Sailing guideThe glossary of nautical termsOur glossaries
Last updated on 01/22/2026 at 12:06 AM
English
Description
French
B
Français
backstay
Définition
Cable at the back of the mast stabilizing it fore-and-aft
Anglais
pataras
Français
ballast
Définition
Heavy weight placed in the keel or hull to improve a boat's stability
Anglais
ballast
Français
batten
Définition
Flexible or rigid inserts in a sail used to maintain shape and improve the sail's profile
Anglais
lattes
Français
beam
Définition
The maximum width of a sailboat measured at its widest point
Anglais
maître bau
Français
bear away
Définition
To change a sailboat's heading by turning the bow away from the wind, i.e., to head downwind
Anglais
abattre
Français
bearing
Définition
Angle measured between true or magnetic north and the direction of an observed object from the boat
Anglais
relèvement
Français
Beaufort scale
Définition
Scale used to estimate wind strength based on observable effects at sea, called the Beaufort scale
Anglais
beaufort
Français
bimini
Définition
Canvas cover placed over part of the boat, such as the cockpit, for protection
Anglais
taud
Français
inflatable boat
Définition
Small lightweight inflatable boat, often used as a tender or for coastal excursions
Anglais
zodiac
Français
bollard
Définition
A strong mooring post used to secure docking lines
Anglais
bitte
Français
boom
Définition
The horizontal spar attached to the foot of the mainsail used to control sail trim
Anglais
bôme
Français
bow
Définition
The front part of a boat or ship
Anglais
proue
Français
bulb
Définition
A weighted fin at the bottom of a keel used to increase a sailboat's stability
Anglais
bulbe
Français
buoy
Définition
A floating or fixed navigation mark used to indicate hazards, channels, or recommended routes
Anglais
balise
Looking for the definition of a term but can't find it ? Or want to suggest one ? Contact us and we'll be happy to help !
Our latestUpdates
Monday, September 7th 2026
The wedgetail triggerfish
Discover the wedgetail triggerfish, Hawaii's famous state fish. Learn about its vibrant colors, coral reef habitat, unique behavior, and cultural significance in Hawaii.
Saturday, September 5th 2026
The Kemp's ridley sea turtle
The Kemp's ridley sea turtle is the smallest of the seven species of sea turtles and one of the most endangered. Discover this fascinating species, its unique biological characteristics, and its remarkable mass nesting behavior known as an arribada, when thousands of females gather on beaches to lay their eggs.
Friday, August 28th 2026
The skunk cleaner shrimp
Discover the skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), a small tropical shrimp famous for cleaning parasites and debris from reef fish.
Photo of the Day
Labre échiquier
(Halichoeres hortulanus)
(Halichoeres hortulanus)
Copyright © 2007-2026 auxBulles.com - All rights reserved. Legal notices.Photo credits - Our partners