The Crow's Nest

The crow's nest on a ship is the lookout point on the top part of the main mast. It gave the best vantage point to spot other ships, problems, or land. It began as a basket or barrel lashed to the tallest mast but later became part of the ship's design.

According to legend, the term came from Viking sailors, who often had crows or ravens in a cage near the upper part of a mast. When visibility was poor, sailors released a bird, and the navigator watched where it flew. A course was plotted accordingly, because the crow would always head towards the nearest land. However, no evidence has been found that this is true, and others think the term comes from the fact that the structure resembles a crow's nest.

Since the crow's nest is so high up, light, agile sailors, often little more than a boy, were sent up to it. Because the movement of the ship is amplified at that height, the climb might lead to severe seasickness. Under some circumstances, being sent to the crow's nest could be considered a form of punishment.

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