If you’re new to yachting and feeling overwhelmed by the jargon, abbreviations and terminology, don’t worry - BOAT has you covered. We’ve created the ultimate superyacht glossary, your go-to guide for mastering the nautical world. From yacht anatomy and construction terms to deck equipment and crew roles, this comprehensive resource will have you speaking the language of yachting like a pro.
The key areas on board a superyacht
Whether you’re an owner, charter guest or crew member, understanding the names of the areas on board is essential for making your job easier and for the safety of everyone on board.
Exterior and deck areas
Bow
The front of the yacht
Stern
The rear of the yacht
Starboard
The right-hand side of the boat when facing the bow.
Port
The left-hand side of the boat when facing the bow
Tip: Remember this with the phrase "There’s no more red port left in the bottle". Yachts have a red light on the port side and green light on the starboard side.
Aft
Towards the stern (rear) of the yacht
Forward
Towards the bow (front) of the yacht
Amidships
The middle section of the yacht
Main deck
The primary deck, running from bow to stern, often the first deck you step onto
Lower deck/below deck
The lowest level of the boat, typically housing guest cabins and crew quarters
Upper deck
The level above the main deck, often featuring additional lounge areas
Bridge deck
The deck that contains the yacht’s navigation area, known as the bridge
Flybridge
A secondary helm station on the uppermost deck, often with an open-air seating area
Sundeck
The highest deck on a superyacht, often featuring a sunbathing or entertainment area
Foredeck
The forward most area of the yacht, near the bow
Deck
When the term "deck" is used on its own, this refers to the outdoor areas on board
Swim platform
An extended stern section at water level offering easy water access, often hydraulically adjustable
Beach club
A lounge space at water level, commonly featuring a bar, gym or spa
Passerelle
The retractable gangway used for boarding and disembarking
Tip: Always remove your shoes before stepping on a passerelle!
Cockpit
The yacht’s sheltered outdoor seating area
Transom
The vertical stern surface, usually displaying the yacht’s name
Interior spaces of a superyacht
Bridge/wheelhouse/helm
The command centre that houses the boat’s steering wheel (helm) and navigation controls
Main saloon
The primary indoor lounge and social space on the main deck
Skylounge or upper saloon
A second lounge, typically on the upper deck, offering panoramic views
Cabin/stateroom/suite
The yacht’s "bedrooms", often comprising the master suite (for the yacht's owner), VIP cabin, double cabin or twin cabin
Galley
The yacht’s kitchen area
Head/dayhead
The yacht’s bathroom or toilet
Crew quarters/crew mess
The area reserved for crew accommodation and dining, separate from the owner/guest spaces
Superyacht construction terms
Understanding the structural components of a superyacht is essential for owners, designers and industry professionals. Here’s a breakdown of key construction terms:
Hull
The lowermost portion of a yacht, partially submerged, providing buoyancy and supporting the entire vessel
Superstructure
Everything built above the hull
Keel
The bottom-most part of the yacht’s structure, running along its centreline for stability
Displacement hull
A hull designed to move through the water, displacing it as the yacht moves forward
Planing hull
A hull that allows the yacht to rise above the water at higher speeds, reducing drag
Bulkheads
The yacht’s watertight internal walls
Bulwarks
Raised sides along the deck that prevent people from falling overboard and offer additional structural support
Key nautical measurements
When discussing superyacht specifications, understanding key measurements is essential. Whether you’re chartering, purchasing or building a yacht, here are the most important terms used in yacht design, classification and performance:
Length overall (LOA)
The total length of the yacht, measured in a straight line from the tip of the bow to the stern. This is the most commonly referenced measurement in yacht listings
Length of waterline (LWL)
The yacht’s length at the waterline
Beam
The widest point of the yacht
Draught
The depth of the yacht below the waterline, impacting where it can navigate. Shallow draught yachts are ideal for cruising in the Bahamas or the Mediterranean, while deeper draughts suit ocean-going superyachts
Gross tonnage (GT)
A measurement of the yacht’s internal volume, rather than weight. Higher GT means more interior space, affecting yacht classification, crew requirements and regulations.
Knot (kt)
Unit of speed used in nautical navigation.
Nautical mile (nm)
Unit of distance used in nautical navigation.
Tip: Not to be confused with miles! One nautical mile is equal to 1.15 miles.
Superyacht equipment and accessories
From navigation tools to comfort-enhancing features, here are key superyacht terms every yachtie should know:
Outboard
A self-contained engine unit mounted on the stern of smaller boats or tenders
Water toys
Recreational equipment used on the water, including Jet Skis, foil boards, inflatables, Seabobs, paddleboards and eFoils
Fender
A large inflatable or foam tube attached to the yacht’s sides to prevent damage when moored alongside a dock or another vessel
Bow line/stern line
Mooring ropes tied from the bow (front) or stern (rear) of the yacht to the dock to keep it secure in its berth
Spring line
A diagonal mooring rope tied from the bow or stern to a different point on the dock, preventing the yacht from moving forwards or backwards
Cleat
A metal fixture on both the yacht and the dock used to secure mooring ropes
Winch/capstan/windlass
A mechanical device that assists in raising or lowering heavy objects, such as ropes, anchor chains and sails
Chart
A specialised nautical map used for safe navigation, displaying water depths, hazards and landmarks
Stabilisers
A system that reduces yacht rolling, improving comfort whether the vessel is underway or at anchor
Bimini
A canvas sunshade mounted on an open frame providing shade
Pullman
A fold-down or pull-out bed, often found in guest or crew cabins to add extra sleeping space
Buoy
A floating marker used for navigation, safety and mooring, helping mariners avoid hazards or locate channels
Types of superyacht and support boats
Luxury yachting involves a range of watercraft, from monohulls and catamarans to tenders and support vessels. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories:
Superyacht
It might seem obvious, but "What is a superyacht?" is one of the most commonly asked questions. A superyacht is a luxury, privately owned yacht that measures 24 metres or more in length and is professionally crewed. Superyachts are designed for ultimate comfort, performance and exclusivity, often featuring state-of-the-art amenities, bespoke interiors and world-class service.
Monohull
A boat with a single hull
Catamaran
A twin-hulled vessel providing enhanced stability and space, also known as a multihull
Tender
A small boat stored on a superyacht, used to transport guests, crew and supplies to and from shore. Tenders can also be used for watersports, towing inflatables wakeboards or water skis
Chase boat
Similar to a tender but not stored on the mothership, chase boats often have their own crew and offer additional space for guest transfers, fishing and diving excursions
Support vessel
A support boat offers an extension of space to a superyacht, providing extra storage, crew quarters, helipads or space for additional tenders and water toys, for example.
Sailing yacht terms and rigging
If you think you know yachting but have only experienced motor yachts, stepping on board a sailing yacht is a completely difference experience. Sailing yachts have unique terminology that defines their rigging, sails and navigation dynamics. These key sailing terms will help you understand the fundamentals of sailing yacht design and performance:
Sloop
A single-masted sailboat with a headsail forward (such as a jib or genoa) and a mainsail aft
Ketch
A two-masted sailboat where the mainmast (forward) is taller than the mizzenmast (aft)
Schooner
A multi-masted sailboat where the forward mast is shorter than the aft mast(s), often used in classic yacht designs
Mast
A vertical post on a sailing yacht that supports the sails and rigging
Boom
A horizontal spar (pole) extending from the mast, controlling the position and angle of the mainsail
Rudder
An underwater blade at the stern used for steering the yacht
Mainsail
The primary sail rigged on the mainmast, attached to the boom
Jib
A triangular foresail set ahead of the mast, commonly used in sloop-rigged yachts
Spinnaker
A balloon-like sail deployed ahead of the mast for downwind sailing, maximising speed with a tailwind
Genoa
A large jib that extends past the mast, overlapping the mainsail for increased sail area
Windward and leeward
"Windward" is the side facing into the wind, while “leeward” is the side facing away from the wind
Heeling
The effect of a sailboat leaning to one side due to wind pressure against the sails
Regatta
A competitive sailing event, featuring races between sailing yachts in a designated course
Superyacht crew roles and responsibilities
A superyacht requires a highly skilled crew to ensure smooth operations, impeccable service and guest satisfaction. Each crew member plays a crucial role in ensuring a luxury yacht operates seamlessly. Here’s a breakdown of the key roles on board:
Captain
The most senior crew member, responsible for the safe navigation of the yacht, compliance with maritime regulations and overseeing all operations on board
First/second officer
Second-in-command to the captain, managing the deck crew, including the bosun and deckhands
Bosun
The senior deckhand, overseeing exterior maintenance, water sports and mooring operations
Deckhand
Handles the yacht’s exterior upkeep and assists with guest activities, docking, anchoring and navigation watches
Chief engineer
Responsible for the yacht’s engines, propulsion and all technical systems, advising the captain on engineering matters
First/second engineer
Supports the chief engineer with maintenance, repairs and the smooth running of onboard systems
Purser
Manages administration, accounting and logistics, serving as the liaison between the captain and the owner. The chief stewardess and chef often report to the purser
Chief steward(ess)
Oversees the interior team, ensuring flawless service, housekeeping and guest experiences.
Second/third steward(ess)
Reports to the chief steward(ess), handling housekeeping, table service, bartending and guest requests. On larger yachts, a separate head of housekeeping may be present
Chef
A professionally trained chef, responsible for guest and crew meals, provisioning and galley management. Larger yachts may have a sous chef too
For more expert superyacht tips and essential yachting advice, explore our latest yacht advice guides.