Stupid question but here goes...
 

If you were standing in FRONT of the ship looking at it, is the side to your right called Starboard or Port?? Thanks<BR>Ida

Port. Once you're on the ship, face the bow, and hope you're not "Left at Port."

Ida: Not a stupid question. The way you asked it is not the way you normally consider things on a ship. Do what John is suggesting, always picture yourself on the ship and facing the front of the ship (instead of "standing in front of the ship" as you suggested). Then, remember what John said, you don't want to be "left at port", in other words, the LEFT side of the ship is PORT. Hope this helps. Bob

The way I remember is that port has 4 letters in the word...the same as left.

why don't you want to be Port?

You don't want to be 'left at port' means you would have missed the ship.

Is my face red

Thanks, Bob. Now that you've explained port this way, I'll be able to keep in straight. I sure wish I had learned it like this years ago.