Left hand down a bit

I did so enjoy the long running radio serial "The Navy Lark" set on board HMS Troutbridge. 

Sub Lieutenant Phillips, played by Leslie Phillips, was the worlds worst helmsman, famous for his command "left hand down a bit", just before the ship hit yet another solid object that shouldn't have been there. The show had a wonderful cast, none more so than a very young Ronnie Barker, 

I spotted the tourist boat across the river, and as a former Lifeboy, knew that normally boats and things go up and down, not across. 

I think I would have fitted in well aboard HMS Troutbridge.