ימין ושמאל בכלי שיט – הבדלי גרסאות

 

The origin of term comes from old boating practices. Before ships had rudders on their centerline, they were steered by use of a specialized oar. This oar was held by a sailor located towards the [[stern]] (back) of the ship. However, like most of the rest of society, there were many more [[right-handed]] sailors than [[left-handed]] sailors. This meant that the right-handed sailors holding the steering oar (which had been broadened to provide better control) used to stand on the right side of the ship. The word ''starboard'' comes from [[Old English language|Old English]] ''steorbord'', literally meaning the side on which the ship is steered. The old English term ''steorbord'' descends from the [[Old Norse language|Old Norse]] words ''stýri'' meaning “rudder” and ''borð'' meaning “side of a ship”.

 

 

The starboard side of most naval vessels the world over is designated the 'senior' side. The officers' gangway or sea ladder is shipped on this side and this side of the quarterdeck is reserved for the captain. The flag or pennant of the ship's captain or senior officer in command is generally hoist on the starboard yard.

When the wind is on the starboard side of a sailing vessel, i.e. blowing ''from'' the right, the boat would be defined as ''on starboard tack''. As a rule, sailing vessels on starboard tack have right of way over sailing vessels on port tack, unless circumstances prevent the vessel on port tack from giving way. See [[International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea]].

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[[Image:Right of Way at Sea R&G.jpg|right|frame|A diagram of the ships and associated lights]]