isaac_newton wrote:Joat42 wrote:BTW just out of interest - was the steering oar always on one specific side... if yes, any particular reason.
Most people are right-handed which makes it easier (better leverage) to steer from the starboard (right) side of a ship.
Other reasons why this became the standard is that ships can pass each other (ie keep to the right) without risk of tangling/damaging the steering oars when passing each other plus you could standardize harbors and loading to some extent.
makes sense - thanks [/quote]
Hmm not so much. A lot of landlubbers confuse Port (Larboard) and Starboard with left and right. They are quite different and confusing the two terms could actually be dangerous in a ship under sail. For example, if the skipper said quick untangle that rope on the right, your right? my right? what rope? But if someone said the port jib sheet is fouled on the starboard side stay a sailor would know exactly what the problem is. Port is left and Starboard right ONLY IF you are facing the bow (front) of the boat. If you are facing the stern (back) of the boat, port would be on your right and starboard on your left. Port and Starboard don’t change no matter which way you are facing.
Also, if you are steering with a tiller while on a starboard tack, you are most likely sitting on the high (starboard) side and steering with your left hand. This allows better visibility of the sails and leaves your right hand free for such things as trimming the jib.