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GAFF - a free-swinging spar attached to the top of the sail.

GAFF-TOPSAIL - A light triangular or quadrilateral sail set over a gaff

GALE - 1. An unusually strong wind. 2. In storm-warning terminology, a wind of 28-47 knots (52-87 kilometers or 32-63 miles per hour).

GALLEY - The kitchen area of a boat.

GALLEY -

1. Ancient: Aspect of seafaring associated with slavery 2. Modern: Aspect of seafaring associated with slavery

GALLOWS - A frame used to rest the boom when the sail is down.

GANG PLANK - Board or ramp used as a walkway from ship to dock

GANGWAY - The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.

GASKET - Line used to secure a furled sail to the boom or yards.

GATHERING WAY - Increasing speed.

GEAR - A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.

GENOA - Also known as a genny, usually the biggest jib on the boat  Foresail over 100%.

GEOGRAPHIC POSITION – GP of a celestial body is the position on the Earth’s surface where that celestial body is directly overhead at a stated moment, i.e. the point on the Earth where a straight line from the celestial body to the center of the Earth intersects the surface of the Earth.

GHA – See Greenwich Hour Angle

GIMBALS - Movable mountings often found on shipboard lamps, compasses, etc., which provide dieting passengers an opportunity to observe the true motions of the ship in relation to them, and thus prevent any recently ingested food from remaining in their digestive systems long enough to be

GIVE-WAY VESSEL - A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.

GMT - Greenwich Meridian Time, also known as Universal Time or Zulu Time

GOOSENECK - The fitting which secures the boom to the mast.

GP – See Geographic Position

GPS - global positioning system; is a satellite-based radio navigation used to determine position

GRAB RAILS - Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.

GRANNY KNOT - Failed unseamanlike attempt at a square knot

GRAPNEL – A small anchor with several arms used for dragging purposes

GREAT CIRCLE – A course plotted on the surface of the globe that is the shortest distance between two points

GREENWICH HOUR ANGLE ( – The angular distance of a GP, West of the prime meridian, or the angular distance of the hour circle of a body West from the celestial meridian of Greenwich

GROUND – To touch the bottom or shore

GROUND SWELLS - Swells that become shorter and steeper as they approach the shore due to shallow water.

GROUND TACKLE - A collective term for the anchor and its associated gear.

GROWLER - Small iceberg that has broken away from a larger berg.

GUDGEON - Socket part of hinge attaching rudder.

GUNWALE - The upper edge of a boat's sides.

GUSSET - A brace, usually triangular, for reinforcing a corner or angle in the framework of a structure.

GYBING - Change tack by putting stern through wind.

GYRO COMPASS – A directional instrument that indicates true north