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right rear side of the ship. This was
referred to as the steering board. Since the vessel
was steered from the right side, it was necessary to
put the left side to the dock when bringing the ship
into port. Ships were constructed with the steering
board on the right and an opening for loading and
unloading on the left. Over time the steering board
side became referred to the starboard side, and the
side that had to be to port was called the port
side. A simple explanation but an accepted maritime
historical fact.
COLD ENOUGH TO FREEZE THE
BALLS OF A BRASS MONKEY !
On ancient war ships, the cannon balls (cast
Iron ) were stacked on a brass stacking plate called
a monkey. This was done for inspections and
ceremonial affairs. If the weather turned
exceptionally cold, the differences in coefficients
of expansion between brass and cast iron are such
that the cannon balls would fall from there neat
pyramidal stack and roll across the deck. Thus the
origin of the term, COLD ENOUGH TO FREEZE THE BALLS
OFF A BRASS MONKEY.
HE KNOWS THE ROPES
There are many ropes used to rig a sailing
vessel. They have many names such as sheets, lines,
halyards etc. An experienced sailor that climbed up
the rigging to unfurl sails had to know which was
which, thus someone that was experienced was
referred to as knowing the ropes.
If you enjoy these
explanations, let me know and I will research some
more. If you have a particular question, let me
know and I will see if I can find the answer for
you. After all, I know the ropes.
Bill Hempel is the Assistant
Safety Officer for the Peace River Power
Squadron. You may contact him at
Billmarl@comcast.net
or please click here for additional information.
Thank you!
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