We’ve talked about safety during your Mast Charters trip, but one way to ensure that everything will run smoothly on your vacation is to be well acquainted with your yacht and how it works! Knowing the parts of a boat, what they’re meant to do and what they’re called is valuable knowledge in the event of an emergency. Of course, we’ll have a fully staffed crew to make sure your journey is smooth sailing, but knowing the anatomy and proper lingo of your waterbound vacation home will serve you well. Plus, you’ll probably hear our staff communicating using the terms below, and having an idea of what they’re talking about will you give a better sense of what’s happening at all times! Don’t worry—we won’t get too fancy. We’re starting off with all the basics!
Please note: not all charters are configured exactly the same. This is a basic overview!
(diagram via boat-ed.com)
First thing’s first, the bow is the front portion of the boat. Many yachts have a bow railing which is a safety mechanism for crew working at the front of your yacht or guests relaxing, and acts as a secure handhold or barrier. A flat deck, which is also located at the front of the boat, is a great area to hang out on or to tan in the sun! It sits above the hull, which is the actual body of the ship. Similarly, the cabin will be your indoor lounging area to eat and sleep.
Of course, no boat can run without a captain. The cockpit is generally an open area hidden near the rear, with enough room for the pilot and crew! Generally, the cockpit has an outside deck as well, known on boats as the sole. Many vessels also have a flying bridge, which is located on the highest level of the charter, allowing a full, unobstructed view for the captain and crew while they’re hard at work making sure your journey is on schedule and safe. During your voyage, you may hear terminology such as port side or starboard. When you’re facing the bow, the left side of the boat is generally known as the port, while the right side is known as the starboard. Additionally, the back of the boat is called the stern.
If you don’t think you can remember all of that just yet, don’t worry. Your first-class crew will go over all the parts and safety features of our Model Lagoons to make sure you know the ins and outs of your temporary home. To book your Mast Charters experience, head here.
