Nautical lingo is all about those strange words that apply uniquely to boats and ships. Every field of human endeavor has its own vocabulary and the nautical world is no exception. Boats show up often in my books, so I thought you might be interested in learning a sampling of the words:

• Starboard – right side of a boat
• Port – left side of a boat
• Bow – front of the boat
• Stern – back of the boat
• Heel – when the boat leans sideway, usually from wind
• Mainsail – the largest sail
• Jib – a smaller sail forward of the mast
• Mast – the pole that supports the mainsail and jib.

In my books, I try to explain all nautical terms as they are presented, but these may help you understand as you continue reading and the definition slips your mind. By the way, the term ‘starboard’ comes from the Viking term, which means ‘steering board’ or rudder, which they attached to the right side of their longboats. In order not to damage the rudder, the Vikings always tied up with the other side (‘port’ – get it?) of their boats against the pier.