Nautical Notes

Starboard: The right side of the boat, as you look toward the bow from the back, is the starboard side of the boat. It comes from the Old English term: steorbored, "the side on which the boat is steered." People used a steering oar mounted on the right side of the stern.

So knowing this, can you figure out the origin of the term "port side of the boat"? Sure you can!

Jack Silver

LA Sailing Club and School

(310) 889-7939