The Vikings called the side of their ship its board, and they placed the steering oar, the "star" on the right side of the ship, thus that side became known as the "star board." It's been that way ever since. And, because the oar was in the right side, the ship was tied to the dock at the left side. This was known as the loading side or "larboard". Later, it was decided that "larboard" and "starboard" were too similar, especially when trying to be heard over the roar of a heavy sea, so the phrase became the "side at which you tied up to in port" or the "port" side.
2. Dunno maybe "Iron Clipper"?
3. USS HARTFORD
4. USS MONITOR ( I checked this just to be sure)..or maybe the French "La
Gloire"?
Pretty easy Nautical Questions for a Navy guy who's big into Maritime History...except number two. Didn't use the intardnet, but I do have books:D