Boating Superstitions: #2 – Right Foot Forward
July 24, 2025
The origins of these beliefs stem from early days at sea when sailors ventured into uncharted waters for fishing, trading and exploration. At a time when scientific explanations for the various dangers and phenomena were unknown, these mariners put faith in the greater powers to help guide their safe passage. Believing in superstitions was a way to have a sense of control, when so many important parts of their life were unpredictable.
The well-known phrase “get off on the right foot” stems from ancient belief that the left side of the body is cursed. In Latin, the word sinister means “on the left side” and thus during the Middle Ages with predominantly right-handed populations, certain religions associated left with evil.
Sailors put a lot of faith in superstitions to guide them, so when getting on to a boat, one was to step with the right foot first to ensure safe passage. If by chance the left foot was used first, the immediate response was to throw the person’s shoes overboard in an attempt to undo this bad omen.
These days, left-handed people aren’t shunned by society, but the next time you’re stepping on a boat, think about which foot goes first. Because why risk it?
Courtesy Pacific Yachting
