Don't let a lack of terms stop you. That said, everyone should try to learn the basics of port and starboard; the two most common sails: main and jib; and know that turning the boat is either tacking or gybing. Don't let all the British jargon and the use and reuse of the same word to describe different things drive you to rebel against the whole notion of terms. They really can make you safer, for in an emergency, you will likely be very grateful. Imagine your boat is sinking and the Coast Guard says "everyone get off on the starboard side". Wouldn't you want to know which side that is:) That said, there's no need to know everything before you go sailing. I used Steve Colgate's basic sailing book to learn the few terms I mention here, then... went sailing on as many different boats as I could with different skippers. Race nights and local sailing clubs are a great way to experience the great variety of techniques and boats, and the more you hear the basic terms, the more natural it will become. Some women come up with pet names for certain maneuvers or lines. Once you master the basics, you can safely move to poetry if you want... especially if it's your boat!

Last updated on November 24, 2008 by International Women Sailing Network