The Boom is the movable spar at the bottom of the sail.

The Gaff is the pole or spar for spreading the top or head of the
sail.

The Sail is really a canvas kite fastened to the boat.

The Bowsprit is the stick projecting from the bow.

The Rigging consists of the ropes attached to masts and bowsprit.

Stays are strong ropes for supporting the masts fore and aft.

Shrouds are strong supporting ropes reaching from the masts to the
sides of the boat.

Ratlines are little ropes fastened to the shrouds by which sailors may
climb up or down.

The painter is a rope at the bow, used to fasten small boats as a
halter fastens a horse.

Windward means the side of the boat against which the wind blows.

Leeward, opposite side to windward.

Ballast weights of stone, iron or bags of sand used to balance the
boat. A good way to learn about the parts of a boat is to whittle out
a small working model. This is a help, but only the actual experience
can teach you how to manage a sail and at the same time steer the