A Dictionary for Those Learning to Sail

By: LOG STAFF

Suppose you want to learn to sail or are just beginning; knowing that sailors speak another language when on the water is essential. Here is a complete list of terms and definitions in alphabetical order for sailors to learn and better communicate while sailing.

Aft: at, near, or toward the stern of a ship. “Aft,” in nautical terminology, is an adjective or adverb meaning towards the stern of the vessel, aircraft, or spacecraft when the frame of reference is within the ship, headed at the fore.

Astern: behind or toward the rear of a ship.

Bow: The bow is the forward part of the hull of a ship or boat, the point that is usually most forward when the vessel is underway.

Helm: a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat.

Hull: The main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings.

Jib: a triangular staysail set forward of the forwardmost mast.

to Catalina Island.

The club recommends that first-timers bring water and sunscreen with them, and if you’re prone to seasickness, it is recommended that you take a non-drowsy sea sickness pill at least two hours before the meeting begins.

MSSC was founded in 1976 by three sailors known as “The Crew.” That crew included Connie Scroggs, Dawn O’Day, and Ron Segel, who had all crewed extensively on day sails and trips to Catalina. Scroggs had a 22-foot sloop, and Segel had recently sold his.

All three were always in demand as crew because they made sailing their number one priority. As a result, they listened to hundreds of often repeated sto-

Jibing: A jibe or gybe is a sailing maneuver whereby a sailing vessel reaching downwind turns its stern through the wind, exerting its force from the opposite side of the boat.

Keel: The keel is the bottom-most longitudinal structural element on a vessel. On some sailboats, it may also have a hydrodynamic and counterbalancing purpose.

Leeward: situated on or toward the side sheltered from the wind; downwind; the side sheltered or away from the wind.

Mainsail: the principal sail of a ship, especially the lowest sail on the mainmast in a square-rigged vessel; the sail set on the after side of the mainmast in a foreand-aft-rigged vessel.

Port: Port refers to the left side of the boat when the boat is looking forward.

Rudder: A rudder is a primary control surface to steer a ship, boat, or submarine— the propeller.

Starboard: Starboard refers to the right side of the boat when the boat is facing forward.

Stern: The stern is the back or aft-most part of a ship or boat, technically defined as the area built over the sternpost, extending upwards from the counter rail to the taffrail.

Tacking: change course by turning a boat’s head into and through the wind.

Windward: Different from leeward, windward is when the boat is facing the wind or situated on the side facing the wind.

Crew members are not expected to be [at the level of] Joshua Slocums but must progress to the point where they can assist the skipper. Safety has always been of primary concern, as has the member’s desire to enhance their sailing skills.

The first meeting was held at Don the Beachcomber’s in Marina del Rey, and 150 people attended. The interest has never been wanted in the ensuing years. However, with no specific meeting place and no present Sunday sails, it was necessary to call all the members and let them know when and where to meet.

The three founders did all the telephoning. Did you ever try to call over 150 singles in California before the days of answering machines? It was a significant problem, as was finding a place to gather before sailing to make boat assignments. But, difficult as it was, we managed to survive until Burton Chace Park was built, and the club was allowed to meet there bi-monthly.

By 1981, the organization had ma-

2023

Walt Elliot Harbor Challenge (May 7)

The concept of an easygoing yet serious sailing club persists today. Members are active in various offices and activities, including four parties and four trips to Catalina each year. In addition, there is a once-a-month cleaning of a member’s boat and a monthly safety class. This, in addition to two Sunday sails each month, gives a well-rounded sports activity that is one of the most desirable aspects of life in Southern California.

Current board Members are: Tom Dumas - Commodore, Kenny NealVice Commodore, Selvee Provost - Secretary, Margaret Brooker -membership chair, John Powers - Fleet Captain, Alla Zhandova - Social Chair, Heidi Mylo - Treasurer.

For more information, please visit http://marinasundaysailors.org/.

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

LONG BEACH — The Long Beach Yacht Club announced to all ASPBYC Member Clubs that they are accepting challenges for the “WALT ELLIOTT HARBOR CHALLENGE,” which will take place on May 7. The Challenge race will be sailed in monohull yachts propelled by sails. Each yacht must be skippered by a member of the club that it represents, and only a club member may helm the yacht during the races for the Cup. Any member club of the ASPBYC may challenge LBYC for the

Challenge Trophy. Such challenge shall be in writing, signed by a flag officer of the challenging club, state the name of the challenging club, and submitted to the LBYC Race Office at raceoffice@ lbyc.org no later than February 28, 2023. The challenge shall state the class or handicap rule under which each yacht must be rated, and if a handicap rule, a rating with which each challenging and defending yacht shall have a rating that is not more than (5 percent) higher or lower. We would welcome a one-design challenge in the Long Beach Sailing Foundation-owned Catalina 37s. The Racing Rules of Sailing will govern the race. For more information, visit https://www.lbyc.org/default.aspx?p=v35EvtView&type=0&ID=206401.

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