Dreaming of serene days under sail, the sound of waves, and salty spray? Do you picture yourself at the helm, confidently guiding a yacht towards adventure? For many of us, sailing — it's not just a type of leisure, it's a whole philosophy, an escape from the urban hustle, an opportunity to spend unforgettable time with family and friends. But if you're a beginner, the world of sails might seem complex and full of mysteries. Where to begin when encountering phenomena like sailing superstitions? How to get an international license? Is it scary to go out into the open sea?
These questions are natural. After all, the sea has long been surrounded by numerous mysteries, ancient maritime omens, and rituals. This element is unpredictable, and for centuries, sailors worldwide developed beliefs that, they felt, could ward off trouble or ensure good fortune at sea. Many of these sailing superstitions originated in the age of sail, but some are still alive today – especially among yachtsmen and naval officers who honor maritime traditions. Today, we will examine the most well-known sea taboos, bad maritime omens, as well as amusing rituals and talismans common among sailors around the world. We will provide their origin, geography, and note how well they have survived to this day, supporting the narrative with examples.
Sailing Superstitions: Shipboard Bans and Bananas on Board
Sailors of the past strictly adhered to a code of what not to do or bring on a ship to avoid misfortune. Many of these shipboard prohibitions today seem amusing or illogical, but at the time, they were taken seriously. Here are the main taboos:
Bananas on Board – Forbidden
One of the most well-known beliefs is that bananas bring misfortune to a ship. Among fishermen, there is still a conviction that bananas on board lead to a poor catch. The origins of this superstition date back to the 18th century when, during the height of the Spanish-Caribbean maritime trade, several ships mysteriously disappeared without a trace – and all of them were carrying a cargo of bananas. Practical explanations also exist: bananas ripen and spoil quickly, accelerating the spoilage of nearby produce. Moreover, banana ship holds were prone to infestations of poisonous spiders and snakes, whose bites threatened the crew, and methane accumulated from decomposition. According to fishermen's beliefs, the banana scent (oils) even repels fish. These unusual sailing superstitions have both mystical and practical roots. So it's no wonder that the «banana taboo» lives on – many recreational fishing captains jokingly forbid passengers from bringing bananas on board.
Flowers and Umbrellas – Bad Weather
On land, it's customary to give a bouquet before a long journey, but at sea, flowers were viewed with suspicion. Bouquets were associated with funerals, so their appearance on a ship was considered a bad omen, foretelling someone's death – the bouquet was often immediately thrown overboard. A similar superstitious fear was caused by umbrellas: opening an umbrella on deck – meant inviting rain and storms. Sailors believed that an open umbrella on a ship literally «beckoned» bad weather. Nowadays, this is more often seen as a joke, but many prefer not to tempt fate and avoid opening an umbrella unnecessarily.
Certain Words Forbidden
Besides objects, sailors avoided mentioning certain words to avoid angering the sea forces. Thus, on a ship, it was strictly forbidden to utter the word «rabbit» (even if referring to the animal or fur). In some regions, other land animal names – pig, fox, and sometimes even cat – were also forbidden, as was the word «church». The exact origin of these taboos is unknown, but there are theories. According to one, mentioning rabbits and hares scared sailors due to the belief that witches could transmigrate into these creatures and harm the ship from a distance. According to another theory, the ban is linked to a real threat: it is said that once, rabbits brought onto a ship escaped their cages, gnawed through the planking (wooden hull) and became the cause of the ship's demise; since then, even the word «rabbit» was considered bad luck. Whatever the origin, captains historically demanded that the crew not utter these words on board.
Furthermore, it was not customary to wish «good luck» before setting sail – instead, euphemisms were used. Similar to the theatrical «break a leg» a sailor would rather say something like: «seven feet under the keel», than a direct «bon voyage». The word «goodbye» was considered especially dangerous: sailors believed that a simple farewell could turn into actually saying goodbye to their lives on that voyage. Therefore, a friend going to sea would only be told: «see you soon» or «fair winds», avoiding the word «goodbye».
A Woman on Board: The Most Famous Superstition
One of the oldest and most widespread sailing superstitions: the presence of a woman on board brings misfortune. In the age of sail, sailors firmly believed that a woman on board would anger the ocean. This woman on board superstition still causes debate. Possible explanations for this belief have been discussed repeatedly. Some said that because a ship in English is referred to as «she» (she), another woman would make the ship's spirit jealous. A more down-to-earth explanation is psychological: a woman in a close-knit male crew could sow discord and distract the crew from work, which indeed increased risks at sea. Whatever the reason, for centuries, many women were not taken on long expeditions precisely because of this superstition. Exceptions, however, did occur – for example, female «privateers» or travelers disguised as sailors. Gradually, this superstition was disproven: in the 20th–21st centuries, women serve on warships and sail around the world – and the seas no longer «drown anyone out of jealousy». Modern yachtsmen note that the myth of a [woman on board] has long been debunked. (Interestingly, according to old beliefs, the birth of a child on a ship, conversely, promised good luck for the voyage. Therefore, a pregnant woman on board was not considered a bad omen – apparently, new life was perceived as a blessing.)
Redheads, Priests, and Other «Undesirable» Passengers
In the past, sailors were wary not only of women. For example, meeting a redhead before a voyage was considered a bad sign: if the first person encountered on the way to port was redheaded – expect no good luck. And taking a redhead into the crew – meant inviting disaster. The origins of this superstition are unclear, but in olden times, the appearance of a redhead on deck could cause gossip and anxiety. Priests were also not welcomed on board – again, due to associations with funeral services. If a clergyman boarded a ship, it was perceived as a premonition of death, although, of course, clerics were not thrown overboard in port (they merely adhered to the superstition). In the British fleet, there was a rule not to hire sailors for a voyage who had outstanding debts: it was believed that a debtor would attract trouble for the entire crew. And if one of the crew members constantly attracted problems during a voyage, he might be nicknamed «Jonah» – after the biblical prophet who caused a storm. A «Jonah» could be put ashore at the nearest port, just to free the ship from bad luck. Finally, pirates believed that a knock-kneed or limping sailor brought misfortune (there is also data that cross-eyed people were avoided). Such people were not given key positions – apparently, superstition was mixed with concerns about professional skills.
Unlucky Days of the Week and Numbers
Sailors also paid attention to when to begin a voyage. Traditionally, Friday was considered the unluckiest day to set sail. The roots of this belief are religious: Christ was crucified on a Friday, so any endeavor started on this day promised to be unlucky. Friday the 13th instilled particular fear – a combination of two «cursed» omens. The British Admiralty even tried to dispel this myth with an experiment: according to legend, in the 19th century, a ship named HMS Friday («Пятница») was built, laid down on a Friday, launched on a Friday, embarked on its maiden voyage also on a Friday – and… disappeared without a trace. This story is considered urban folklore, but its popularity alone shows how deeply ingrained the belief in Friday's ill fortune was. In some cultures, sailors also avoided Thursdays – the day of the Norse thunder god Thor (in English Thursday – Thor's Day), who could foretell a storm. Sunday, conversely, was famed as a favorable day for departure – «God's day», promising well-being. Besides days, the number 13 had a bad reputation – the navy tried to avoid this number (for example, there might not be cabin №13 on a passenger liner, and a captain would not sign important documents on the 13th).
Yacht Renaming: Bad Luck?
Traditions dictated treating a ship's name with reverence. It was considered extremely dangerous to change a vessel's name: according to legend, every ship's name is recorded with the god of the sea (the Greek Poseidon, also Neptune to the Romans) in a special «register of the deep», and if one secretly renamed a ship, trying to «cheat fate», the gods would not forgive it. Therefore, a new owner bought not only the vessel but also its previous name – otherwise, expect trouble. Nevertheless, in practice, name changes occurred frequently, and to appease higher powers, renaming rituals appeared. One of them prescribes completely erasing the old name: scraping every letter from the side, removing mentions in documents, and burning the removed nameplate and scattering the ashes over the sea. After this, an offering should be made to Poseidon – for example, sprinkling the deck with good rum or champagne and only then announcing the new name. After completing all steps, the captain could consider that the gods were notified and would not be angered. In modern [yachting], name changes are treated more calmly, but many still perform such ceremonies «just in case» – for example, giving a solemn speech and pouring a little champagne overboard in honor of the updated name. This [yacht renaming] ritual has become part of modern tradition.
Other Bans and Beliefs
Superstitions covered almost every aspect of a sailor's life. It was forbidden to whistle on a ship – you would «whistle up a storm». The belief states that if you start whistling happily on deck, the wind might take it as a challenge and burst into a storm. Sailors even said: «to whistle up the wind» – meaning to summon strong wind. Interestingly, there's also a practical explanation: in the navy, the boatswain's whistle was used to give commands, so unnecessary whistling could easily cause confusion. Whatever the reason, whistling was considered dangerous on a vessel; even now, some captains mutter through clenched teeth: «don't whistle – you'll lose money… and the wind will blow the wrong way». Also, on long voyages, they tried not to cut hair or shave beards – a personal superstition for many seafarers. There's an old belief that cutting or shaving at sea «cuts off» luck (which is why many sailors grew beards). Jokingly, they said that it also «conserved fresh water». In some crews, it was customary not to touch hair or nails at all until returning to port. Another maritime custom was to step onto the deck only with the right foot. The left foot («wrong» one) as the first to step off the gangway – bad luck, but the right one – good luck. So superstitious skippers boarded the ship taking the first step with their right foot. Finally, they tried not to ask the captain when the vessel would arrive at its destination – it was believed that such a question would surely jinx the journey, and then the wind would either die down or a storm would begin, but the schedule would be disrupted. Experienced sailors chuckle that as soon as someone asks «Well, when will we arrive?», a force majeure won't be long in coming.
It's worth remembering that most of these taboos originated in the age of sail, when people had little understanding of weather phenomena and sought mystical explanations for every occurrence. Not all prohibitions were baseless – they often concealed rational meaning, simply expressed in the language of superstition. However, nowadays, with the development of science, sailors no longer take omens as seriously. Many bans are observed semi-jokingly – out of respect for tradition or «just in case». Nevertheless, knowledge of these ancient taboos remains part of maritime culture.
Bad Sea Omens: What Was Feared and Avoided
Beyond warnings about what not to do, there was also a whole layer of omens about what signified impending misfortune if such an event occurred or was encountered. Sailors of the past carefully observed their surroundings and saw signs of fate in animal behavior, sounds, or natural phenomena. Here are some bad sea omens and legends that existed (and sometimes still exist) among sailors of various countries:
Sharks Following the Ship
Seeing shark fins near a vessel – misfortune. It was believed that a shark pursuing a ship sensed impending death on board. Sailors believed: if the predator lingered, it meant someone from the crew would soon die, and the shark was waiting for its prey. Similarly, a manta ray (giant stingray) under the side was a bad sign – its flat silhouette also evoked grim thoughts. Of course, the real explanation is simpler: sharks were attracted to food waste the crew threw overboard. But a superstitious crew interpreted such a sight as a prelude to doom.
Rats Leaving the Ship
The appearance of rats on a vessel is unpleasant in itself, but even worse is if rats suddenly leave the ship en masse. Since ancient times, the belief: «rats abandoning a sinking ship» has been known. If before setting sail or while anchored in port, rats were seen going ashore, sailors saw in this a sign that the ship was doomed (and the rodents were the first to sense trouble). In such cases, crews often refused to embark on the voyage. This superstition has also migrated into modern language as a metaphor. Of course, in practice, the reasons could be mundane – from rat extermination to fright – but the belief was very strong.
Killing a Seabird – A Grave Sin
Many seafarers believed that the souls of drowned sailors transmigrate into birds – seagulls, petrels, albatrosses. Therefore, killing or harming a seabird was considered a terrible omen, inviting a curse upon the entire crew. The most famous literary example – S.T. Coleridge's poem «The Rime of the Ancient Mariner», where a sailor kills an albatross and for this terrible disasters befall the ship. Since then, «to have an [albatross] around one's neck» means a heavy punishment for a committed transgression. Conversely, seeing live albatrosses, seagulls, swallows around the vessel – a good omen. Their presence promised favorable winds or proximity to land. Some captains even fed birds from the ship, honoring them as friends of the ship. And a wandering bird that rested on the rigging might be affectionately called a «stowaway passenger» and taken to its destination.
Bell Ringing – For the Deceased
The ship's bell (рында) is rung every day according to regulations – these sounds are familiar. However, if the bell rang by itself – for example, the clapper broke loose during pitching – in ancient times, this was considered a mystical sign. It was said that such spontaneous ringing portended death on the ship. Similarly, the sound of glass ringing (e.g., a glass accidentally clinking) had to be immediately interrupted – otherwise, expect bad news. Sailors associated the sound of a bell with a funeral knell, so they were panically afraid of unplanned ringing. Of course, ship's bells that signaled watches did not fall under the superstition – but any extra ringing was perceived very sharply.
St. Elmo's Fire
The strange glow of discharges on masts during a thunderstorm – a rare natural phenomenon that sailors called St. Elmo's Fire. Unlike other mystical signs, this is rather a good omen. The appearance of a bluish light at the top of the mast during a storm inspired awe in superstitious sailors: it was believed that Saint Erasmus (Elmo) himself had manifested his presence to protect the ship. Such a belief was particularly characteristic of Mediterranean sailors – Catholics who considered Saint Elmo the patron saint of sailors. Appearing, the lights promised that the ship would survive the storm. Sailors revered this sign – and indeed, from a scientific point of view, St. Elmo's Fire often occurs towards the end of a thunderstorm, when the danger is already abating. Therefore, St. Elmo's Fire entered maritime folklore as a symbol of hope amidst a storm.
Ghost Ships
Legends of flying Dutchmen and other ghost vessels can also be considered part of sailors' superstitions. In the age of sail, there were stories that in a storm one could encounter a ghost ship – and this was always a bad sign. The most famous – the Flying Dutchman, the ghost of a frigate that cannot make port and forever wanders the ocean. An encounter with it was considered a harbinger of doom: for example, in 1881, Prince George (the future King George V of Great Britain) supposedly saw the Flying Dutchman at sea, and the next day learned of a loved one's death. Such stories were woven into superstitious maritime folklore, maintaining fear of the unknown on the horizon. Today, «ghost ships» have migrated into literature and film, but in the days of sail, some crews genuinely believed in these omens and prayed not to encounter such visions.
As can be seen, most bad omens are a reflection of real dangers, expressed in metaphorical form. These bad sea omens helped sailors express their fears of the deadly risks always accompanying sea voyages. Nowadays, such beliefs no longer govern captains' decisions, but they continue to live on in sea stories and traditions.
Good Sea Omens and Good Luck Charms: What Brought Success in Sailing
Of course, seafarers believed not only in bad things – they also had good luck charms and sorts of amulets that were supposed to bring happiness to the voyage. Many of these [sailor good luck charms] are still observed today, though more as cherished traditions. Let's list the most famous symbols of good luck and positive sea omens:
A Cat on Board – Good Luck
In contrast to women, a cat was always considered a useful and even lucky creature on a vessel. The practical reason – cats exterminated rats, saving provisions and gear. But it wasn't just utilitarian: sailors attributed almost magical properties to ship's cats. It was believed that a cat could sense the weather (its behavior was used to predict storms or calm), and a contented purring cat on deck – meant a calm sea. A black cat was especially valued: in England, it was believed that a black cat brings good luck and protects the ship from evil spirits. Throwing a cat overboard – was the greatest crime, threatening the ship's demise. Therefore, on old ships, sailors pampered and cherished cats, and many captains took their favorite cats with them on all voyages. Even now, in the age of engines, you can sometimes find a yacht with a fluffy «crewmate» on board – a tribute to tradition and love for animals that has not disappeared. And legends of famous ship cats – such as «Unsinkable Sam», who survived three shipwrecks – only strengthen the superstitious belief that a cat, like a simple cat on board, protects the crew.
Dolphins Accompanying – For a Happy Voyage
Meeting sea animals evoked different feelings in sailors. If sharks were feared, the appearance of friendly dolphins, playing at the bow, always delighted the crew. An old belief states: dolphins, swimming next to a ship – good luck and calm seas. In antiquity, dolphins were generally revered as sacred animals, friends of man. Therefore, when a pod of dolphins accompanied a vessel, sailors perceived this as a blessing from the gods. To this day, in many navies, the dolphin is a symbol of good luck and figures on emblems (for example, in submariner badges). Seeing dolphins at sea – a lucky omen, living and in the 21st century.
Birds – Harbingers of Land and Aid
As noted, killing birds – brought misfortune, but simply seeing seabirds around – was a good omen. Swallows, seagulls, petrels promised that land was near or that wind was approaching (for sailing ships, a fair wind is a blessing). In many cultures, it was believed that a bird landing on a ship brings news or the soul of a deceased comrade, who will point the way. Therefore, such «passengers» evoked tenderness. There are real stories about small birds that traveled hundreds of miles with a ship, using it as a means of transportation – sailors fed them and called them «our talisman». And when a bird left the vessel near a new shore, it symbolized the successful completion of the passage.
In addition, there was a superstition about the rooster and the pig: although these animals themselves were undesirable on board, a tattoo or image of a rooster and a piglet were considered amulets. American sailors tattooed themselves a rooster and a pig on their feet – they believed that this way they would never drown. The superstition arose during the era of sailing livestock transport: cages with chickens and piglets often were the only ones that floated during shipwrecks, and the animals were washed ashore alive. Sailors decided to adopt the «fortune» of these creatures – to apply their images to the body, so that they themselves would survive a shipwreck.
«Seven Feet Under the Keel»
This famous phrase is not just a wish, but also an echo of a maritime belief. By wishing each other «seven feet under the keel», sailors imply a safe depth beneath the vessel, so as not to run aground. But why exactly 7 feet (~2.1 m)? One version refers to the old custom of burying drowned sailors: by tying a stone to the body, so that it would go to the bottom, – usually such a «burial depth» was about 6-7 feet. Therefore, it was believed that the ship should pass over sufficient depth, so as not to disturb the peace of fallen comrades on the bottom. In other words, 7 feet – is the minimum clearance between the keel and the realm of the dead. Today, depths and ship sizes are different, but the phrase has stuck as a universal wish for good luck to a seafarer.
Sailor Good Luck Charms and Other Amulets
In various countries, sailors adorned ships and themselves with symbols that, according to belief, brought good luck. A very popular amulet was a horseshoe, nailed to the mast or above the door of the captain's cabin. It was believed that it wards off storms. The horseshoe could be nailed «horns» down (so that luck would pour onto the ship) or up (so that luck would not spill out, but remain inside). Englishmen sometimes hung a horseshoe sideways – as the letter «C», meaning the first letter of the word Christ. Coins also played the role of an amulet: one coin was placed under the mast when laying the ship's keel – «for good luck» (this tradition lives to this day in shipbuilding). Still, coins were thrown overboard when leaving port – a kind of payment to Neptune for calm seas. This tradition – is analogous to throwing a coin into a fountain for good luck, only in a maritime version. Wine and rum also served a good purpose: dousing the deck with wine was considered a sacrifice to the sea gods, guaranteeing good fortune on the voyage. In the Caribbean region, sailors before a long voyage poured a shot of rum into the ocean – «to treat» Neptune, so that he would protect them on their journey. If the ship fell into a storm, the crew could pour overboard a mug of grog or wine, thereby asking the elements for mercy. Many modern sailors on yachts continue these customs: for example, arranging a farewell «toast» before leaving the marina, part of the drink is symbolically poured overboard – for the gods of the sea.
Traditional Sailor Tattoos
Sailors were among the first disseminators of tattoos in Europe – and they made them not just for show, but with superstitious meaning. Each classic sailor tattoo is both a personal amulet and a «souvenir» of the sailor's achievements. Thus, the image of a compass rose (wind rose) served as a talisman that «leads» the mariner home and prevents them from getting lost. Tattoos with crosses, icons of saints were popular – they were considered divine protection. For superstitious reasons, swallow tattoos were made (a symbol of successfully covered nautical miles: one swallow – 5000 miles of travel). An anchor was tattooed after the first crossing of the Atlantic – as a charm against storms and a sign of maritime resilience. The inscription Hold Fast («держись крепче») on the fingers – to prevent ropes and the helm from slipping out of hands in a storm. The rooster and pig on the feet have already been mentioned above – to prevent drowning. Finally, a special honor – a gold earring: it was worn in the ear by experienced sailors who had crossed the equator or rounded Cape Horn. According to old belief, an earring (especially gold) itself protects against rheumatism and even improves eyesight – which is important for a sailor. But later, the custom transformed: wearing an earring was allowed only to those who had performed an outstanding maritime feat (survived a storm off Cape Horn, etc.). In modern navies, the tradition of tattoos has been preserved as a tribute to history – sailors still adorn their bodies with anchors, mermaids, swallows, and other nautical symbols, though more for beauty now than out of superstition.
Sailor Rituals and Ceremonies: Fun and Trials
Some maritime traditions are difficult to classify strictly as «good» or «bad» omens – they are more like special rituals that accompany milestones in maritime life. These [sailor rituals] unite the crew, boost morale, and serve as an initiation for newcomers. Here are the most well-known maritime customs that have survived to this day:
The Equator Crossing Ceremony («Neptune's Feast»)
One of the most famous maritime traditions – the initiation ceremony held on a ship, first crossing the equator. In the English navy, it's called Crossing the Line («пересечение линии»). The meaning of the ceremony: those who have never been to the equator before (newcomers, their jokingly called «pollywogs» or «half-heads») must pass trials and receive the blessing of Neptune, King of the Sea, and his retinue. A kind of «Neptune's court» is appointed on board: experienced sailors («Sons of Neptune», or «Shellbacks») dress up as Neptune, mermaids, executioners, etc., and subject the newcomers to a series of mock trials. Usually this includes dunking in an improvised pool or directly into the sea, dousing with a foul-smelling mixture, forced eating of something inedible in appearance – all in a playful manner. After this, Neptune blesses the sailor, and they are presented with a certificate of equator crossing. The origins of the ritual go back to ancient times (mentioned as early as the 17th–18th centuries), when it was used to test if a young sailor was ready for a difficult long voyage. Over time, the harsh trials transformed more into a fun masquerade. Nevertheless, in some navies, ceremonies could be very rough – amounting to true maritime «hazing». Currently, in naval forces, the tradition of Neptune's Feast is alive, but regulated, so as not to allow abuse. The equator crossing celebration is also held on civilian vessels, and on cruise ships for passengers' entertainment – of course, in a milder form. Thus, «initiation by Neptune» – a rare example of a maritime ritual, that is practiced worldwide and today, preserving the spirit of maritime brotherhood and humor.
Ship Christening (Launch)
An ancient maritime custom – to solemnly «christen» a new vessel before its first departure to sea. Even in pagan times, seafarers brought sacrifices to the gods before starting to sail: for example, Vikings and ancient Greeks could slaughter an ox or a ram, sprinkling blood on the ship's bow, to appease the gods. In recent centuries, the role of sacrifice was replaced by a bottle of champagne: when a vessel is launched, a bottle of sparkling wine is smashed against its bow (stem). If the bottle breaks on the first try – it's an excellent sign, promising the ship a long happy service. But if the glass doesn't break or the bottle flies past – a bad omen, one will have to repeat and try harder, otherwise the ship faces misfortune. Therefore, christenings are conducted very responsibly: a ship's godmother (traditionally a woman) is invited, who throws or smashes the bottle, and everyone hopes that it shatters into pieces. Modern shipbuilders sometimes even score the neck, to make the task easier – so strong is the belief in this superstition. Besides champagne, when laying the ship's keel, it's customary to place coins under the first installed mast – for good luck and wealth for the future ship. This tradition (so-called mast stepping) also originates in antiquity and is observed to this day in shipyards worldwide.
Pre-Departure Ritual
Preparations for a voyage for sailors always involved small rituals. For example, in some countries, it's still customary before setting sail, standing on the pier, to cast off mooring lines over the left foot – so as not to «block» the path, although in this there is more theatricality than faith. However, the custom of splashing a little wine or rum overboard before departure – a toast for the voyage's well-being – is widespread. This is a kind of continuation of the sacrifice to Neptune, only in miniature. Many captains before a long passage tell the crew: «Let's raise our mugs! The first sip we share with the sea» – after which the first sip is poured overboard, and the rest is drunk by the crew. Such a gesture was believed to ensure the support of the gods and calm seas. Also, in some cultures, it was customary to give alms before a voyage or throw coins into the water, departing from the harbor – a kind of payment for farewell to land. But what they did not do before departure – is they did not take photos and did not say long goodbyes and hugs on the pier: they believed that long farewells were unnecessary, it was better to leave humbly and without extra words, so as not to attract evil spirits.
Summoning the Wind
During a calm, the crew, especially on a sailing ship, was willing to do a lot, just to get wind. Hence, peculiar wind-calling rituals appeared. One way – to scratch the mast with a knife, muttering incantations to the wind. A scratch on the mast supposedly should anger the wind – and it will whip up. (However, a real captain will not be happy with a scratched mast, so modern yachtsmen usually gently rub the mast with their hand, asking the wind to come). Another method – to whistle up the wind: in a calm, one should sit on the bow of the ship, looking in the desired direction, and gently whistle a pleasant melody. Paradox: whistling in ordinary time was considered bad luck, but in a calm, whistling was allowed – supposedly, it was a special incantation whistle. Some sailors lowered a mop on a rope into the water from the stern – creating ripples that should have been reborn into wind. And one of the most unusual customs came from Indonesia: ancient local seafarers imagined a squally headwind as an evil storm-woman. And the best way to «drive away the fickle lady» was considered… to undress naked all the crew! When a stubborn squall hindered the sailing ship, Indonesian sailors jointly stripped naked – and, according to legend, the embarrassed storm would turn away. Modern yachtsmen jokingly recall this recipe, but some companies of friends on a charter yacht admit that they tried it – «it certainly lifts the mood».
Patron Saints of Sailors
Seafaring is unimaginable without the myth of great gods and saints, protecting those who cleave the seas. In ancient times, Greeks and Romans worshipped Poseidon-Neptune; Norse seafarers appeased the god of winds Aegir and his wife Ran, so as not to drown in the nets of her magical underwater fishing net. With the spread of Christianity, the role of heavenly patrons passed to some saints. For example, in the countries of Southern Europe, Saint Anthony became the patron saint of sailors. Portuguese fishermen believed that this saint protected them at sea – in his honor, ships were named Boa Esperança (Good Hope) and so on. It is curious that a peculiar ritual was associated with the figure of Anthony among the Portuguese: during a storm, the saint's statuette was tied to the mast and gradually pulled tighter with knots, and if the storm did not subside – the image of Anthony was even thrown overboard into the waves, sacrificing him to the enraged sea. In this eccentric way, sailors tried to force the saint to calm the bad weather. In the Anglican tradition, sailors often prayed to Saint Nicholas (Saint Nicholas) – the patron saint of all travelers and especially those at sea. (Although Saint Nicholas is better known as the image of Santa Claus, in Europe his epithet – Nicholas of the Sea, savior of the drowning). In many cultures there were their own analogues – for example, on the coast of China for thousands of years, the goddess Mazu has been revered, who, according to legends, saved drowning sailors and is still considered the protector of all who are at sea. In the era of modern technologies, the religiosity of sailors is not so strong, but even now, icons or figurines of patrons can be seen on ships – if only as a tradition. The sea remains a dangerous element, and hope in higher powers sometimes helps sailors feel more confident in the face of a storm.
From Dream to Helm: Your Path to Maritime Adventures
How alive are all these superstitions today? In the 21st century, seafaring is no longer so mysterious: we have satellite navigation, accurate weather forecasts, sturdy vessels. It would seem there's no room left for superstitions. Indeed, modern sailors in most part do not literally believe in ancient maritime omens. However, sailing superstitions have not disappeared without a trace – they continue to exist as part of maritime heritage, romance, and culture. Yachtsmen and fishermen worldwide love to tell each other legends about omens, observe some rituals «for good luck» and pass these tales on to newcomers. For example, many captains won't take a banana on board, though with a smile, and still perform rituals when renaming a yacht or crossing the equator. The navy continues to celebrate Neptune's Day, and during a ship's launch, shipyard workers hold their breath, staring, will the champagne break. All of this – not leftovers from dark ages, but a living connection between generations of sailors. Sailing superstitions play an important psychological role: they unite the crew, lift spirits, and instill confidence before heading out into the open ocean. Some of these traditions are touched upon in our Navi.training blog. As one sailor said, «superstition – is the poetry of sea life». As long as ships sail, maritime omens will live on – perhaps now as amusing traditions and tales for new generations of seafarers.
You too can become part of this amazing maritime culture, learn to navigate a yacht and confidently traverse the seas. There's no need to fear complexity or high training costs – modern schools make [yachting accessible for beginners]. The main thing is to choose a reliable school that will guide you from absolute beginner to competent skipper. Our yachting courses and yachting school can help you. You can learn more about our approach and read about Sailing School, Yachting for Beginners, Sailing Theory, Meteorology and Nautical Terminology.
At Navi.training, we understand how important it is to feel confident on the water, especially when you plan trips with family. That's why our training approach is focused on practical skills and safety. You will get not just theoretical knowledge, but also invaluable experience thanks to unique day and night practical sessions, that give true confidence at the helm. We speak your language – Russian-speaking support makes the learning process as comfortable and understandable as possible. With us, you will master all the intricacies of yacht management under the guidance of experienced instructors, who are ready to share their knowledge and love for the sea.
Don't postpone your dream. It's time to turn curiosity into knowledge, and desire – into reality. Navi.training – this is your reliable guide from the world of everyday life into the world of endless maritime adventures, from your dream to the helm. Learn more about our courses and start your yachting journey already today. For those who want to delve deeper into maritime safety and navigation issues, we recommend checking out the information on the International Maritime Safety Association (IMSF) website. You can also explore various types of moorings techniques on our blog, or learn about types of sailing yachts. You might also find interesting articles regarding skipper certificates, seasickness, and the nuances of how captain differs from skipper. For newcomers, understanding yachting terminology is crucial, as is knowing about different types of sailboat keels. Navigating social interactions at sea is covered by yacht etiquette. You can also find more resources under the tag Mooring.