A ship’s compass is a navigational instrument that points towards magnetic north. By knowing where north is, sailors can determine every other direction and steer a consistent course, even when land, the sun or the stars are not visible.
We use countless phrases in everyday conversation without realising just how many come from the sea. Here’s a small selection of nautical terms and their origins – for your interest and amusement. Some may be more folklore than fact, so take them with a pinch of salt!
It is common for sailors crossing the Equator for the first time to be initiated into the Kingdom of Neptune. But why is Neptune the sea god so important to mariners?
If you’ve ever found yourself relaxing on deck, cocktail in hand, and wondering what is the perfect soundtrack for sailing? Chances are, it’s Yacht Rock.
Popular among the sailing fraternity, a gin and tonic has graced many a cockpit after a hard day racing around the cans. But what are the origins of gin, and why has this spirit remained so popular for centuries?
The 16th century paved the way for the East India Company, which would become one of the most notorious organisations in history.
It was a hotbed of naval exploration. The oceans belonged to Portugal and Spain as they blazed trails through uncharted seas. Such was their dominance that they agreed to split the world in half with the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494.
No good boat galley would be without a solid stash of tea. It’s a fascinating story, complete with tales of drug dealing, industrial espionage, and cultural significance…
Nautical knotwork, also known as decorative knots, fancy knotting, creative rope craft, and traditional knotting, was a highly valued craft among mariners during the age of sail.
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.