Cockpit (sailing)

Cockpit of a small sailing boat

A cockpit is a name for the location of controls of a vessel. While traditionally an open well in the deck of a boat outside any deckhouse or cabin,[1] in modern boats it may refer to an enclosed area.[2] Smaller boats typically have an "aft cockpit", towards the stern of the boat, whereas larger vessels may have a "center cockpit" with greater protection from weather.[2] On a recreational sailboat, the cockpit is considered the safest external location for crew.[3]

A bridge deck is a raised separation between an external cockpit and cabin or saloon, used to keep water from astern from entering from the cockpit, especially in following seas.[4]

  1. ^ Husick, Charles. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship (66th ed.). Hearst Books. p. 25.
  2. ^ a b Nicholas, Mark (2005). The Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat: The Definitive Guide for Liveaboards. Paradise Cay Publications. ISBN 9780939837663.
  3. ^ Jobson, Gary (1998). Sailing Fundamentals. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0684849941.
  4. ^ Simon, Alvah (11 March 2014). "Companionway Design: Down The (Main) Hatch". Cruising World. Retrieved 27 March 2016.