ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Steering oar

Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a big boat or a ship? Well, a steering oar is like a special stick or paddle that helps the person driving the boat or ship turn it in the direction they want to go.

It's a really important part of sailing because otherwise, the boat might just go straight and crash into things. The steering oar is attached to the back of the boat and the person driving can move it from side to side to help the boat turn.

It's kind of like how you use the steering wheel in a car to turn left or right. Instead of a wheel, though, sailors use a long oar that's bigger and more powerful than a regular paddle.

So, next time you see a boat or ship, see if you can spot the steering oar at the back and think about how it's helping the sailors steer the vessel safely to its destination.