Cockpit (sailing)

[2] Smaller boats typically have an "aft cockpit", towards the stern of the boat, whereas larger vessels may have a "center cockpit" with greater protection from weather.

[2] On a recreational sailboat, the cockpit is considered the safest external location for crew.

[3] A bridge deck is a raised separation between an external cockpit and cabin or saloon, used to keep water from astern from entering from the cockpit, especially in following seas.

[4] In the Royal Navy, the term "cockpit" originally referred to the area where the coxswain was stationed.

This led to the word being used to refer to the area towards the stern of a small decked vessel that houses the rudder controls.