I've heard the explanation below many times and it sounds very logical. For many years, however, the port side was called larboard. What is the derivation of that term? I've heard that the British Navy pioneered the use of "port" to avoid confusion of the similar-sounding "starboard" and "larboard"
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 9:15 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Conference Travel Tip The names port and starboard come from ancient ship-lore. Most people are right-handed, They would steer the ship with the right hand using a plank - a steer-board, down the outside of the ship near the stern. Hence steer-board, and right-hand side of ship. The other side of the ship would be uncluttered, and so would be the side of the ship to come alongside in the port. Hence left-hand side of ship and port side. Better to understand the reason than have fancy mnemonics etc. David Brown, David Brown Sundials, UK - -
