Starboard Side
January 16, 2025
The starboard side is the right-hand side of a vessel when you are facing forward towards the bow. It is a fixed reference on the boat, not dependent on where a person is standing or looking. At night, the starboard side is identified by a green navigation light.
Knowing starboard from Port Side is essential for clear helm orders, docking instructions, watchkeeping, and collision avoidance. References to starboard are always made relative to the vessel’s Bow, and the green sector shown by Navigation Lights helps other mariners judge your direction of travel in darkness or poor visibility.
Starboard is also used in sail trim, manoeuvring, race rules, and route briefings, such as identifying which side hazards, traffic, or land will pass on. When reviewing PredictWind forecasts or Weather Routing, using standard terms like starboard keeps communication precise between skipper and crew.
