TopTip2020 #3 - Go Dutch in the Netherlands - by Gerard Vos, NED
TopTips2020 #3 - Go Dutch in the Netherlands - by Gerard Vos, NED
Gerard was one of the first keen RS Aero racers in the Netherlands and a founding member of the Dutch RS Aero Class. Have you ever had a port/starboard issue when racing the Dutch? Well this quirk of 'Double Dutch' may explain why! The Dutch refer to the side the sail is on, rather than the windward side of the boat. So when on starboard they call "port" (“bakboord!” in Dutch). Beware sailors, its a nautical jungle out there!
Gerard explains;
' Dutch word for “starboard” is “stuurboord” and “port” is “bakboord”.
Starboard is the righthand site of the boat when facing to the front, just like everywhere else. We use the same right-of-way rules as the rest of the world…
BUT when the sail is on right hand site we call that “Stuurboord”. So in a regatta we yell “Bakbooooorrrrdd!” to each other.
So if you want right of way, yell that to me, and not “starboard” ….:-) '
Photos - Gerard and his fantastically pink RS Aero!
Reply 26/03/2020 11:54:00
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