Starboard

Starboard designates the right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward toward the bow. Historically derived from the Old English *stēorbord* (meaning "steering side"), the term reflects ancient seafaring traditions where ships were steered using a rudder oar fixed on the right side. Unlike relative terms like "right," starboard remains fixed relative to the vessel's structure regardless of an observer's orientation on deck.

Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), the starboard side is fitted with a green sidelight displaying an uninterrupted arc of visibility of 112.5 degrees (from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam). As referenced in Wikipedia, a sailboat is on a "starboard tack" when the wind crosses over its starboard side, causing the sails to set on the port side. Under sailing rules of the road, a vessel on a starboard tack holds the right-of-way over a vessel on a port tack.

In seamanship, distinguishing starboard from port is critical for clear communications during mooring maneuvers, tacking, and emergency response. Observing proper yacht etiquette requires guests and crew to understand these spatial references during docking and fender deployment. During night passages, verifying visual target aspects against a marine compass ensures collision avoidance. Sailors must distinguish starboard as a vessel side from a starboard tack or the steering command "starboard helm."