Nautical Glossary - G

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

gaff

1. A spar hoisted on the aft side of a mast to support the head of a sail, hence gaff-rigged; 2. A spar used to support and spread the head of a sail of four generally unequal sides. A sail so rigged is gaff-headed. 3. A long-handed instrument used to hook fish from the water

gale

A range of winds from 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 miles per hour); see also weather definitions

galleass

A large, heavily armed three-masted Mediterranean galley of the 16th and 17th century

galleon

A large, three-masted sailing ship generally having two or more decks and used mostly during the 15th and 16th century as a merchantman or warship

galley

1. A nautical kitchen; 2. A large medival ship of shallow draft propelled by sails and oars, used as a merchantman or warship in the Mediterranean; 3. An ancient seagoing vessel propelled with double or triple banks of oars

garboard strake

The lowest strake next to the keel

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genoa

A large overlapping jib sail or headsail which reaches the top of the forestay and whose clew overlaps the mainsail. It is the principal power on a modern racing sloop when beating. Also called a jenny

gimbal

1. A device that suspends a compass so that it remains level; 2. Pivoted mounts that enable the object they support (a compass, stove, lamp, etc.) to remain level when the boat heels

going to weather

To sail against the prevailing wind and seas

goosewing

See wing and wing

gores

The angles at one or both ends of cloths that increase the breadth of a sail

grab rail

A securely mounted handhold on or below deck

grafting

Protecting a rope by weaving yarns together to cover it

Granny knot

A square knot improperly tied

grapnel

A device used for snagging and bringing up objects from the bottom. It has a cluster of curved hooks at the end of a shank on one end and a ring for attaching a line at the other. 

grappling irons

Odd-shaped irons used to hold vessels fast

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great-circle course

A great circle is formed on the surface of the globe by a plane which passes through the center of the earth. Thus, a course on a great circle provides the shortest distance between two points.

gripe

To tend to come into the wind; to carry a hard-weather helm

gooseneck

A swivel fitting that connects the boom to the mast

grommet

1. A metal ring fastened to a sail, cover, or other fabric; 2. A ring made from rope

groove or sail slot

A narrow channel running the length of the mast or boom into which a rope-reinforced edge of the mainsail is inserted and thus bent

ground tackle

Anchor, cable, and fittings used to secure a boat to her moorings

gunwale

(gun'l) 1. The rail of the boat at deck level; 2. The upper part of the sheer strake

guy

A rope or wire used to steady or support

gybe

See jibe