Sailing Phrases by American Sailing;
The Dock,
a phrase used to prepare for a storm, or in everyday language, prepare for a difficult upcoming situation.
Sheet Happens,
a humorous phrase used when something goes wrong on a sailing trip. Sheets are the lines that trim sails.
Batten Down the Hatches,
a phrase used to prepare for a storm, or in everyday language, prepare for a difficult upcoming situation
Headland,
a coastal landform, a point of land usually high and often with a sheer drop, that extends into a body of water
All Hands on Deck,
During a storm or other crises, the boatswain’s cry of “all hands on deck” signaled the entire crew to handle the sail. These days it is an entreaty or order for everyone to pitch in and help with a problem or reach a goal.
Walk the Plank,
Sailors, usually pirates, set a plank that would hang off the ship’s side and made the punished sailors walk to the end and meet their death in the ocean. Today it’s a metaphor for receiving a punishment or facing a situation beyond one’s control.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
a phrase derived from two original sources that has become a nautical blessing used to wish someone good luck on their journey. Fair winds speak to favorable winds that will carry you home, and following seas speak to the direction of the waves generally pushing you in the direction of your heading.
Shiver Me Timbers,
everyday language, an exclamation of surprise or excitement. In nautical terms, a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship. In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.
Keel Over,
a term used to describe a boat tipping over on its side so far that it capsizes or turns turtle. In every day language, it refers to someone tumbling or falling over.
Crow’s Nest,
platform located high on a mast used as a lookout point.
Sailing Close to the Wind,
a term used to describe sailing as close to the direction of the wind as possible. Figuratively, this phrase means to be on the verge of doing something illegal or improper.