Sports terms glossary

The time spent on the surface between two dives. During this time the body releases accumulated nitrogen — critical for decompression safety.

The boat's position sailing with the wind coming straight from the side. Sailors' favourite point of sail — fast and controlled.

The horizontal spar attached to the bottom edge of the mainsail. When the boat turns it swings over your head — it can hit you if you're not careful.

The uppermost section of the main mast. On old gulets the pennant is attached to the flagpole there.

An air-cushioned vest that controls buoyancy during a dive. It inflates at the surface and deflates at depth — critical equipment.

A ball hit diagonally across the court. The safest and most frequently used shot type in tennis and padel.

A controlled stop made while ascending from a deep dive to release nitrogen accumulated in the blood. Skipping it causes decompression sickness (the bends).

Lowering the anchor into the water to hold the boat in a cove or harbour. The anchor is dropped every night during a blue cruise.

A fully waterproof diving suit. It keeps the body dry in cold waters (the Black Sea, the Aegean in winter). Different from a wetsuit.

A shot hit with the side of your racket-holding hand. A tennis player's strongest and most-used shot type.

The opening exercise of classic pilates. Lying on your back with legs at 45° in the air, the arms pump up and down 100 times.

The certification programme in the PADI system to become a diving instructor. 2 intensive weeks, both theory and practice.

Mooring the boat in a harbour or at a pier with the stern facing the shore and the bow facing the sea. The typical parking style for gulets and yachts.

The wind pushes the boat from behind — the sails open out and speed increases. The easiest point of sail for beginners.

A naturally sheltered stretch of water where the land indents toward the sea. The spot where the anchor is dropped at night on a blue voyage.

A special book in which completed dives are recorded. A certain number of logged dives is required for the next certification level.

A several-day sea cruise on a gulet or yacht, unique to Türkiye. It was named in the 1920s by Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (the Fisherman of Halicarnassus).

A professional sea harbour where yachts and boats are moored and services (fuel, water, electricity, restaurants) are available. Yalıkavak Marina is the best known in Türkiye.

Taking the boat as close as possible to the direction the wind is coming from (usually 45°). The sails are tight, the heel increases — the hardest point of sail.

The basic diving certification in the PADI system. After a 4-day course it grants the right to dive to 18 metres. It's the most purchased certification on Sporara.

The heart of pilates: the power centre formed by the abdomen, lower back, hips and seat. Every movement starts from here.

The perforated, short racket used in padel. Stringless, with a solid surface — a different grip and technique from tennis.

The device that reduces the high-pressure air in the tank to a pressure the diver can breathe. Vital equipment — regular maintenance is a must.

A strong, fast current running from the shore out to sea. It's a leading cause of drowning — you escape by swimming parallel to the shore.

A large, balloon-shaped colourful sail used to speed up the boat downwind. It stands out in sailing races.

Yoga's opening sequence — made up of 12 different poses, it prepares the body for the day. In the Indian tradition it means saluting the sun.

A steel/aluminium cylinder containing compressed air (or a nitrox mix). A 12-litre tank provides about 40 minutes of diving.

The manoeuvre of changing direction by passing the bow through the wind. It's done constantly when sailing close-hauled.

The durable synthetic fabric used to make sails. Dacron, kevlar or carbon — from expensive to cheap.