Nautical Terms That Begin with X, Y & Z

We’ve finally come to the last post in our series of blogs about shipping terms and maritime words that begin with each letter of the alphabet.

You’ll find links to the other posts within this article if you want to go and check them all out, but for now, if you’re looking for maritime terminology that begins with the letters X, Y and Z you’re in luck!

So from XTE cross track errors to zeniths, keep on reading to find out a little more about some of the weird and wonderful expressions you might come across while reading about boating, yachting or commercial shipping.

Shipping terms that begin with the letters X, Y and X

Unsurprisingly, there aren’t nearly as many maritime terms that start with these letters as there are for many of the other letters in the alphabet, although there are still a few that might interest you, so let’s get started with the letter X.

Maritime terminology that begins with the letter X

X-Band
In maritime terms, the X-band is used for marine radar communication, among other uses. These radars are installed on most large research vessels as well as on a number of offshore installations.

Used for ship traffic control and navigation, the radar produces images that detect physical objects such as other vessels, structures, oil and gas rigs and platforms and coastlines, as well as reflections from the sea surface - something known as sea clutter.

X-Ray
In shipping terms, x-ray stands for the letter X in the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, which is most often referred to as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet or simply the Phonetic Alphabet.

This is the most commonly used group of code words used to clearly communicate the letters of the Roman alphabet, particularly over the radio and is essential in helping seafarers give and receive messages, orders and instructions clearly and correctly.

XTE Cross Track Error
In maritime terminology, XTE cross track error is a way for sailors and navigators to tell at a glance what their distance to port (left) or starboard (right) of their intended straight track between two waypoints is.

These waypoints may be departure, arrival or transit points that are set on a chart. Cross track error (XTE) is most commonly caused by drift due to environmental reasons and corrective action should be taken as soon as possible.

Shipping terms that begin with the letter Y

Yacht
Although there isn't really a standard definition for a 'yacht', as a maritime term it can generally be described as a boat that is used for pleasure or racing. Yachts can be powered both by engine and by wind power - i.e. sailing yachts. Normally a yacht will have a cabin that can be used to sleep in for one or more nights.

Typically speaking, a 'boat' becomes a yacht when it exceeds around 40 feet in overall length. Once a yacht reaches approximately (again there is no set definition) 78 feet in length, it falls into the 'superyacht' category.

Yankee
Yankee stands for the letter Y in the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, which is most often referred to as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet or simply the Phonetic Alphabet.

Freight terms that begin with the letter Z

Zenith
In maritime navigation, the zenith distance is 90 degrees minus altitude. This means that if a star has an altitude of 89 degrees, in maritime terms, its zenith distance is 90 - 89, or 1 degree. Thus it is very nearly directly overhead.

The zenith itself is an imaginary point that is directly above a particular location on the celestial sphere. For example, imagine a straight line meeting the center of the earth compared to the navigator's position. To that person, the zenith is the highest point of the celestial sphere.

Celestial navigation uses the stars, moon, sun, and horizon to calculate the position of a vessel and comes in useful in the event that technology such as the GPS isn't working and the ship is in the middle of the ocean, with no landmarks or reference points in sight.

Zulu
Zulu stands for the letter Z in the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, which is most often referred to as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet or simply the Phonetic Alphabet.

And there you have it! A list of maritime terminology that begins with the letters X, Y and Z. If you’d like to see all of these terms - and more - in our comprehensive shipping glossary, you can find that on our website.

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Read the previous article in this series: Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters U, V and W

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters X, Y & Z