Do you use Nautical Terms or Plain Language?

[Tony B]

Originally Posted by DaveOnCudjoe

.....I run into problems with "fall off" and "head up"as there is no real analog in real life. I point alot which helps but then there is tiller vs wheel which some never catch on to(mostly blonde). Dave

Frantically pointing usually works. When they smell fear, they usually figure it out. As long as they don't just get up and say "I quit" I figure all is good.

[sailorboy1]

because we are getting older we have come to terms with the fact that somethings our brain can no longer control our mouths

so sometimes we just say things like "pull in the god dang it" while pointing

[CharlesFCook]

"prepare to reef the mizzen shrouds"

That will keep them busy for a while.....

[barnakiel]

Terms, nautical or otherwise, are out there to facilitate communication.

When I ask my crew to do something and I get a dumb look then I will use a plain word to get the msg thru BUT I will teach them the word-meaning in a while and have them use it in the long run.

No problem to use plain language, just very impractical.

b.

[sailpower]

How about CB talk on the VHF? Arrrg.

[zeehag]

as we learned sailing we were taught the language to use while sailing. is not difficult. still can be done.

[jmackay]

Profanity needs no translation

[zeehag]

profanity makes sailors not sail with ye

[SailFastTri]

I agree with those who insist on nautical terms where they're needed to be precise. There is no substitute for port/starboard, in fact I used that term yesterday to describe the location of a dent in a rental vehicle. My wife chuckled but it didn't require further explanation .

OTOH there are land lubber terms that are just as precise and are interchangeable. I try to use those with guests. Examples are: Toilet, bathroom, kitchen, bed. Actually the word "head" could mean a toilet OR the cabin in which the head is located, so that's one example of lubber terms being more precise.

[jackdale]

It depends.

If I am teaching an entry level class we need to work into the nautical jargon. In more advanced classes we use the correct "shippy" language.

On a skippered charter, I may just use common language unless there is a willingness to learn.

Of course is there still is no consensus about all terminology. Is it a boom vang or a kicking strap? Neither term is intuitive. The standards I teach use "bear away" rather than "fall off", which on the water could have unintended consequences.

[Dennis.G]

I generally use the nautical terms, and in context they are usually understood. Then the term is learned quickly by any newby.

I think my exception in use of port and starboard. I have always thought much clearer to say turn left or turn right. If talking about a location on the boat I may say on the port side, but if talking about directions I usually say left or right.

[Dennis.G]

Originally Posted by sailpower

How about CB talk on the VHF? Arrrg.

10-4 that good buddy

[David M]

All technical things have their own terms, aviation, computers, architecture, etc.

If pilots start saying the thingie while pointing at the MFD or said put the thingie to 10 degrees, meaning the flaps, or set the thingie (the spoilers) then there would be more aircraft fatalities Words specifically describe something and should be used when possible.

[mangomuffins]

just pm'd someone about this very topic.
When LEARNING to sail, nomenclature/terminology is important. Afterwards, skippers and crew, whether casual or regular work it out. Racers generally stick to correct terminology. Using correct terminology is sometimes a safety thing...been knocked down a couple of times because of it (or lack of it


mm

[Ocean Girl]

I find comfort and joy in the nautical language, I cannot explain why. It sounds as sweet to me as the creaking of a boat as she falls off a wave. Maybe it is the clarity, the precision of it all. Everything on a boat has it's place, along with the language.

Boat speak feels very natural. I sometimes forget the whole world doesn't speak it until I see the blank expression on the landlubbers face when all I asked was for her to dog down the port in the head :-)..seemed pretty clear to me.


Mrs. Rain Dog