On 11/11/2011 11:52, Davey wrote:
I saw some discussion that possibly linked the change of the convention
to the sinking of the Titanic. Previously, pushing a tiller to the left
(port) resulted in a movement of the ship to the right (starboard), and
apparently early ships' wheels followed that convention, whereas the
Titanic was one of the early ships to change to the system as described
above. I am merely quoting a report, I have no idea if it's true or not.
But it reflects your quotation; 'port your helm' (turn to starboard)
before it was turned on its head.

I have never seen any ship with a reversed wheel. Not even historic
replicas.

x-posted to uk.rec.sailing...

Andy