Sailboat service interactions: your multilingual guide in Spanish, Italian & French

Master sailing communication in Spanish, Italian & French. Effortlessly converse about safety, navigation, maintenance, and other modifications.

05 December 2023

Imagine yourself basking in the golden sun, gently cruising through the enchanting archipelagos of the Aegean Sea or perhaps the glamorous Riviera. But as the seasons change, the vibrant sailing expeditions must give way to a calmer period, a time to rest and rejuvenate for both you and your cherished sailboat. For this, you've chosen the tranquil harbours of Spain, Italy, or France, entrusting your boat to the skilled hands of a local service team. Yet, an intriguing challenge unfolds: language intricacies that digital translators struggle to grasp, particularly when it comes to the specialised lexicon of sailboat servicing. 

A couple on yacht looking at a tablet at a port

This guide is a product of collaboration with sailing experts and seasoned professionals from Spain, Italy, and France and serves as a reliable compass to guide through the language labyrinth. It houses an extensive collection of sailing and maintenance terminology, complemented with pronunciation guides and a comprehensive glossary, ensuring genuine comprehension beyond mere understanding of your communications. 

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Boat Inspection & Maintenance

Could you perform a thorough hull and rigging inspection?

Can you evaluate the condition of my sails?

I would like a thorough check and service of the engine and fuel system, please.

Could you inspect the propeller and consider upgrades for better performance?

Safety & Navigation Systems Onboard

I would like to have the life rafts, life vests, flares, and fire extinguishers inspected, please

Can you upgrade my boat with the latest navigation system?

I'm interested in having an autopilot system installed.

Sailing Yacht Interior & Exterior Modifications

I want to make modifications to the boat's cabins, galley, and heads.

I'm looking to install teak decks. Could you assist with that, please?

Could you help modify fishing equipment, diving platforms, and storage spaces?

Sailboat Energy and Water Systems

I'm considering adding solar panels for energy sustainability.

Could you check and upgrade the boat's electrical system?

Please inspect and possibly upgrade the freshwater system. I also want to install a watermaker for converting seawater into freshwater.

Comfort and Entertainment Features

I'd like to install heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.

I'm interested in upgrading onboard entertainment, like TVs, sound systems, and satellite receivers.

I'd like to evaluate and possibly upgrade the boat's refrigerator, freezer, and cooking appliances.

Sailboat Communication & Anchoring Systems

Could you upgrade the VHF radio, satellite phone, and Wi-Fi boosters?

I am looking to equip my boat with a stronger anchor, windlass, and a longer anchor chain. Can you help?

I'd like a bow thruster installed for easier manoeuvring.

Sailing Compliance and Documentation

Is my boat's waste disposal system up to date?

I need help with securing proper documentation and insurance.

Additional Sailing Services

Can you help with mooring options?

I'm looking to buy a suitable dinghy for my sailboat.

Sailboat Term Glossary

English

Spanish

Italian

French

Meaning

Aft or Astern

A popa

A poppa

Arrière

Anything toward the back of the boat

Bow

Proa

Prua

Proue

The front part of a boat

Cleat

Cornamusa

Gassa

Taquet

A fitting on which a line is made fast

Deck

Cubierta

Coperta

Pont

The top of a boat, covering the hull's entire surface

Engine

Motor

Motore

Moteur

Machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion

Fenders

Defensas

Parabordi

Pare-battages

Cushioning device used to prevent damage while docking

Helm

Timón

Timone

Barre

Where you steer the boat

Helmsman

Timonel

Timoniere

Barreur

The person steering the boat

Jib

Foque

Fiocco

Foc

Sail forward of the mast

Keel

Quilla

Chiglia

Quille

The principal structural member of a boat

Leeward

Sotavento

Sottovento

Sous le vent

Side of the boat furthest from the wind

Line

Cabo

Linea

Ligne

Rope in use on a boat

Mainsail

Vela Mayor

Randa

Grand-voile

The boat's largest and most important sail

Mast

Mástil

Albero

Mât

A large vertical spar used to support sails

Navigation

Navegación

Navigazione

Navigation

Process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft from one place to another

Port

Babor

Sinistra

Bâbord

The left side of a boat when looking forward

Rigging

Jarcia

Sartiame

Gréement

System of ropes, cables, or chains used to support a ship's masts and control the sails

Starboard

Estribor

Dritta

Tribord

The right side of a boat when looking forward

Stern

Popa

Poppa

Poupe

The back part of a boat

Tack

Virar por avante

Virata

Virer de bord

Change direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind

Windward

Barlovento

Bolina

Au vent

The side of the boat closest to the wind

Jibe

Trasluchar

Strambata

Empanner

Change direction by turning the stern of the boat through the wind

Heeling

Escora

Sbandamento

Gîte

When a sailboat leans over in the water, pushed by the wind

Point of Sail

Rumbo al viento

Centro velico

Point de voile

The boat's direction relative to the wind

Vessel

Barco

Nave

Vaisseau

A craft, especially larger than a rowboat, designed to navigate on water

Winch

Winche

Winch

Winch

A device used to pull in or let out or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope or wire rope

Yacht

Yate

Yacht

Yacht

A medium-sized sailing boat equipped for cruising or racing

Zephyr

Céfiro

Zefiro

Zéphyr

A light or west wind

Frequently Asked Questions

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