How To Speak Like a Boater
- November 9, 2009
- 991 Views
Contributor
William_Kim
Captain
Peter Means
Ahoy, mateys! While modern boaters don’t talk like pirates, they do have their own language. We’re going to help you crack the code.
You Will Need
- Memorization skills
- And a desire to show off
Step 1: Sit in the “bow”
Head to the front of the boat and say, “I’ll be fore” or “I’ll be in the bow.”
All directions are given in relation to the position of the boat itself, regardless of which direction the person happens to be facing.
Step 2: Move “aft”
Switch to the back of the boat and announce you’re moving “aft” to sit in the “stern.”
Step 3: Go “starboard”
Proclaim you’ll be “starboard,” then go to the side on the right when facing forward to the front of the boat. Or mention you’ll be “port” and sit on the left.
Step 4: Talk about “leeward” and “windward”
Speak authoritatively about the “leeward” side—the side opposite the source of the wind—or “windward”—the side of the boat that the wind is coming from.
Step 5: Know the ins and outs
If the engine is attached to the outside of the boat, comment on the “outboard” (“That’s one fine outboard!”), as opposed to a built-in or “inboard” one.
“Inboard” and “outboard” can also refer to a direction toward or away from the centerline of the boat.
Step 6: Ask about knots
Ask the captain how many knots you’re going—the number of nautical miles per hour that you’re traveling, or, duh, how fast you’re moving.
A nautical mile is longer than a mile on land.
Step 7: Inquire about the “course”
Inquire, “What’s our course?” A “course” is the direction in which a boat or ship is sailing. This can be different from the “heading,” which is the direction in which a boat is pointing.
Step 8: Ask for rum
Ask for some of the captain’s best rum. You’ve earned it.
If an aircraft circles your boat three times and then heads off in a particular direction, it’s signaling that there is a vessel in distress in that direction that needs your help.
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