What Is Said When A Ship Sails?

Sailing terms and phrases refer to the language specific to the sport of sailing, including boat parts, sailing maneuvers, wind direction, and navigation. Boats are craft or vessels designed to float on water and provide transport over it. Boatswain or bosun is a non-commissioned officer responsible for the sails, ropes, and boats on.

Taken Aback is a term used to describe startled or surprised sailors when the wind acts on the front of a sail, pressing it against the mast. This can be deliberate or unintentional. Inspirational quotes for sailors remind us of the lessons learned from the sea: resilience, adaptability, and the courage to face the unknown.

Footloose refers to the bottom portion of a sail, while bear down refers to sailing downwind rapidly towards another ship or landmark. The devil seam, a curved seam in the deck, is the curved seam in the deck.

These terms describe both the winds direction and the boat’s position relative to that wind. When learning to sail, you are taught about ropes, sheets, lines, warps, or knots. The point of sail is the boat’s direction relative to the wind.

The phrase “that ship has sailed usually means an opportunity has been lost, but sometimes it has nothing to do with a lost opportunity.” Taken Aback means startled or surprised when the wind blows the sails flat against their supporting structures. Becalmed describes the state of the ship, while slatting alternates from limp to full in very light winds.


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Sailing terms and phrases
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What is the saying that boat has sailed?

The expression “that ship has sailed” is often used in response to a question as to why someone hasn’t accomplished something yet. The “ship” is the opportunity that hasn’t been taken. We often say it when we come to believe that time is no longer on our side. Maybe someone asks, “How come you never wrote that book you always talked about?” And you retort, “Not going to get to it. That shipped has sailed!”

I’ve said it myself. Someone asked me a few months ago if I would ever go back to school. At one point, I was pursuing a Ph.D. but did not complete it due to competing obligations, including my wife’s need to continue her graduate degree. So, when asked about it, I matter of factly said, “Oh, that ship sailed long ago!” Now, I am back in school.

Recently, I started taking online courses toward a certificate in positive psychology. I’ve long been interested in the field as it has influenced my approach to coaching. Academic certificates are popular today — both at the graduate level and at the undergraduate level — due to their limited time commitment and a particular focus on an area or type of training. The certificate I’m taking is at the graduate level — that is, one must already have an undergraduate degree to pursue it — and it is a total of five three-credit courses.

Sailing phrases for good luck
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What is it called when a ship sets sail?

When a ship sets sail, it leaves a port. He loaded his vessel with another cargo and set sail. Synonyms: put to sea, embark, get under way, put off More Synonyms of to set sail.

He loaded his vessel with another cargo and set sail.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.

Beautiful nautical words
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What do you say when you launch a ship?

“Today, we come to name this lady (Name of Your Vessel) and send her to sea to be cared for and to care for (Names of the Crew). We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept (Name of Your Vessel) as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely”.

Toast: “To the sea! To the sailors before us! To (Name of Your Vessel)! – (Everyone Drinks);

5. Lay a Branch of Green Leaves on the Deck. Once you’re finished with the toast, gather and lay a single branch with green leaves on the boat’s deck. The branch serves as a good luck omen and symbolizes safe returns from your journey. Don’t fuss too much over what type of branch it is – any branch with green leaves will do. The leaves only need to stay on the boat through the christening ceremony and the maiden voyage. After, feel free to throw it overboard.

What do you say when a ship sets sail?

  • Enjoy these sailing phrases, and may the best sailor win at nautical trivia night!. Batten Down the Hatches – a phrase used to prepare for a storm, or in everyday language, prepare for a difficult upcoming situation.
  • Aye Aye, Captain – a form of “aye aye, sir”. It literally means “yes, yes” and isused in the military to show that the person who says it will follow an order that has been given and will follow it before doing anything else. It also shows the person knows the order and what it is requiring him or her to do.
  • Fair Winds and Following Seas – a phrase derived from two original sources that has become a nautical blessing used to wish someone good luck on their journey. Fair winds speak to favorable winds that will carry you home, and following seas speak to the direction of the waves generally pushing you in the direction of your heading.
  • Sheet Happens – a humorous phrase used when something goes wrong on a sailing trip. Sheets are the lines that trim sails.
  • Ship-shape and Bristol Fashion – a term used to describe something that is in good order or condition. The word is of nautical origin, based on the obligation of a sailor to keep his or her quarters arranged neatly and securely due to the limited space typically allotted to service members aboard ship, and against turbulence at sea. Bristol fashion refers to the port’s days as a bustling port of trade.
  • All Hands on Deck – During a storm or other crises, the boatswain’s cry of “all hands on deck” signaled the entire crew to handle the sail. These days it is an entreaty or order for everyone to pitch in and help with a problem or reach a goal.
  • Shiver Me Timbers – in everyday language, an exclamation of surprise or excitement. In nautical terms, a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship. In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.
  • Walk the Plank – Sailors, usually pirates, set a plank that would hang off the ship’s side and made the punished sailors walk to the end and meet their death in the ocean. Today it’s a metaphor for receiving a punishment or facing a situation beyond one’s control.
  • Keel Over – a term used to describe a boat tipping over on its side so far that it capsizes or turns turtle. In every day language, it refers to someone tumbling or falling over.
  • Even Keel – The phrase even keel describes a ship that is level and balanced with its keel perpendicular to the surface of the water. Figuratively it has come to mean a calm, stable state of mind. The opposite is to keel over meaning to capsize.
  • Taken Aback – A ship is pushed backward when violent winds or a careless helmsman cause the sails to blow rearward against the mast. This sudden predicament could snap the mast or severely damage the rigging. As a figure of speech, taken aback means to be astonished by some unwelcome occurrence.
  • Three Sheets to the Wind – a term used to describe someone who is drunk. The sheets are the lines that control the sails on a sailboat. If the lines are not secured — particularly the three which are the two jib sheets and the mainsheet — the sails flop in the wind, and the ship loses headway and control, like a drunk person.
  • Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – The “devil” was the topmost plank of the ship’s side closest to the deck. Caulking this long seam in the tight space was a grueling task. One false move and a sailor could find himself plunging into the water. Today someone between the devil and the deep blue sea is in a lousy situation with no good options.
  • Let the Cat Out of the Bag – A whip composed of nine pieces of cord with three knots at the striking end, the cat-o’-nine-tails was one of the authorized instruments of punishment in the British Navy until 1881. It was kept in a cloth bag. A sailor who reported the misdeeds of another let the cat out of the bag.
  • Scuttlebutt – a nautical term for a water dispenser, but also a term used for gossip or rumors on board a ship. A “butt” was a large wooden drinking water cask where sailors gathered around and swapped rumors and stories. On long voyages, water was rationed by carving a hole in the cask’s side so that it could only be half filled. A cask with a hole was “scuttled.” Not much has changed except we now gossip around a water cooler.
  • Anchors Aweigh – a phrase used to describe the moment when an anchor is lifted from the seabed
  • colloquially it also has come to mean the beginning of a journey.
  • A Bone in Her Teeth – a term used to describe a boat that is moving fast through the water creating a prominent bow wave that looks similar to a dog with a bone in its mouth. Has also come to mean someone who is in a hurry.
  • Tide Over – To tide over was the technique of alternating between sailing and anchoring when battling headwinds and unfavorable tides. This allowed a boat to hold its position until conditions improved. The term now describes enabling someone to get through a difficult period, most commonly by lending money, or with a child, to give a snack to tide them over until dinner.
  • Sailing Close to the Wind – a term used to describe sailing as close to the direction of the wind as possible (any further and you would be in irons and unable to progress). Figuratively, this phrase means to be on the verge of doing something illegal or improper.
  • Cast Off – a term used to describe releasing a mooring line or anchor so a vessel can set sail; in everyday language means to “set free”, for obvious reasons!; Dead Reckoning – used in a navigation sense primarily; a method of navigation based on estimating a ship’s position using previous positions and estimated speed and direction of travel; Helm’s Alee – a command used when starting to turn the boat through the wind, i.e. tacking. Primarily used on a sailboat, but also an American rock band that started in the early 2000’s in Seattle. ; Square-rigged, and Squared Away – a term used to describe a ship with square sails. To be squared away, a square-rigged ship had its yards (horizontal bars that held up the sail) positioned at right angles to the deck to best catch the wind. Squared away now means to put things in order or a state of readiness.; A Shot Across the Bow – in everyday language, a warning or threat issued to someone. In the 18th century, navies forced oncoming ships to identify themselves by firing a cannon shot over their bow. If the approaching ship hoisted enemy colors an attack might ensue. Traditionally warships had the right to disguise themselves by sailing under neutral or false flags, but once they went into battle they were required to fly their country’s true colors.; Crow’s Nest – a platform located high on a mast used as a lookout point. The term is sometimes usedmetaphoricallyfor the topmost structures in buildings,towers, etc. ; Jibe Ho – a command spoken when jibing, and the sailboat is heading downwind and across the wind. It is a warning to sit down or be clear of the boom before it swings!; Lower the Boom – The boom is the long horizontal pole that controls the movement of the mainsail. It can deliver sailors a knockout blow if it swings wildly or collapses in heavy weather. These days the phrase means to put a stop to, chastise, or rebuke.; Headwinds – winds blowing in the opposite direction of the ship’s movement; has also come to mean resistance or opposition to a plan, often referred to as “economic headwinds” in business.; Sea Legs – the ability to adjust to the motion of a ship and maintain balance; To “have one’s sea legs” isto be able to walk calmly and steadily on a tossing ship, or to become accustomed to a new or strange situation; Run Aground; or High and Dry – to be run aground is when the bottom of the boat hits the sea floor and stops the boat. For a ship to run aground in a receding tide is to be left high and dry. Getting stuck with the check when everyone else has taken off is also to be left high and dry.; Dead in the Water – when there is no wind and the water is completely still, giving no chance of any sailing. The phrase also means a proposal or plan with zero chance of success.; Fathom – a unit of measurement for depth, equal to six feet. This nautical unit of measurement is based on the span of a man’s outstretched arms. The word comes from the Old English “faedem,” to embrace. Sailors measured ocean depths, anchor chains, ropes, and cables in fathoms. Although marines eventually abandoned fathoms for meters, we onshore still reach for the word fathom to express our ability to comprehend, grasp, or get to the bottom of things.; Gunwale – the upper edge of the side of a boat, pronounced “gunnel”, named for where the guns on a ship would sit. To be “full to the gunnels” means to be completely full.; In Irons – A sailing vessel is “in irons” when she is trapped in the “No Go Zone”, unable to bear away and begin sailing. The term dates fromwhen criminals aboard old sailing ships were secured to the deck with leg-irons, unable to move.; Kedge – a smaller anchor used to move the ship slowly in a desired direction. Used primarily in nautical situations, but can be adapted to mean a clever way of moving in a direction when the obvious method won’t work.; The Cut of One’s Jib – “Jib” is the name of the foresail that controls the general performance of a ship. In everyday life, it also means the way one looks or conducts themselves (usually negative).; Cup of Joe – The days of rum, beer, and officers’ personal wine supply dried up with the appointment of Josephus Daniels as Secretary of the Navy. In 1914 this stern Methodist and prohibitionist banned “…the use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station.” As a substitute, stewards increased orders for coffee. Naval lore has it that the disgruntled sailors tagged the poor substitute “cup of Josephus Daniels,” and later the shorter “cup of Joe.” That’s one theory, anyway, but one thing we know — any day, aboard a ship or not, deserves its properly caffeinated start!; Groundswell – Deep ocean waves grow larger as they move over uneven seabeds and are felt as surface undulations. Colloquially, the term describes a widespread surge of public opinion.; It’s an Ill Wind that Blows No Good – While a sailor could be frustrated by an unfavorable wind, it might be a great wind for a sailor going another direction. This translates into everyday life to mean that what’s bad for one person may be good for another.; Know the Ropes – Old, tall ships had miles of rigging. Today’s sailboats also have quite a lot of line. Each serves a purpose, and it’s critical for sailors to correctly identify each one. Securing or unlashing the wrong line at the wrong time could be catastrophic, or at least cause you to lose the regatta. In sailing and in real life, to be well versed and familiar is to know the ropes.
Funny sailing phrases
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What is a word for setting sail?

Synonyms: go, depart, set out, leave, sail, hoist sail, set off, start out, dive in, embark, make sail.

Go Collocations, depart Collocations, set out, leave Collocations, sail Collocations, hoist sail, set off, start out, dive in, embark, make sail.

Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks.;

Translations: Spanish | French | Portuguese | Italian | German | Dutch | Swedish | Polish | Romanian | Czech | Greek | Turkish | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Arabic.

Old sailing terms
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What is a word for set sail?

Synonyms: go, depart, set out, leave, sail, hoist sail, set off, start out, dive in, embark, make sail.

Go Collocations, depart Collocations, set out, leave Collocations, sail Collocations, hoist sail, set off, start out, dive in, embark, make sail.

Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks.;

Translations: Spanish | French | Portuguese | Italian | German | Dutch | Swedish | Polish | Romanian | Czech | Greek | Turkish | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Arabic.

Funny nautical terms
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What do sailors yell?

Sailor Slang – A Unique Way of Communication. Another interesting linguistic feature that emerged from the nautical world is sailor slang. Over the years spent on the sea, sailors have developed their own way of communicating. And that language was unknown to the ones who were not part of the crew. The phrases and nautical terms that they used were short and sweet, some of the examples are:

  • “Aye Aye Captain!” – a sign of approval
  • “Ahoy!” – sailors would use this exclamation among themselves to call out to each other
  • “Land Ho!” – an exclamation that a sailor would make when they spotted the land
  • “Matey” – mate, friend
  • “Me” – referring to “my”
  • “Ye” – referring to the pronoun “you”
  • “Yo-ho-ho…and a bottle of rum!” – the first part refers to sailors’ laughter and the second one, well, we could say that rum was their favorite beverage.

Sailor slang was highly popularized by the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow from the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Jack Sparrow is an example of a real cap’n (captain) who loved his sailing ship Black Pearl more than his life and a man who gave his life to the sea. What a great example for a modern sailor, huh? Aside from his rum obsession and occasional cowardness, he was quite successful in his job. We are sure that you already quote him on a daily basis, but we will mention a few of his epic sailor quotes:

  • “Why is the rum always gone?”
  • “Hide the rum!”
  • “Wherever we want to go, we go… that’s what a ship is, you know.”
  • “The seas may be rough, but I am the Captain! No matter how difficult, I will always prevail.”
Old sailor slang
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What is the sailing quote?

To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor.

Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.

To study the phenomena of disease without books is to sail an uncharted sea, while to study books without patients is not to go to sea at all.

On life’s vast ocean diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale.

What is the wind sail saying?

I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

What do you say when someone is sailing?

Hope your ship does not sink, otherwise “BON VOYAGE”. “Fair winds, and following seas.”

Sailing metaphors for life
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What are some sailor sayings?

Common Phrases with a Nautical OriginLong Shot. An occurrence that would take a great deal of luck. … Flotsam and Jetsam. Odds and ends. … Tide Over. Make a small amount last until a larger amount is available. … Feeling Blue. … Taken Aback. … The Cut of His/Her Jib. … Pipe Down. … Toe the Line.

. This illustration by Fred Freeman depicts Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s. Many nautical terms derive from the Age of Sail—the period of time between the 16th and 19th centuries when masted ships ruled the seas.

1. Long Shot. An occurrence that would take a great deal of luck.

Early ships’ guns tended to be inaccurate. If a shot made impact from a great distance, or a “long shot,” it was considered out of the ordinary.


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What Is Said When A Ship Sails
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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