Cockpit (sailing)

A cockpit ( colloquially: Cockpit ) is a part of a sport boat deck with steering position and seating.

The cockpit is lower than the deck (to protect against wind and water, and before going overboard ). It is located either aft (mostly) or amidships. You can be open or closed (→ Kuchenbude ). On yachts, the winches for mainsail and a number of cleats are available here. The benches around the helm are arranged so that you can both standing and seated control.

On some ships, especially motor yachts, there are two control stands ( a cockpit there is always only one ). From the cockpit you can go below deck by the decline, if it exists.

The cockpit needs to be pumped out, that is, in running water must be drained. These are pipes of large diameter, or on dinghies self-draining and self bailers.

As slip protection, the floors are equipped with wooden strips, which are provided with embedded quartz sand or rubber padding in strip form. Alternatively, the base can be provided with a teak flooring or with a grating of wood ( grating ).

The crew stops during the journey to the majority of the time in the cockpit. In most cases can also be a table in the middle open to, for example, of having meals. For larger yachts in the table is fixed, often equipped with a fridge for drinks.

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