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Boat terminology

What does 'abeam' mean?

Short answer

At right angles to the vessel's centreline

Abeam means at right angles (90°) to the vessel's centreline — directly to port or starboard. An object that is abeam is neither ahead nor astern but exactly to the side.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom and general recreational seamanship; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

What does 'abeam' mean?