Crow's nest

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For other meanings, see Crows Nest

A crow's nest is a structure in the upper part of the mainmast of a ship that is used as a lookout point.

This position ensured the best view of the approaching hazards, other ships or land. It was the best device for this purpose until the invention of radar. It was a sailor in the crow's nest (Rodrigo de Triana) who actually first witnessed the Americas in 1492, rather than Christopher Columbus.

In early ships it was simply a barrel or a basket lashed to the tallest mast. Later it became a specially designed platform with protective railing.

It should not be confused with the top, the platform in the upper part of each mast of a square-rigged sailing ship.

Sometimes the term is used metaphorically in reference to topmost structures in buildings, towers, etc.

In early trains, a box-like structure above the caboose was also called the crow's nest. It served for the observation of the whole train when in motion. ^[1]

[edit] Origin of the term

The Origin of Navy Terminology brochure issued on the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Navy gives the following explanation.

The crow was an essential part of the early sailors' navigation equipment. These land-lubbing fowl were carried on board to help the navigator determine where the closest land lay when the weather prevented sighting the shore visually. In cases of poor visibility, a crow was released and the navigator plotted a course that corresponded with the bird's because it invariably headed straight toward land, "as the crow flies".

The crow's cage was situated high in the main mast where the look-out stood his watch. Often, he shared this lofty perch with a crow or two since the crows' cages were kept there: hence the "crow's nest."^[2]

[edit] References

1. ^ A Brief History of the Train
2. ^ Origins of Navy Terminology, U.S. Navy brochure