A pile (or piling) is a long, sturdy stake of timber, steel, or concrete driven into the seabed to support docks, piers, or to secure boats. In sailing, they act as mooring points, channel markers, or fender piles to protect vessels at marinas. They are often mistakenly called "pylons".

Key Details About Piles in Sailing:
Purpose: They are used to secure vessels in a berth (pile berth) or to support the structure of a pier or marina.

Fender Piles: These specific piles are driven at the corners of docks to prevent damage to boats.

Mooring: Skippers tie their boats to these sturdy, upright posts, which are often used in pairs to hold a boat securely in a slip.

Material: Usually constructed from wood, concrete, or steel and are designed to stand up to water currents and heavy impact from vessels.

Distinction: They are commonly referred to as "pilings" in the context of marina infrastructure, differentiating them from "pylons," which are often related to overhead power lines.

Pile Berths:
A pile berth is a type of berth in a marina where a boat is secured between two or more poles driven into the waterbed, rather than alongside a floating pontoon. The boat is secured by running lines from the bow and stern to these structures.