yachts, often with restaurants or shops.

• Link: Port

Troops for combat and security tasks from onboard, e.g., the German Navy’s marine battalion.

The operational hub of the naval command for managing units, monitoring operations worldwide.

Aircraft equipped with sensors for surveillance and anti-submarine operations, e.g., the P-3 Orion.

Protection of non-military maritime activities, e.g., against piracy or smuggling.

A document defining a state’s maritime goals and means, e.g., NATO’s strategy.

Monitoring sea areas against illegal activities, e.g., using radar or satellites.

Ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in crisis situations, e.g., against piracy.

The pole to which sails are attached, stabilized by shrouds and stays. On superyachts, also used for antennas.

The international distress signal via radio, repeated three times for life-threatening situations, e.g., 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.'

• Link: Pan-Pan

Mooring stern-to at the quay, typical in the Mediterranean, facilitating boarding and disembarking.

A private ship under a state’s flag, unlike warships, e.g., freighters or tankers.

See Sea Rescue Center.

A communal room for leisure or meals onboard, often luxurious on superyachts.

Measures against sea mines, e.g., using minesweepers or drones, critical for safe routes.

Specialists who defuse or destroy mines underwater, often deployed by the navy.

Vessels for mine clearance using sonar and underwater drones, e.g., the 'Ensdorf' class.

Guided rockets used against ships, aircraft, or land targets, deployed by warships, e.g., the Harpoon missile.

A yacht with a single hull, the classic design for sailing and motor yachts.

A buoy anchored to the seabed for mooring a yacht, often used in bays without ports.

See Engine.

A yacht primarily powered by engines, often faster than sailing yachts.

See Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Rotating crews to keep ships operational for longer periods, often used in extended missions.

A chart for position determination and route planning, now often digital with GPS support.

A unit of distance equal to 1.852 km, based on the Earth’s circumference, also called a sea mile.

• Link: Sea Mile

Navy air forces, e.g., with onboard helicopters (Sea Lynx) or maritime reconnaissance aircraft (P-3 Orion).

The supreme command structure of the German Navy in Rostock, responsible for strategy and operations.

Navy officers, from lieutenant to admiral, with leadership roles onboard or ashore.

The art of steering a yacht using charts, GPS, compass, and instruments like radar or AIS.

Naval ranks such as mate or chief mate, with technical or leadership duties.

A large body of water, e.g., the Atlantic or Pacific, home to long-range yachts.

Activities at sea, e.g., oil and gas extraction, regulated in the EEZ, often far from the coast.

The owner of a yacht, who may also be the charterer for the duration of the rental.

A distress signal via radio for urgent, non-life-threatening situations, e.g., 'Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan.'

• Link: Mayday

Small, lightly armed boats for armed forces or coast guard, e.g., for border security.

A naval rank group, e.g., boatswain, with leadership responsibilities.

Robbery of ships on the high seas, regulated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, e.g., off Somalia.

The left side of a yacht when facing the bow. Marked at night by a red light, per international maritime rules.

• Link: Starboard

A sheltered mooring place for yachts with berths, supplies (water, electricity), and services.

• Link: Marina

See Port. Also the English term for the left side ('port side').

A component that converts engine power into motion. Modern propellers are often adjustable for efficiency.

A maneuver to change the windward side by turning leeward, rarely used but useful on tight courses.

A platform by the water for mooring and loading/unloading yachts, often made of stone or wood.

Ships that analyze radio signals and other emissions to gather information on military activities. In the German Navy, known as flotilla service boats, e.g., the 'Oste' class.

Reducing sail area in strong winds for better control, e.g., by rolling.

The collection of ropes and equipment for sail operation, e.g., shrouds, stays, and halyards.

A coiled rope laid flat on the deck, maintaining order onboard.

Fabric that converts wind power into motion, efficiently trimmed, e.g., mainsail or spinnaker.

A yacht primarily powered by sails, ideal for eco-friendly sailing.

The living area below deck, on superyachts with luxurious furniture, bars, and entertainment systems.

The open sea, as opposed to the coast, home to maritime adventures.

A German Navy concept for supporting land operations from the sea, e.g., through reconnaissance, logistics, or fire support.

See Nautical Mile.

Explosive devices on the seabed, countered by minesweepers, a hazard to shipping.

A medical center on supply ships with operating rooms and intensive care beds, e.g., on the 'Berlin.'

The navy’s search and rescue service, often using helicopters like the Sea King.

The captain of a yacht, often on charter yachts, responsible for its operation.

A sound-based location system used underwater for target detection, e.g., for navigation or submarine hunting.

A fast motorboat, also used by special forces, often exceeding 40 knots.

Protection against chafing of sails or lines, often fitted on the mast.

The right side of the yacht, marked at night by a green light per international regulations.

The rear end of the yacht, often with platforms for water access or relaxation areas on superyachts.

• Link: Aft Deck

Connections between seas in territorial waters, freely navigable, e.g., the Strait of Gibraltar.

• Link: Choke Points

Military underwater vessels, nuclear or conventional, e.g., the U-212A class.

Combating submarines using sonar and torpedoes, often conducted by frigates.

A luxurious yacht over 24 meters long with an extensive crew, often equipped with pools or helipads.

Vessels for supplying fuel, ammunition, or provisions, e.g., the 'Elbe' class.

A maneuver where the bow passes through the wind to change course (zigzagging).

Ships for transporting liquids, often serving supply functions for other vessels.

A small boat for transport from the yacht, often luxurious on superyachts.

• Link: Dinghy

An underwater weapon against ships or submarines, e.g., the Mk 48 torpedo.

The net between the hulls of a catamaran, used for sunbathing or relaxation.

Adjusting sails or hull position for optimal performance, e.g., through weight distribution.

The actual wind direction, independent of the yacht’s motion, measured with anemometers.

The topmost deck, often used for leisure or as a sun deck with sea views.

Marine infantry for protecting ships at choke points, e.g., against piracy.

A radio frequency band for maritime communication, e.g., for emergency calls on Channel 16.

A ship of a state’s armed forces, under military discipline, e.g., frigates or submarines.

The medium in which the yacht floats, determining its design and functions.

The line where the hull meets the water, affecting stability and speed.

A drum for tensioning lines, manual or electric, essential for sail operation.

A tool for operating the winch, often with an ergonomic grip.

The side facing the wind, from where the wind comes, critical for sailing maneuvers.

A luxurious vessel for leisure—motorized or sailing—from the Dutch 'jacht' (fast ship).

A mediator for the purchase, sale, or charter of yachts, with market expertise.

Temporary rental of a yacht, available at ScandicYachts with luxury options like staff or tailored routes.

• Link: Ad-hoc Yacht Charter

Synonym for UTC, used for synchronization in navigation, e.g., 12:00 Zulu = 12:00 UTC.