Module 1 - Nautical Terms
Directions and Movement
What you will learn
Use windward, leeward, ahead, astern and abeam correctly and distinguish heading, intended course, track and bearing in a simple navigation situation.
Some direction words are relative to the vessel or wind; navigation terms distinguish where the bow points, where you intend to go and where the vessel actually travels.
Windward means towards the wind; leeward (pronounced 'loo-ard') means away from the wind. Ahead means in front of the vessel, astern means behind. Abeam means at right angles to the centreline.
A vessel's heading is the direction the bow points. Her course is the intended direction of travel. The track is the actual path over the ground (which may differ from the course due to tide and leeway). A bearing is the direction of an object measured from the vessel.
Worked example
The bow remains on an easterly heading while successive positions plot north of the intended eastbound line.
- 1Mark the intended route and the observed positions on the same appropriate chart or plot.
- 2Join the observed positions to identify the track made over the ground.
- 3Recognise that the northerly displacement is evidence of an external or steering effect; investigate tide, leeway and helm rather than assuming the heading display is the track.
Sense check: The plotted position evidence should agree with the claimed track. If it does not, check the inputs and position sources before acting.
Explain why the boat is not following the intended line
The helmsman keeps the bow on the planned heading, but a cross-tide moves the vessel sideways so its track over the ground falls to leeward of the intended route.
1. Observe heading
Read the direction in which the bow is pointing and state the reference used, such as compass or magnetic.
2. Observe track
Use appropriate position or track evidence to see the path actually made over the ground.
3. Reassess
If heading and track differ, account for tide, current, leeway and measurement limits before changing the plan.
Sense check: A steady heading does not guarantee a steady or safe track over the ground.
Common mistake or limitation
- Heading and track are not interchangeable: tide, current, leeway and steering can separate the direction of the bow from the path over the ground.
- A number such as 090 is incomplete unless its meaning and reference are clear; distinguish heading, course, track and bearing and label true, magnetic or compass where relevant.
Recap
- Windward is towards the wind and leeward is away from it.
- Heading is where the bow points; track is the path made over the ground.
- A bearing describes the direction of an object and should include the relevant reference when ambiguity matters.
Optional quick check
Section 7 of 8
The bow points east while a cross-tide carries the yacht north of its intended line. Which term describes the path actually made over the ground?
Continue studying Nautical Terms
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 1. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.