Sailors have always been a superstitious lot – perhaps not surprisingly when you consider how dangerous life at sea once was. Months could be spent aboard ship at the mercy of storms, rough seas, disease and the occasional pirate.
When I was writing about Sailing Superstitions last week, it became clear just how important tattoos were in a sailor’s life. Far from being just decoration, sailor tattoos carried meanings of protection, identity, and achievement. This article takes a look at their history and the symbolism behind some of the most well-known designs.
So many of the phrases we use every day come from the language of sailors and life at sea. Centuries of seafaring have shaped the English language in ways we often don’t realise.
From being told to pipe down to liking the cut of someone’s jib, here are some familiar nautical sayings and the stories behind them.
There’s something about the ocean that has always inspired writers, sailors, explorers and thinkers. From its vastness and beauty to its unpredictability and power, the sea has provided plenty of material for memorable words over the years. Here are some of our favourite ocean quotes.
A good dating profile doesn’t need to be long or clever. It simply needs to give other members a genuine sense of who you are, what you enjoy and what you’re hoping to find.
A good galley recipe needs to be simple, adaptable and made from ingredients that are easy to keep on board. This vegetarian bolognese ticks all three boxes.
There are few sights quite as impressive as a fleet of Tall Ships arriving in port. From traditional square-riggers to smaller sailing vessels, the ships and their crews regularly attract huge crowds when they visit ports around Europe and further afield.
The Southampton Boat Show is an annual highlight in the vibrant port city of Southampton, Hampshire, UK. Living nearby, I’ve been to the show many times and would like to share some local insider knowledge with you: how to get there, where to park, where to stay, and the best spots to eat and drink while you’re in town.
Is it a sailor’s ultimate dream to sail around the world? For some, it’s about speed and breaking records. For others, it’s the chance to leave everyday life behind and spend years exploring the world’s oceans at their own pace.
The Vendée Globe is a solo, non-stop, unassisted yacht race around the world and is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in sailing.