Knysna: Green, Right, Return
As the nautical types know, “Red, Right, Return” is one of the fundamental rules of seamanship in the US. This handy alliteration helps sailors remember to keep red channel markers on the right (starboard) side of the boat when returning to port.

On our recent pass through Knysna (rhymes with “thighs-na”), we had an opportunity to go for a sail on a 54’ one design. The trip involved passing through the Heads – a narrow opening between the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean where the navigable channel is only about 70 meters wide and the current can reach 8 knots.

As we headed towards the Heads, I noted the red buoys on our right, despite the fact we were on our way out to sea. Remembering the captain’s warnings about how narrow the channel was, I inquired about his decision to sail outside it.

It was then he told me that the US is the only country in the world that follows “red, right, return.” Everywhere else – or at least in Europe and Africa – it’s “green, right, return.” Not nearly as alliterative, but worth noting if you plan to sail outside US waters.