Humans as a species have been responsible for some pretty lousy abuse of the oceans, especially in recent history. For once, though, something we are placing into the ocean is a force for good. Underwater statues are being installed on seabeds around the world, and they appear to be having a genuinely positive effect.
The language of the sea is rich with colourful expressions. Some have sailed into everyday speech, while others remain little-known gems of maritime history. Here are some of the more unusual nautical terms once heard aboard sailing vessels.
I was given my copy of Breverton’s Nautical Curiosities by an old boyfriend – one whose conduct was, shall we say, less than shipshape. He’s long gone now (last seen somewhere off the stern!), but my trusty Breverton’s remains by my side as a much-treasured companion.
Many of you will be familiar with these three words: Explore. Dream. Discover.
They appear at the end of a well-known quote that is widely attributed to Mark Twain. I see it often on Lovesail, where it graces the profiles of many sailors seeking adventure, and perhaps love.
I first came across Robert FitzRoy while researching the origins of The Shipping News. As 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of The Shipping Forecast, it seems fitting to revisit the life of the man who laid the foundations for modern meteorology and marine weather forecasting.
Maritime history is full of tales of ghost ships – stories and legends passed down through generations of sailors and fishermen. These phantom vessels are said to be omens of doom, and seafarers have long feared their eerie glow on the horizon.Among them, none is more famous than The Flying Dutchman, often called the most-sighted … Read more
Sailing the Panama Canal: What to Expect Sailing through the Panama Canal is one of those rare experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype. It’s not just a passage between oceans, it’s a journey through one of the greatest engineering achievements in history. Stretching 77km (48 miles) across Central America, the canal connects the … Read more
Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2026 with revised information and additional guidance.
If you suffer from seasickness while aboard a boat, it can be extremely unpleasant and sometimes debilitating. In severe cases it can even affect safety on board. Fortunately, several seasickness remedies may help prevent or reduce the symptoms.
Dockwalking is the practice of walking around marinas and docks to introduce yourself to yacht crew and ask about job opportunities.
Long before satellites and digital forecasts, sailors relied on one simple but powerful tool to predict the weather: the sailing barometer. Even today, despite modern technology, barometers remain one of the most reliable ways to detect approaching weather changes at sea.
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