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Sign Language Project
Powered by LYRA Yachting Agency
LYRA Yachting Agency supports, funds and helps develop a pioneering sailing initiative that is creating a dedicated vocabulary of sailing terms in Sign Language.
Created by sailor and educator Grigory Shtyler and his team, the project helps deaf and hard of hearing people learn, communicate and participate more fully in the world of sailing. It gives essential sailing terminology, onboard commands, equipment and crew roles a clear visual form designed for practical use in training and on the water.
A Sailing Language Built from the Ground Up
This is not simply a translation of an existing nautical glossary. It is a dedicated system of sailing terminology in Sign Language, developed through research, practical training and direct work with deaf sailors.
Before creating the vocabulary, the project team studied existing Sign Language dictionaries, international sailing terminology, specialist sign-language resources and established sailing education programmes.
Most of the new terms were created through iconicity: the form and movement of each sign visually reflect the yacht, its equipment, the wind or the action being performed.
The system was developed and refined during real training sessions and regattas. Onboard signs were designed to be performed with one hand wherever possible, allowing sailors to communicate even when the other hand is occupied.
The vocabulary is already used in practical sailing education and work with deaf and hard of hearing people. Its long-term ambition is to develop, together with the DEAF community, into a widely recognised reference and practical standard for inclusive sailing.
This is more than a dictionary — It is an operational language for participation, education and safety on the water
Developed with DEAF Sailors
Created through direct work with sailors who use Sign Language.
Tested on the Water
Refined during real training sessions, sailing activities and regattas.
Designed for Practical Use
Essential onboard terminology is designed to remain clear in real sailing conditions.
Built to Grow
A living vocabulary that can develop together with sailors, coaches, interpreters and the DEAF community.
Explore the Sailing Sign Dictionary
Search for a sailing term and discover its representation in Sign Language.
Available now in English
78 sailing terms across 11 categories
The vocabulary covers hull parts, spars, standing and running rigging, sails and their corners, knots, deck hardware, onboard commands, crew roles and points of sail. Each term includes a visual demonstration, category, definition and practical guidance on how the sign is performed.
The English edition works offline once saved to your device. Search by term, browse 11 categories, or explore signs by their location on the boat—even without a connection at sea.
Explore the Sign DictionaryAccess Begins with a Shared Language
On a yacht, language is more than an explanation. It is safety, coordination, confidence and belonging.
When the technical language of a sport is not available in a person's own language, access may exist in theory while remaining limited in practice.
By giving essential sailing concepts, commands and roles a clear form in Sign Language, this project helps instructors teach more effectively, crews communicate more confidently and deaf sailors participate more fully on board.
Inclusive yachting is not about creating a separate world. It is about making the existing world open enough for more people to enter it, contribute to it and become part of its future.
Inclusion does not change the meaning of yachting. It allows more people to experience it.
LYRA Supports the Project with More Than Words
LYRA Yachting Agency invests its own funds, time and professional resources in the continued development of the project.
We adapt the project's visual materials for use across LYRA platforms while preserving its original identity, meaning and creative concept. Our role is to help the initiative become more visible, reach new audiences and attract the resources required for its further development and practical implementation.
We believe the sea should not be limited by the way a person hears, communicates or learns.
We also invite yacht owners, shipyards, brands, yacht clubs, sailing schools, foundations and private supporters to join us. Every contribution can help expand the vocabulary, create new educational materials, support practical training and make sailing accessible to more deaf and hard of hearing people.
The project remains independent. Its authorship and all rights remain with Grigory Shtyler. LYRA supports its development and uses the project only within the agreed framework of communication, marketing, PR and fundraising.
Supporting initiatives like this is how yachting becomes more open, more human and stronger for the future
Direct Funding
LYRA provides direct financial support for the continued development of the vocabulary.
Marketing and PR
LYRA helps the initiative become more visible and reach audiences it could not reach alone.
Strategic Development
LYRA works on the long-term direction of the project and the resources it needs to grow.
Partnerships and Network
LYRA opens access to its international yachting network and builds partnerships around the project.
