What is the origin of the nautical terms "port" and "starboard"?
by 
wickedwillie
ANSWERS: 2
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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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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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