By insideSail
Automated technical check · version 1 ·
Bow, stern and sides that stay put
A simple map for finding your way around a boat, even when you turn around.
In this guide
Original schematic illustration. Read the explanation and limitations in the lesson.
insideSailOriginal insideSail artwork — all rights reservedEnlarge the diagram
Why not just say left?
Imagine two people facing each other in the cockpit. One person’s left is the other’s right. If both point to port, they are identifying the same side of the boat. A fixed reference makes a description clearer whether someone is on deck, inside the cabin or looking at a photograph.
| Word | Reference |
|---|---|
| Bow | Forward end |
| Stern | After end |
| Port | Left side looking forward |
| Starboard | Right side looking forward |
Try it on a plan
Relative sectors add detail: the bow sector is forward on either side, the beam is across the side and the quarter is towards the stern. They describe where something lies in relation to the boat; they do not, by themselves, provide a geographical position.
Concepts in this lesson
Bow
The forward end of a vessel.
Port side
The vessel’s left side when looking towards its bow. The reference belongs to the boat.
Starboard
The vessel’s right side when looking towards its bow. The reference belongs to the boat.
Stern
The after end of a vessel.
Sources and references
- Port and starboard — fixed references ↗
NOAA National Ocean Service · Fixed sides when facing the bow
Version: Institutional page. Jurisdiction: International.
Checked on - NOAA field manual — nautical terminology ↗
NOAA · Historical field manual; terminology only · Table 15: bow, stern, port and starboard
Version: Historical field manual; terminology only. Jurisdiction: International.
Checked on
Discuss this concept
Loading the conversation…