Stern
The stern is the rear part of a ship or boat.
The stern area has always been the place near the steering apparatus (rudder, tiller, ship's wheel, etc.), and by extension became the domain of the ship's captain and other officers. In particular, the stern was the location of the officers' quarters, and during the age of sail became the most luxurious part of the ship, with rows of windows, galleries, walkways, and fine decorations. That meant that this part was rather vulnerable, and the goal of much maneuvering in battle was to achieve the stern rake, in which a ship would pour its entire broadside into the stern.
Other features of the stern included lanterns and the ensign.
Gallery
Stern of a Severn class lifeboat (UK)
Stern of a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Mobile Bay
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Stern Media
Detailed schematic of an elliptical or "fantail" stern
The flat transom stern of the cargo ship Sichem Princess Marie-Chantal
Diagram of a circular stern as designed by Sir Robert Seppings
The counter stern of SS Constitution was shared with her sister ship, SS Independence
Illustrations of several kinds of stern: Fig. 21 Fantail; Fig. 22 Transom; Fig. 23 "Compromise"; Fig. 24 "V" stern; Fig. 25 Round; Fig. 26 Torpedo; Fig. 27 Canoe
The hard-chines of a Costanzi stern on Queen Mary 2
