Cockpit (sailing)

A cockpit is a name for the location of the controls of a vessel. It is usually an open well in the deck of a boat outside the cabin.^[1] In modern boats a cockpit may refer to an enclosed area.^[2] Smaller boats typically have an aft cockpit, towards the stern of the boat. Larger vessels may provide a center cockpit with greater protection from the weather.^[2] On a recreational sailboat, the cockpit is often the safest place for the crew.^[3]

1. ↑ Husick, Charles. Chapman Piloting & Seamanship (66th ed.). Hearst Books. p. 25.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} 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.