
| Backstay | A stay, fitted as standing rigging to support and halt any forward movement in the mast, running from the masthead to the stern. |
| Boom | A spar which is used to extend the foot of a sail. |
| Boom Topping Lift | A line or wire to hold the boom off the deck when not in use. |
| Boom Vang | A tackle secured to the boom to prevent it from lifting under sail. |
| Bow | The forward end of a vessel. |
| Bow Pulpit | Forward mounted safety railing. |
| Headstay | A forward stay, running from the masthead to the bow, to support and prevent any rearward movement in the mast. |
| Hull | The main body of a boat. |
| Keel | A heavy fin filled with lead ballast under the hull. It prevents the boat from sideslipping by resisting the lateral force of the wind, and it gives the boat stability. |
| Lifeline | A wire that encircles the deck to prevent crew members from falling overboard. |
| Mainsheet | The line for controlling the main boom. |
| Mast | A long spar rising from the keel or deck of a sailboat and supporting the sails, boom and rigging. |
| Rudder | A narrow foil fitted on the sternpost by pintles and gudgeons. Used for steering. |
| Shrouds | Vertical wires that hold the mast upright and provide it with lateral support. |
| Spreader | An athwartships support that holds the shrouds away from the mast. |
| Stern | The after (rearward) section of the boat. |
| Stern Pulpit | Aft mounted safety railing. |
| Tiller | Steering instrument that controls the rudder. |