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by wickedwillie on January 30th, 2004

wickedwillie

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What is the origin of the nautical terms "port" and "starboard"?

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  • by Kim Siever on January 30th, 2004

    Kim Siever

    It is believed by many that "port" came about because the left side of old merchant sailing ships had a loading or entry port. "Starboard" came about because the right side of the ships had a steering board that hung over the side of the ship (before the invention of rudders). If the steering board hung over the right side, the boat would need to dock on its left side, or put into port on its left side.

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  • by pugwashjw65 on January 25th, 2006

    pugwashjw65

    The term " Port" was originally " LARBOARD" . With shouted orders, this was confusing in any sort of strong wind, so it was changed to 'PORT". The term " STARBOARD" is an alteration of the term "STEERBOARD", the side of the ship on which the steering oar was fixed. Pictures of this are clearly seen on Egyptian carvings.

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