SEAFARING SUPERSTITIONS
Dangerous activities are often coloured and influenced by their own unique manual of superstitions. This is especially so in the case of seafaring. The sea has always been a dangerous environment in which to venture, whether for work or recreation, and over time seafaring has accumulated its own vast catalogue of arcane traditions peculiar to that endeavour.
Whether described as folklore, myth or legend, some of these beliefs are based on common sense, self-evident prudence or a laudable respect for practicality. Others are superstitions in the true sense, born out of fear of the supernatural or an unreasoning awe of the inexplicable.
Whatever their name or nature, these superstitions all have one thing in common — to load the dice in favour of survival by warding off bad luck and encouraging good luck along the way.
While modern boaters have many technical aids to make their time on the water easier and safer, the variety and persistence of marine superstitions suggests they may also have relevance in facing the unique challenges posed by the sea.
So, whether you’re a ‘weekend warrior’ or a blue water ‘salty dog’, you might want to supplement your gadgets and know-how with a little wisdom from some of
