"Down East", also "Downeast", is a term referring to parts of eastern coastal New England and Canada, particularly the U.S. state of Maine and Canada's Maritime Provinces. The phrase apparently derives from sailing terminology: sailors from western ports sailed downwind toward the east to reach the area. The area referred to closely corresponds to the historical French territory of Acadia. Within Maine, the phrase may refer specifically to the easternmost regions, also called Down East Maine. A person from the area may be called a down-easter.