catamaran sailing quotes

75+ Best Sailing Quotes for Your Inner Sailor

The freedom that comes with casting off the lines and heading out into open water is something many authors, poets, and explorers have aimed to express in words.

This list contains the best sailing quotes, whether from a famous writer or an avid sailor.

Many of these famous quotes about sailing are inspirational, while others represent the challenges of a sailing lifestyle. Other sayings on the list are sailing metaphors for life – inspiration for all sailors, world travelers, and adventurers!

Find a specfic type of sailing quote in the sections below, or browse all the quotes.

Sail Away Quotes

Below are sailor sayings that express what it feels like to live on the ocean. These quotes make you want to cast off the lines and sail away with no plan for return to port.

1. “There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea.” —  Joseph Conrad, Polish-British Writer

2. “I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.” —  Alaine Gerbault, French Sailor

3. “Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” —  Van Morrison, Irish Singer-Songwriter

4. “Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.” —  Amelia Earhart, American Aviation Pioneer & Author

5. “A man is never lost at sea.” —  Ernest Hemingway, American Writer

6. “It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” ―  Sir Francis Drake, English Explorer

7. “The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.” —   Joshua Slocum, First Person to Single-Hand Circumnavigate

8. “For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.” — E.E. Cummings, American Poet & Author

9. “To young men contemplating a voyage, I’d say go.” — Joshua Slocum, First Person to Single-Hand Circumnavigate

Inspirational Sailing Quotes

These are our favorite sailing and sailboat quotes that capture the feeling of a day on the water.

10. “A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.” —  Unknown

11. “Hark, now hear the sailors cry, smell the sea, and feel the sky let your soul and spirit fly, into the mystic.” — Van Morrison, Northern Irish Singer & Songwriter

12. “It’s out there at sea that you are really yourself.” — Vito Dumas, Argentine Solo Sailor & Circumnavigator

13. “You haven’t lived until you’ve sailed.” — David Sedaris, Theft by Finding: Diaries

14. “The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and impatient when least effective.” — Henry David Thoreau, American Poet & Philosopher

15. “On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty.” — Rumi, Persian Poet

16. “Confronting a storm is like fighting God. All the powers in the universe seem to be against you and, in an extraordinary way, your irrelevance is at the same time both humbling and exalting.” — Francis LeGrande

Sailing Quotes About Life

These are our favorite sailing quotes that are metaphors for life and translate to its many challenges and struggles.

17. “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” ―  Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch Post-Impressionist Painter

18. “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” ―  Louisa May Alcott, American Poet

19. “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” ―  Seneca, Roman Philosopher

20. “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” ― William Ernest Henley, English Poet & Writer

21. “Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.” —  Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

22. “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” ―  Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Philosopher

23. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” ―  William Arthur Ward, American Writer

24. “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ―  Mark Twain, American Writer

25. “On life’s vast ocean, diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale.” ―  Alexander Pope, English Poet

26. “One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.” —  Henry Miller, American Writer & Artist

27. “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” —  Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President

28. “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — Christopher Columbus, Italian Explorer

29. “Any fool can carry on, but a wise man knows how to shorten sail in time.” ―  Joseph Conrad,   Polish-British Writer

30. “There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.” — Willa Cather, American Writer

Cruising Quotes

These quotes are for the full-time cruisers living a life on the water. These are some of our favorite sayings about modern-day life on a sailboat.

31. “To be successful at sea, we must keep things simple.” ―   Pete Culler, Author & Renowned Wooden Boat Builder

32. “Go small, go simple, go now.” ―  Larry Pardey, Sailor & Writer

33. “At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.” —  Robin Lee Graham, American Sailor

34. “The single commandment of anchoring is ‘thou shall create scope.'” ― Reese Palley, Art Dealer & Circumnavigator

35. “The charm of singlehanded cruising is not solitude, but independence.” — Claud Worth, Master Mariner & Writer

36. “The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.” —  Dom Degnon, Yacht Broker & Freelance Writer

37. “Cruising is fixing your boat in exotic locations.” —  Unknown

38. “Home is where the anchor drops.” —  Unknown

39. “If you are going to do something, do it now. Tomorrow is too late.”   —  Pete Goss, British Sailor

40. “The planning stage of a cruise is often just as enjoyable as the voyage itself, letting one’s imagination loose on all kinds of possibilities. Yet translating dreams into reality means a lot of practical questions have to be answered.” —  Jimmy Cornell, British Sailor & Author

41. “It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” —  Ernest K. Gann, American Sailor & Author

Sailing and Adventure Quotes from Novels

These quotes are from some of our favorite novels. They encapsulate life on the water, the sailing lifestyle, and seeking adventure!

42. “Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” —  Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

43. “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” ―  Hans Christian Andersen, The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

44. “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ―  Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild

45. “The truths of the sea, like the truths of the soul, cannot be reduced to numbers.” ― Webb Chiles, The Ocean Waits

46. “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of ’em, it doesn’t matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you’d much better not.” —  Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Quotes About Ships

Whether as vessels of exploration, symbols of resilience, or metaphors for life’s journey, ships have long captured the esscense of the adventurer’s spirit.

47. “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” ―  John A. Shedd, American Author

48. “The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself.” — John Rousmaniere, American Author

49. “It’s not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that’s what a ship needs but what a ship is…what the Black Pearl really is…is freedom.” —  Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

50. “A sailing vessel is alive in a way that no ship with mechanical power ever be.” ― Aubrey de Selincourt, English Writer

51. “Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.” — Robert N. Rose, Poet

Ocean Quotes

These quotes are specifically about the ocean or the sea. If you are a sailor or beach lover, I’m sure you love to romanticize the sea, and these quotes will resonate with you.

52. “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ―  Jacques Yves Cousteau, French Naval Officer

53. “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” ―  John F. Kennedy, 35th U.S. President

54. “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” ―  Christy Ann Martine, Canadian Poet

55. “At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” ―  Sandy Gingras, Writer & Illustrator

56. “Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.” ―  Sylvia Earle, American Marine Biologist

57. “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.” ―  Jimmy Buffett, American Singer-Songwriter

58. “The sea is a desert of waves, a wilderness of water.” —  Langston Hughes, American Poet

Funny Sailing Quotes

This selection features funny sailing quotes from poets, writers, and modern-day cruisers, that explore the lighter side of life at sea.

59. “Sailing – The fine art of slowly going nowhere at great expense while being cold, wet, and miserable.” — Irv Heller

60. “The sea speaks a language polite people never repeat. It is a colossal scavenger slang and has no respect.” — Carl Sandburg, American Poet

61. “Any damn fool can navigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk.” —  Sir Francis Chichester, Sailor & Author (First Man to Single-Hand Circumnavigate Non-Stop)

62. “Later down the road of life, I made the discovery that salt water was also good for the mental abrasions one inevitably acquires on land.” — Jimmy Buffett, American Singer-Songwriter (A Pirate Looks at Fifty)

63. “Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port, and the other was an atrocious liar.” —  Don Bamford, Sailor & Author

64. “The chance for mistakes is about equal to the number of crew squared.” — Ted Turner, Entrepreneur & America’s Cup Winner

65. “Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” ‍‍— Brooks Atkinson, American Theatre Critic

66. “When the draught of your vessel exceeds the depth of the water, you are most assuredly, aground.” — Ian Walsh

67. “A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind. Live passionately, even if it kills you, because something is going to kill you anyway.” — Webb Chiles , Writer & Sailor

68. “Being hove to in a long gale is the most boring way of being terrified, I know.” — Donald Hamilton, American Writer

69. “If we get lost, we’ll just pull in somewhere and ask directions.” — Captain Ron Rico (Captain Ron)

70. “The only way to get a good crew is to marry one.” — Eric Hiscock, British Sailor & Author

Sailing Quotes from Movies

These unforgettable sailing quotes are all from the silver screen, where the sea has played a starring role in captivating audiences for decades.

71. “A diesel loves her oil same as a sailor loves rum.” — Captain Ron Rico (Captain Ron)

72. “It’s not just sails and knots, it’s seeing where you’re going in your mind. Knowing where you are by knowing where you’ve been.” — Maui (Moana)

73. “You know, there have been more people in space than have sailed around the world. I didn’t even know it was something you can do, but you can, and I want to. ‘Cause I’m an adventurer.” — Jessica Watson (True Spirit)

74. “You can’t run from the wind. You trim your sails, face the music, and keep going.”  — Captain Christopher “Skipper” Sheldon (White Squall)

75. “Now…bring me that horizon.” —  Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)

76. “But it ain’t all buttons and charts, little albatross. You know what the first rule of flying is? Love. You can learn all the math in the ‘Verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells you she’s hurtin’ ‘fore she keens. Makes her a home.” — Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Serenity)

READ NEXT: Check out many of the movies that feature these quotes on our sailing movies list .

Share your favorite sailing quotes.

I hope you were inspired or even nodded along in agreement with some of the sailor sayings on this list.

I’m sure I’m missing some other famous sailing quotes, so feel free to leave your favorite nautical saying in the comments below or even a personal quote that resonates with you!

RELATED ARTICLES

If you liked this list of sailing quotes, you will find many of these authors, songwriters, and actors on our other lists below.

• 25 Epic Sailing Songs for Sailors & Modern-Day Pirates
• 35 Inspiring Books for Sailors
• 17 Best Sailing Movies & Documentaries
• 51 Inspiring Camping Quotes & Captions

Hungry for more sailing inspiration?

Check out our lists of sailing movies, songs, books, and more to inspire this lifestyle.

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Or view our web stories.

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

Id rather be lost at sea then found at work…..Anon.

I can definitely relate to this one!

The cost of good navigation is constant vigilance.

All sailors of all sorts are more or less capricious and unreliable. They live in the varying outer weather and inhale its fickleness – and when retained for any object remote and blank in the pursuit, however promissory of life and passion in the end, it is above all things requisite that temporary interests and employments should intervene to hold them healthily suspended for the final dash. – Herman Melville, Moby Dick

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81 Best Sailing Quotes & Captions. Stuff Boaters Really Say.

These ones speak to our salty hearts. in the sea of witty sayings, these verses truly touch us and we find them to be, ah, so true.

Looking for something emotional, spiritual, inspiring? Or, maybe witty, funny, feisty?

I have you covered.

We sailed hundreds of miles; I read through hundreds of quotes and picked the ones which show the many facets of this complicated and amazing life at sea .

You will also like this post: 85 Beloved Sailing Songs (and Karaoke). The Only Playlist you Need.

All of our posts on: Boat Life @ No Texting & Tacking .

81 Best Sailing Quotes

Why do you need sailing quotes? Why 81 of them! Use them whenever you need to:

• Lift up your spirit.
• Need something to go with that great sailing song .
• Have a great thought to accompany your morning coffee.
• Make a custom gift – these are excellent on cups and T-shirts.
• Lighten the mood.
• Say something funny before your say, “Cheers!”

Inspirational Quotes About Sailing

Sailing revealed to us the larger and, in many ways, the better side of our world. I wish I had the words to describe the feelings and emotions out on the water.

But I do not.

So, I offer to you these powerful and inspiring words of others.

1. “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Christopher Columbus

2. “It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” – Ernest K. Gann

3. “Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world.” – Nicholas Monsarrat

Be inspired: 45 Epic Sailing Movies We Will Watch Over and Over… 81 Best Sailing Quotes & Captions. Stuff Boaters Really Say.

4. “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

5. “The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.” – Edmund Gibbon

6. “Who is staring at the sea is already sailing a little.” – Paul Carvel

7. “ Remember. It was a professional who built the Titanic, it was an amateur who built Noah’s Ark.” – Vanessa Linsley

Funny Sailing Quotes

If there is one thing all boaters share, it is the sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves.

These funny quotes are not always born out of fun times. But we have all been there.

And we can look back and laugh about it now.

8. Sailing: The fine art of getting wet and becoming ill while slowly going nowhere at great expense. – Henry Beard and Roy Mckie

9. Sorry for what I said when I was docking the boat. – Unknown

10. If you can’t repair it, maybe it shouldn’t be on board. – Lin and Larry Pardey

Boat life: Pros and Cons of Living on a Boat. By Experienced Boaters. Why We Never Missed Space, While Living on a Sailboat

11. “The best bilge pump of all is a bucket in the hands of a frightened man.” – Butch Dalrymple-Smith

12. “Sometimes I wonder if my sailboat is thinking about me too.” – Unknown

13. “A diesel loves her oil same as a sailor loves rum.” – Kurt Russell (Captain Ron), Captain Ron

You might be wondering: Can you Live on a Boat? Yes, and Now is the Right Time. Catamaran vs Monohull: Let’s Solve This (we Lived on Both). The Cost of Living on a Boat for our Family of Five.

14. Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” – Brooks Atkinson

15. “To my crew: Please be reasonable and do it my way.” The Captain – Rusty Mills

16. “When the draught of your vessel exceeds the depth of the water, you are most assuredly, aground.” – Ian Walsh

Emotional Sailing Quotes

It is hard to introduce these next quotes, without sounding like I am trying to invent one myself.

They say that on the water, the highs are really high, and the lows are really low . It is true. We have been through quite a few challenging times on the water.

But then the highs make us forget.

17. “The cure for anything is saltwater – sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen

18. “He who lets the sea lull him into a sense of security is in very grave danger.” – Hammond Ines

19. “The man who never dreams, goes slowly mad.” – Thomas Dolby

20. I don’t know who named them swells. There’s nothing swell about them. They should have named them awfuls.” – Hugo Vihlen

21. If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” – Seneca, Roman Philosopher

Spiritual Sailing Quotes

We feel incredibly humbled on the water. Exposed, vulnerable, yet free and full of hope, forever admiring this incredible home God has created for us.

Few other times in my life, my prayers have been as sincere and my gratitude as genuine, as while sailing under the stars.

22. “Keep us, our God; for your ocean is so wide and our boat is so small.” – A Greek Orthodox sailor’s prayer.

23. There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein. – Psalm 104:26

24. The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas. – Ezekiel 27:25

25. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. – Luke 5:3

26. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. – Isaiah 42:10

27. And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: – Acts 10:11

28. “Sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel;” – Divine Liturgy prayer

Feisty Sailing Quotes

Go for it – say what you want to say. Boaters are known to speak and sing from the heart.

The thing is, when our lives depend on it, and the risks and dangers are so real, there can be little room for politeness.

Ah, that’s OK, they don’t mean it.

Actually, we do.

29. “The sea hates a coward.” – Hugh Rawson

30. “He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.” – Thomas Fuller

31. “Only fools and passengers drink at sea.” – Allan Villiers

32. “There are more sharks on the land than in the sea.” – Neil Wheatley

33. “The right of way goes to the vessel with the least competent crew.” – Mike Baiocchi

34. “May Thor fill your sails, to the place of vengeance!” – Vikings, Season 2

35. “Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.” – Jean-Paul Sartre

36. “The sea finds out everything you did wrong.” – Francis Stokes

37. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

38. “…When the storm rages fierce, Hoist the sail to the top. Oh, how merry the Storm-King appears!…” – The Northmen, a Viking Saga

39. “Now…bring me that horizon.” – Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

Quotes About Pirates

Our kids’ morning would often start with climbing the mast, adjusting a sail, or dropping anchor. They spied for boats, found treasures after tourists left the beach, explored caves.

Except for the rum , I feel that our cruising life brought them as close to that childhood dream of being a pirate, as one can get.

40. “Every generation welcomes the pirates from the last.” – Lawrence Lessig

41. “As to hanging, it is no great hardship. For were it not for that, every cowardly fellow would turn pirate and so unfit the sea, that men of courage must starve.” – Mary Read

42. “Some pirates achieved immortality by great deeds of cruelty or derring-do. Some achieved immortality by amassing great wealth. But the captain had long ago decided that he would, on the whole, prefer to achieve immortality by not dying.” – Terry Pratchett, The Color of Magic

43. “There is nothing so desperately monotonous as the sea; I no longer wonder at the cruelty of pirates.” – James Russsell Lowell

44. “Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” – Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

45. “Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.” – Captain Jack Sparrow, “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Boating Life and Cruising Quotes

I can probably invent at least 81 quotes on boating life , myself. I probably should.

Living on a sailboat and cruising offers an endless supply of events, feelings and emotions. Sufficient to write stories, songs and books for years to come.

Yep, boat life is that unique. Just as those people said it :

46. “It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” – Sir Francis Drake, Sea Captain

47. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” – William Arthur Ward

48. “Anchor as though you plan to stay for weeks, even if you intend to leave in an hour.” – Tommy Moran

49. “Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port and the other was an atrocious liar.” – Don Bamford

50. “The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself.” – John Rousmaniere

51. “The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.” – Dom Degnon

52. “There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew.” – Larry Pardey, cruise’There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew.” – Larry Pardey

53. “A tourist remains an outsider throughout his visit; but a sailor is part of the local scene from the moment he arrives.” – Anne Davison

54. “To be successful at sea we must keep things simple.” – R. D. (Pete) Culler

Best Quotes for the Galley

Almost any good kitchen quote can find its way into the galley of a boat.

I loved my galley and I loved cooking in it. But it was hot, with limited supplies and few conveniences and gadgets.

Oh, add the occasional seasickness , and do not wonder why I picked these witty quotes.

55. “Sandwiches are wonderful. You don’t need a spoon or a plate!” – Paul Lynde

56. “Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.” – Julia Child

57. “She who cooks, never cleans.” – Unknown

58. “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” – W.C. Fields

59. “This evening’s forecast includes a 0% chance of me cooking.” – Unknown

60. “Save the earth! It’s the only planet with coffee.” – Unknown

61. “I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, “Well, that’s not going to happen.” – Unknown

Quotes About the Sea

This is someone else’s world. We are merely visitors.

The sea is a world with few instructions, no signs and lots of stars. It is really, really hard not to leave you with your head spinning and wanting more.

62. “A man is never lost at sea.” – Ernest Hemingway

63. “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

64. “Most of us, I suppose, are a little nervous of the sea. No matter what its smiles may be, we doubt its friendship.” – H.M. Tomlinson

65. “There is, one knows not what sweet mystery about the sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath.” – Herman Melville

66. “Limitless and immortal, the waters are the beginning and end of all things on earth.” – Heinrich Zimmer

67. “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep. The more I give thee, the more I have, For both are infinite.” – William Shakespeare

68. “How inappropriate it is to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Sea.” – Arthur C. Clarke

69. “I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea.” – Alaine Gerbault

70. “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau

Quotes About Fishing

Ah, the joy of catching a fish, and cooking it, and being grateful for it.

It is hard to describe.

What is even harder to describe is how hard fish are to catch and the average price per fish caught, after the initial investment of all the fishing gear .

Do not get me started!

71. “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” – Vincent Van Gogh

72. “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Give him a fishing lesson and he’ll sit in a boat drinking beer every weekend.” – Alex Blackwell

73. “The two best times to fish is when it’s rainin’ and when it ain’t.” – Patrick F. McManus

74. “The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” – A.K. Best

75. “My biggest worry is that when I’m dead and gone, my wife will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it.” – Koos Brandt

76. “Do not tell fish stories where the people know you. Particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.” – Mark Twain

Sailing Quotes of Old

We will not be reinventing the wheel.

Here are some truths and wise words, of those who came before us. Whose eyes gazed upon those same stars, and whose feet splashed in those same waters.

We are not smarter, nor more sophisticated, nor better.

We are simply the next old.

77. A smooth sea never made skilled mariner. – Old English Saying

78. Bound is a boatless man. – Viking Expression

79. You will reach your destination, even though you travel slowly. – Old Viking saying

80. Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors, take warning. – Old Saying, unknown origin.

81. Travel far and wide and you should possess the secrets of man. – Norse Mythology

Final Thoughts: Sailing Quotes

Wow, what a fun treasure hunt!

It took a while to collect these amazing sailing quotes and captions. I hope they cheer, inspire and console your yearning, restless spirit, as they did mine.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you.

Fair winds, fellow dreamer.

More sailing and traveling inspiration

45 Epic Sailing Movies We Will Watch Over and Over…

85 Beloved Sailing Songs (and Karaoke). The Only Playlist you Need.

27 Perfect Books for Boaters.

Pros and Cons of Living on a Boat. By Experienced Boaters.

Mina is the creator and owner of No Texting and Tacking. She is an award-winning author, a philologist, a registered nurse and a native Bulgarian. She turned into a travel blogger in 2018, when her family of five decided to sail and travel the world.

Sailing Quotes: 50+ Sayings About the Ocean

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Last Updated on October 9, 2021 by Amy

Whether you are just starting out and learning how to sail or have completed a world circumnavigation like us , sometimes it helps to be reminded why we do this. There are many benefits to the cruising life, and some inspirational words always help me get there. And at the moment, they make me miss cruising! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of over fifty sailing quotes to remind me how great – or how impactful, awe-inspiring, and essential the cruising life can be.

Are you just starting out? Or are you in the slumps about cruising? I hope some of these quotes about the sailing and cruising life will make you laugh, think, or even, dare I say it, want to go sailing.

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Inspirational Boat Quotes

“To reach a port we must set sail – Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

“I can’t control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” ―  Ricky Skaggs

“You must never despise the port you were born because no matter how small or how bad it is, it is the place you have started sailing to the universe!” ―  Mehmet Murat ildan

“We each have our oceans and seas that we travel on.” ―  Anthony T Hincks

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.” ― Helen Keller

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” ― John F Kennedy

“I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky. And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” ― John Masefield

Dark Subjects

“She watched the gap between ship and shore grow to a huge gulf. Perhaps this was a little like dying, the departed no longer visible to the others, yet both still existed, only in different worlds.” ― Susan Wiggs, The Charm School

“Sometimes I pretend I’m an anchor because there’s a difference between sinking and drowning.” ―  R.I.D. Inkskinned

“When  Predator  sailed into war, she  sang . The rapid winds and rising shrieks suddenly blended into a single harmonious tone. Lines in the rigging and the yards and the masts themselves quivered in time, and began giving off their own notes of music, in harmony with one another. As the speed increased, the chord rose and rose, and built and  built , until it reached a crescendo of pure, eerie, inhuman fury. Grimm  felt  the music rise around him, felt the ship straining eagerly to her task, and his own heart raced in fierce exultation in time with her. Every line of the ship, every smudge upon her decks, every stain upon the leathers of his aeronauts leapt into his mind in vibrant detail. He could feel the ship’s motion, forward and down, could feel the wind of her passage, could feel the rising terror of his crew. One of the men screamed–one of them always did–and then the entire crew joined in with  Predator , shrieking their battle cries together with their ship’s. The ship would not fail them–Grimm knew it; he felt it, the way he could feel sunlight on his face or the rake of wind in his hair.” ―  Jim Butcher,  The Aeronaut’s Windlass

“So there you have it: hearing voices at sea is not a pathological condition. It’s quite normal. Welcome to the world of illusions at sea. Of mirages, looming, towering, stooping and sinking. Of moons that change size, suns that change shape, horizons that bend, lights that change colour, and sounds that play hide and seek. Of waves that speak, ships that effervesce and whales that turn into baby elephants. For the sea has a lobsterpot full of tricks and illusions to confuse and beguile even the most rational 21st century sailor.” ―  Nic Compton,  Off the Deep End: A History of Madness at Sea

“For I say there is no other thing that is worse than the sea is for breaking a man, even though he may be a very strong one.” ―  Homer

“Sail through the good days, and on bad days pick a spot of blue sky to steer toward.” ―  Richelle E. Goodrich,  Making Wishes

Practical Sailing Quotes

“Go small, go simple, go now” ―  Larry Pardey,  Cruising in Seraffyn

“She found out that having something to do prevented you from feeling seasick, and that even a job like scrubbing a deck could be satisfying, if it was done in a seamanlike way. She was very taken with this notion, and later on she folded the blankets on her bunk in a seamanlike way, and put her possessions in the closet in a seamanlike way, and used ‘stow’ instead of ‘tidy’ for the process of doing so. After two days at sea, Lyra decided that this was the life for her.” ―  Philip Pullman,  The Golden Compass

“A small boat that sails the river is better than a large ship that sinks in the sea.” ―  Matshona Dhliwayo

Humorous Yacht Sayings

“Thing about boats is, you can always sell them if you don’t like them. Can’t sell kids.” ―  Lin Pardey,  Bull Canyon: A Boatbuilder, a Writer and Other Wildlife

“For those of you who wish to get a feel for it, get in the car and bring it up to fifty miles an hour and then stick your head and arms outside and, while driving, try to fold up a simple bath towel in the wind” ―  Gary Paulsen,  Caught by the Sea: My Life on Boats

“Charter boats are like books with no covers.” ―  Tania Aebi

“One of the reasons there are so many terms for conditions of ice is that the mariners observing it were often trapped in it, and had nothing to do except look at it.” ―  Alec Wilkinson,  The Ice Balloon: S. A. Andrée and the Heroic Age of Arctic Exploration

“The winds of fortune tend to favour the sails of those who politely yell out to it, ‘Nice to meet you!” ―  Nabil Sabio Azadi

“You don’t throw a compass overboard because the ocean is calm.” ―  Matshona Dhliwayo

The Joys of Sailing Quotes

“Seas were meant to be sailed by those with salt in their veins, and love in their heart.” ―  Anthony T.Hincks

“I wanted freedom, open air, adventure. I found it on the sea.” ― Alain Gerbault

“Sailing unties the knots in my mind.” ― Al Noble

To some it’s just water. To me, it’s where I regain my sanity. ― Anonymous

“A sailing vessel is alive in a way that no ship with mechanical power ever be.” ― Aubrey de Selincourt

“There is no more thrilling sensation I know of than sailing. It comes as near to flying as man has got to yet – except in dreams.” ―  Jerome K. Jerome,  Three Men in a Boat

“Just because a sea is calm doesn’t mean that you can believe in its stillness.” ―  Anthony T. Hincks

“When I’m out sailing, I don’t wonder what heaven is like because I know.” ―  Anthony T. Hincks

It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better. ― Sir Francis Drake

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. ― Jacques Yves Cousteau

There’s nothing like lying flat on your back on the deck, alone except for the helmsman aft at the wheel, silence except for the lapping of the sea against the side of the ship. At that time you can be equal to Ulysses and brother to him. ― Errol Flynn

“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be Pirates” —Mark Twain

“That’s what a ship is, you know—it’s not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that’s what a ship needs. But what a ship is, really is, is freedom.” ― Captain Jack Sparrow, “Pirates of the Caribbean”

“You haven’t lived until you’ve sailed” ―  David Sedaris,  Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002

“Sometimes you need to tether your boats to stop them from following your dreams.” ―  Anthony T. Hincks

There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. ― Kenneth Grahame

“The ocean’s currents are a turbulent emotion which man has yet to come to terms with.” ―  Anthony T. Hincks

“If you are a boat that wants to sail in windy weather, you must be more stubborn than the waves!” ―  Mehmet Murat ildan

“We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.” ― Aristotle Onassis

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. ― William Shedd

“Storms draw out something out of us that calm seas don’t.” ― Bill Hybels

“I hate storms, but calms undermine my spirits.” ― Bernard Moitessier

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore. ― Vincent Van Gogh

“The only ship you can truly steer in this ocean is the one you’re sailing. Quit trying to alter the winds; harness them.” ―  Richelle E. Goodrich,  Making Wishes

“The wind does not change, the wind only blows and gusts, and it swells and swirls, and it whispers.” ―  Christopher X. Shade,  The Good Mother of Marseille

“Maria didn’t fear the sea but, as taught by her father, she respected its power. In her experience the ocean had no intent to drown travellers.” ―  Sara Sheridan,  On Starlit Seas

“A sailor is not defined as much by how many seas he has sailed than by how many storms he has overcome.” ―  Matshona Dhliwayo

“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” ― Louisa May Alcott

Distant Horizons

“The wind tousled his hair, and Dain’s chest loosed a little as his gaze broke from the wooden maid to follow a breeze-blown gull toward the horizon. The distant salmon skies dipped over the rim of the sea, and for the first time since boarding, he wondered where the waves might take him.” ―  Micheline Ryckman,   The Maiden Ship

“I hate the strange feeling of wanting to be in two places at once, like a sailor who misses the sea as much as he misses dry land.” ― Michelle Moran, Rebel Queen

“To meditate is to sail a course, to navigate, among problems many of which we are in the process of clearing up. After each one looms another, whose shores are even more attractive, more suggestive. Certainly, it requires strength and perseverance to get to windward of problems, but there is no greater delight than to reach new shores, and even to sail, as Camoëns says, “through seas that keel has never cut before.” If you will now open a bank-account of attention for me, I foretell sun-smitten landscapes and promise archipelagoes.” ―  José Ortega y Gasset

“But that’s how it is on a sailing ship, and in this respect its journey parallels that of life: simply knowing where you want to go isn’t enough, because life is a windblown voyage, consisting mainly of the detours imposed by alternating calm and storm.” ―  Carsten Jensen,  We, the Drowned

“At the end of the day…we are anchoring into the peaceful lagoon, smiling at the majestic sun and its flirting rays, slowly slipping into the glittering ballroom of immense night skies, sipping on the platinum moon liquor under the blues of rippling waves kissing my golden foot hanging over the board of gently rocking boat, and diving into the bed of galaxies whispering magical stories of their eternal lives connecting souls…till the dawn…” ―  Oksana Rus

“And there’s that one particular harbour Sheltered from the wind Where the children play on the shore each day And all are safe within” ― Jimmy Buffett

“Midnight sail and moonlight. I remember sunset, and gentle breeze. Leaving the city lights behind, and gazing at the moon. Mountains of clouds. Waves slapping our boat. It was easy to forget that love has no direction, or need for compass. Let it guide you to its destination.” ―  Fidelis O Mkparu

“Cold November nights. It feels as if summer never happened. The beauty of setting sun, moon, and stars. Sailing to nowhere, but finding happiness in our togetherness. Never forget what we are. Stranded hearts.” ― Fidelis O. Mkparu, Love’s Affliction

“The moon was low but not full. The men set out along the dock in conversation. As they dropped onto the dark beach, Simmons declared, ‘There can be no better place in the world than this.’ Henderson had to agree. The beach was beautiful. The stars lit the sand and balmy air rode in as the waves washed up on paradise” ―  Sara Sheridan,  On Starlit Seas

“There, in the shimmering distance, was a sail. I stared in momentary disbelief, but there it was, one of the most beautiful sights the Pacific can ever offer — a ship in full sail edging her way through the blue waters.” ―  Tom Neale,  An Island to Oneself: The Story of Six Years on a Desert Island

“Life on the blue part of the globe for eight years had suited me – the wild open spaces, the bliss of buoyancy, the volatile, soul-powered wind. Sailing had struck a nerve both primal and poetic. On and near the ocean life made sense, It made every sense work.” ―  Kaci Cronkhite

“A true sailor is one who finds love in every port.” ―  Tapan Ghosh

“Never a ship sails out of bay but carries my heart as a stowaway.” ―  Roselle Mercier Montgomery

Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit. ‍ ― Brooks Atkinson

“Simply sailing in a new direction you could enlarge the world” ―  Allen Curnow

“We didn’t make it around the world, but we were able to wrap the world around us.” ―  Janis Couvreux,  Sail Cowabunga!: A Family’s 10 Years at Sea

“It had occurred to her many times that on board it didn’t matter where you were coming from or where you were heading. Each voyage had its own charisma. Like writing a book – word by word – or crossing a country – step by step – each minute had to be lived moment by moment.” ―  Sara Sheridan,  On Starlit Seas

The Cruising Lifestyle

“The cruising life isn’t for all of us. It isn’t even for most of us, but it is for some of us, and for a few of us it is essential to survival.” ―  Jim Trefethen,  The Cruising Life

“What do you do?” is not a question asked to define someone, because out here we’re all working the same jobs: yachties, mechanics, navigators, weather-readers, fishermen, adventure travelers, storytellers.” ―  Torre DeRoche,  Love with a Chance of Drowning

“At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.” ― Robin Lee Graham

“Maybe you’re getting into the rhythm of sailing life,” says James. He looks out at the waves that are rolling in to lap against the dock. “You know, the tides going in and then out, the wind blowing east and then west, the high of a perfect day out on the water, the low of a thunderstorm or a wind that won’t go your way.” ―  Melissa C. Walker,  Unbreak My Heart

“For the most part, a sailboat navigates through its world of wind and water not leaving a single trace of its passage. Nothing is consumed. Nothing is altered. The winds and the water are left in exactly the same condition for the next user. Sailing is forever.” ― Michael B. McPhee

Quotes On Love & Crew

“We simply can’t abandon ship every time we encounter a storm in our marriage. Real love is about weathering the storms of life together.” ―  Seth Adam Smith

“He stared at her hard and long, as if he were gauging a cloudbank that might be worth the trouble to sail around rather than through.” ―  A.S. Peterson,  Fiddler’s Green

“That’s what sailing is, a dance, and your partner is the sea. And with the sea you never take liberties. You ask her, you don’t tell her. You have to remember always that she’s the leader, not you. You and your boat are dancing to her tune.” ―  Michael Morpurgo,  Alone on a Wide Wide Sea

“The only way to get a good crew is to marry one.” ― Eric Hiscock

“Now I remembered a captain’s honor and his only duty: to bring his crew back alive.” ―  Carsten Jensen,  We, the Drowned

“We of the sea come to know each other quickly; our loves, like our hates, are born of sudden dangers.” ―  Lew Wallace,  Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Quotes On Departing Ports

“I had acquired the skills to sail a ship; I didn’t acquire the knowledge.” ― Tom Holland

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ―  H. Jackson Brown Jr.,  P.S. I Love You

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― Christopher Columbus

“The boat is safer anchored at the port; but that is not the aim of boats.” ― Paulo Coelho

“The thing that most forget while dreamily looking off into the horizon for the ship of their dreams is that such ships never sail in but are built beneath their feet.” ―  Mike Dooley

“The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.” ― Ernest Hemingway

“The sea was not meant to be controlled. The sea was meant to be sailed.” ―  Jon Acuff

“The sea speaks a language polite people never repeat. It is a colossal scavenger slang and has no respect.” ― Carl Sandburg

“The sea has never been friendly to man. At most it has been the accomplice of human restlessness.” ― Joseph Conrad

“How inappropriate it is to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Sea.” ― Arthur C. Clarke

“She loved the sea. She liked the sharp salty smell of the air, and the vastness of the horizons bounded only by a vault of azure sky above. It made her feel small, but free as well.” ―  George R.R. Martin,  A Storm of Swords

Which sailing quote is your favorite?

Beautiful quotes. A pleasure to read. Thank you using so many of my quotes. “The sea is what makes me feel so young.”

All the best. Anthony T. Hincks

You have a way with words!

Amy, devem existir incontáveis citações célebres envolvendo o mar e o nosso eterno caso de amor, que é velejar. Parabéns pelo seu bom gosto. Surpreendente. Já li algumas mas sua seleção é melhor de todas. Sinceros agradecimentos.

The sea is a good muse! 🙂

I collect sailing/travel quotes and many of these were new to me. What a great list.

And…you corrected my erroneously attributing a certain quote to Mark Twain 😉

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more, Lord Byron

Thank you, Amy!

I looked up the Mark Twain thing before I posted, because I saw it attributed to both. Geat Bryon quote.

The quote: ‘Quit trying to alter the winds; harness them.’ really resonated with me today 🙂

Thanks for all the work putting this lovely collection together.

Aw great to hear from you! 🙂

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12 Sailing Quotes and Their Origin!

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Over 230 years since the invention of the steamship, sailing by wind power is still as popular as ever. Though largely reduced to a hobby and means of adventure, commercial wind sailing may make a comeback as shipping companies seek to reduce their environmental impact. Like any widespread human activity, we have had a lot to say about sailing.

Here are 12 sailing-related quotes and common nautical phrases and their backgrounds:

• “To reach port, we must sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.” – President Franklin Delano Rosevelt, April 14th, 1938
• “Your servant still doth have twelve warships under his command and he is still alive, that the enemy shall never be safe in the West Sea.” – Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, October 1597
• “And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” – John Masefield, 1878
• “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” – Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, June 16th, 1862
• “Batten down the hatches.” – Nautical saying
• “Now, bring me that horizon.” – Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
• “The man who has experienced shipwreck shudders even at a calm sea.” – Ovid, First Century CE
• “Keelhaul” – Nautical term, circa the mid-1600s
• “I resolved to abandon trade and to fix my aim on something more praiseworthy and stable; whence it was that I made preparation for going to see part of the world and its wonders.” – Amerigo Vespucci, 1497
• “Something seems to be wrong with our bloody ships today.” – Admiral of the Fleet David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty, May 31st, 1916
• “Big ships often sail on big debts.” – Chinese Proverb.
• “How inappropriate it is to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Sea.” – Arthur C. Clarke, circa 1963

This article will explore the meaning and origin of these quotes and phrases. Let’s set sail!

1. “To Reach Port, We Must Sail. Sail, Not Tie at Anchor. Sail, Not Drift.” – President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, April 14th, 1938

In his twelfth Fireside Chat 一which aired on April 14th, 1938一, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke about the recent economic improvements due to New Deal spending programs and the need to keep government spending high or even increase it.

He understood that government funding was the heart of the private sector economy, and cutting it would cause the economy to fall into recession 一as it had the previous year .

Roosevelt was an avid sailor before he was crippled by polio and used nautical references on multiple occasions. His point in this Fireside Chat was that the only way to keep the economy recovering from the Great Depression was to keep government funding up until the recovery was complete. 

Ultimately, the New Deal and the onset of the Second World War in 1939 would not only repair the damage caused by the Great Depression, but also lead to the greatest period of economic growth in human history.

2. “Your Servant Still Doth Have Twelve Warships Under His Command and He Is Still Alive, That the Enemy Shall Never Be Safe in the West Sea.” – Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, October 1597

Though little known outside of Korea, Admiral Yi Sun-Sin was arguably the best fighting admiral in human history. While combating the Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598, he won at least 23 naval victories against a vastly superior enemy. 

Yi Sun-Sin also invented the armored warship by fitting spiked iron plates to the hulls of existing warships. These “ turtle ships ” predated European armored warships by nearly a century.

Unfortunately, Admiral Yi’s competence was not reflected by his government. He was demoted and relieved from duty on four separate occasions during his career. 

After his last demotion, he was briefly replaced by a career bureaucrat who sailed into an obvious Japanese trap, losing most of Admiral Yi’s fleet. The replacement commander then shuttled the remainder of the Korean fleet.

Admiral Yi was reinstated, but the Korean government considered surrendering to the Japanese. In a letter to the Joseon court, Admiral Yi coined the above quote, which can be paraphrased as, “this servant still has twelve ships with which to fight.” The Admiral went on to win a massive victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang.

Like the other claimant to the title of “Best Fighting-Admiral” (i.e., Admiral Horatio Nelson, First Viscount Nelson), Admiral Yi Sun-Sin was killed in action.

3. “And All I Ask Is a Tall Ship and a Star To Steer Her By.” – John Masefield, “Sea-Fever,” 1902

British poet John Masefield started his career as a merchant sailor before moving to America and pursuing a career as a poet. His poem “Sea-Fever” speaks of the desire of “men of the sea” to roam the open ocean. It has become associated with the general desire to explore the world and universe.

Due to its association with exploration, “ Sea-Fever ” has been quoted by popular media dealing with exploration. It has been quoted in multiple episodes and films in the “Star Trek” franchise.

4. “Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!” – Paraphrased From Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, August 5th, 1864

On August 5th, 1864, Admiral David Glasgow Farragut led his American naval squadron against the last open port held by the Confederacy on the Gulf Coast at the Battle of Mobile Bay. 

Farragut had tied himself to the upper rigging of his flagship, the USS Hartford. He was also known for using a speaking trumpet (an archaic precursor to the modern megaphone ) to shout orders at his crew and nearby ships.

Shortly after Admiral Farragut issued the order to charge into the bay, the monitor USS Tecumseh struck a mine laid by the navy and sank. At the time, sea mines were called “torpedoes.” The next ship in line, the USS Brooklyn, slowed its advance to wait for change orders.

In response to Hartford’s commander’s (Captain Dayton) request for orders, Admiral Farragut yelled, “Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Dayton, go ahead! Joule full speed!” “Joulett” refers to Captain James Edward Jouett, the commanding officer of the USS Metacomet, which was lashed side-by-side to Farragut’s flagship, the USS Hartford.

The American squadron won the Battle of Mobile. Admiral Farragut became the first American naval officer promoted to full Admiral and remained on active duty until he died in 1870. Both Captains Dayton and Joulett would eventually be promoted to Admiral as well.

The more concise and memorable version of this quote, “damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead,” has come to signify the drive to complete a goal despite the possibility of negative consequences.

5. “Batten Down the Hatches.” – Nautical Saying

While this phrase has come to mean to prepare for an (imminent) crisis, it has a nautical origin. It was originally meant to secure the deck hatches on a ship during rough seas.

The first version of this saying appeared in “ An Universal Dictionary of the Marine ,” written by William Falconer in 1769. The first explicit use of the modern phrase first appeared in the 1883 edition of the Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal.

6. “Now, Bring Me That Horizon.” – Johnny Depp As Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)

The surprise mega-hit and cultural phenomenon, Disney’s “ Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl ” ends with the antihero pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp) escaping his execution and reclaiming command of his ship, the titular Black Pearl.

After issuing orders for his crew to go about the normal business of sailing, Sparrow says to no one in particular in a moment of reverie, “now, bring me that horizon” before singing a poorly remembered verse of the Disney song “ Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me) ”

Disney made the film a placeholder in their production schedule and did not expect it to be a “smash hit.” Had the film been received as they expected or been released as a direct-to-video film, the last audiences would have seen of Captain Jack Sparrow would have been the captain slamming his “compass-that-doesn’t-point-north” shut before the credits rolled.

7. “The Man Who Has Experienced Shipwreck Shudders Even at a Calm Sea.” – Ovid, First Century CE

The Roman poet Ovid (43 BCE to 17/18 CE) is most famous for his epic meter poem “ Metamorphoses ,” published in 8 CE. The above quote speaks of how a person who experiences a traumatic event may become suspicious of similar circumstances that led to the trauma.

For example , people anticipate a major economic recession after car dealerships start selling “subprime auto loans” to unsuspecting customers.

8. “Keelhaul” – Nautical Term, Circa Mid-1600s

The term “ keelhaul ” first appeared in Dutch naval sources in the mid-1600s. It originally referred to a rather brutal punishment practiced by ship captains during the Golden Age of Sail. A sailor who committed a serious infraction like mutiny or being drunk on-duty would be tied to a rope and pulled under the ship against its hull. 

Wooden sailing ships’ hulls were colonized by barnacles and other invertebrates with sharp shells. Thus, the punished sailor would suffer from severe lacerations and risk drowning. These lacerations would be extremely painful and often become infected.

Luckily, the meaning of “keelhaul” in modern times isn’t as extreme. The term means “to receive a severe rebuke.”

9. “I Resolved To Abandon Trade and To Fix My Aim on Something More Praiseworthy and Stable; Whence It Was That I Made Preparation for Going To See Part of the World and Its Wonders.” – Amerigo Vespucci, 1497

Christopher Columbus never actually made it to the North American mainland, didn’t set sail in 1492 to prove the Earth was round, and went to his grave believing the islands he “discovered” were part of India or Japan. 

The Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci was the first European explorer to set foot on the North American mainland. That is, if you ignore the Norsemen who did it almost 500 years earlier. Vespucci was also the first European explorer to realize that the landmasses that would later be named after him, the “Americas,” were not part of Asia.

In a 1497 letter Pier Soderini , a statesman from the Republic of Florence, Vespucci described how he decided to leave a successful career in international trade for exploration’s much more honorable vocation. History attests that he made the right decision.

10. “Something Seems To Be Wrong With Our Bloody Ships Today.” – Admiral of the Fleet David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty, May 31, 1916

Between May 31st and June 1st, 1916, the British Royal Naval and the High Seas Fleet of the German Empire engaged in the only large-scale naval battle of the First World War: the Battle of Jutland . Fought off the west coast of the Jutland Peninsula of Denmark, the two-day battle was ultimately anticlimactic and indecisive. 

Both fleets suffered heavy losses in men and materiel and ultimately claimed tactical victories. The German fleet would never attempt to break through to the open ocean again, so the Royal Navy arguably won a strategic victory.

The British commanding officer, Admiral of the Fleet David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty, was considered “past his prime” and out of touch by many of his subordinates. He did not do his reputation any favors after commenting on the explosion of two of his warships.   

11. “Big Ships Often Sail on Big Debts.” – Chinese Proverb

Chinese culture is one of the oldest on Earth, and they have many great proverbs. For example, a warning about beginning a large and ambitious undertaking. The origin of this Proverb is not clear.

Go small and go now! That is, instead of getting a huge boat with big debts and leaving in 10 years. Buy a small debt-free boat and leave today!

12. “How Inappropriate It Is To Call This Planet Earth, When Clearly It Is Sea.” – Arthur C. Clarke, Circa 1963

One of the greatest science fiction authors of all time, Arthur C. Clarke was also an avid scuba diver and sailor. In the opening paragraph of the sixth chapter of James E. Lovelock’s book “ Gaia: A New Look At Life On Earth ,” Clarke discusses how the Earth is clearly more water than land as you see it from space.

The veracity of this quote is not clear. It first appeared in Lovelock’s writings, though Clarke made similar statements in his own works and media appearances.. 

Clarke lived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to pursue scuba diving for most of his life. He died in 2008 at the age of 90.

• AZ Quotes: Amerigo Vespucci Quotes
• Emirates NBD: From the CIO Office “Big ships often sail on big debts”
• Britannica: John Masefield
• Federal Reserve History: Recession of 1937-38
• Good Reads: Ovid Quotable Quotes
• First Class Sailing: Franklin D Roosevelt’s Inspirational Sailing Quote
• Google Books: Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth – James E. Lovelock 
• YouTube: Valereaux: The Origin of “Bring Me The Horizon”
• YouTube: LastWeekTonight: Auto Lending: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
• Memory Alpha: Sea Fever
• Merriam-Webster: Keelhaul
• Poetry by Heat UK: Sea-Fever
• Poetry Foundation: Sea Fever by John Masefield
• Project Gutenberg: An Universal Dictionary of the Marine by William Falconer
• Stephen Hicks: Van Gogh on Dangerous Seas
• Phrases UK: The Meaning and Origin of the Expression: Batten Down the Hatches
• Phrases UK: The Meaning and Origin of the Expression: A Wide Berth
• Mills Center: April 14, 1938: Fireside Chat 12: On the Recession
• U.S. Naval Institute: ‘Damn the Torpedoes’
• Wikipedia: Amerigo Vespucci
• Wikipedia: Arthur C. Clarke
• Wikipedia: Battle of Jutland
• Wikipedia: David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty
• Wikipedia: David Farragut
• Wikipedia: Megaphone
• Wikipedia: Metamorphoses
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The 101 Most Inspiring Sailing Quotes For Your Next Adventure

Looking for the best sailing quotes.

Sailing is one of the oldest and most captivating activities in history, so there are a whole lot of sailing quotes all over the internet. You’ll find quotes from famous authors, poets, songwriters, and actors, everyone has something to say about sailing and we don’t blame them!

With every passing year, more people are turning to sailing as a way to find respite from their everyday routines – and as they do, an increasing number of inspiring sailing songs and quotes about sailing have been shared by adventurers around the world.

Perhaps we need to get adding to the list as we embark on our fifth year of living on a sailboat!

In this blog post we’ll explore some of these sailing quotes. Most of them are great for Instagram captions (I know, I’ve used a lot of them!) or you can write them in the front of books when you gift them to people.

Or you can just read and enjoy! It’s totally up to you!

Famous Sailing Quotes

These are timeless sailing quotes that you’re likely to see over and over again, and for good reason. Some of these famous quotes are our absolute favourites!

• “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd, American Author
• “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” Louisa May Alcott, American Poe t
• “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain, American Writer
• “One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller, American Writer & Artist
• “Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison, Irish Singer-Songwriter
• “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” William Arthur Ward, American Writer
• “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President
• “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Christopher Columbus, Italian Explorer
• “A man is never lost at sea.” Ernest Hemingway, American Writer
• “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” Seneca, Roman Philosopher
• “A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.” Unknown
• “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” William Ernest Henley
• “How inappropriate it is to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Sea.” Arthur C. Clarke
• “The good seaman weathers the storm he cannot avoid and avoids the storm he cannot weather.” Unknown

Sailing Quotes About Freedom

These quotes will be sure to instill that feeling of freedom and adventure that you find when you’re out sailing. Warning – reading these may well encourage you to head off on a sailing adventure of your own!

15. “It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” Sir Francis Drake, English Explorer

16. “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch Post-Impressionist Painter

17. “I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.” Alaine Gerbault, French Sailor

18. “The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.” Joshua Slocum, First Person to Single-Hand Circumnavigate

19. “Home is where the anchor drops.” Unknown

20. “It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” Ernest K. Gann, American Sailor & Author

21 “On life’s vast ocean, diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale.” Alexander Pope, English Poet

22 “Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” Brooks Atkinson

23. “There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea.” Joseph Conrad, Polish-British Writer

24. “Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.” Amelia Earhart, American Aviation Pioneer & Author

25. “For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.” E.E. Cummings, American Poet & Author

26. “A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind. Live passionately, even if it kills you, because something is going to kill you anyway.” Webb Chiles

27. “The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and impatient when least effective.” Henry David Thoreau, American Poet & Philosopher

28. “On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty.” Rumi

Weathering Storms Quotes

Sailors face some pretty tough conditions out there, and some great quotes have come from those reflecting on the strength and courage that storms at sea have given them. Sailing can be dangerous . These sailing quotes are great life quotes as well.

29. “There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.” Willa Cather, American Writer

30. “Confronting a storm is like fighting God. All the powers in the universe seem to be against you and, in an extraordinary way, your irrelevance is at the same time both humbling and exalting.” Francis LeGrande

31. “The most challenging times bring us the most empowering lessons.” Karen Salmansohn

32. “The sea finds out everything you did wrong.” Francis Stokes

33. “Any fool can carry on, but a wise man knows how to shorten sail in time.” Joseph Conrad, Polish-British Writer

34. “The sea speaks a language polite people never repeat. It is a colossal scavenger slang and has no respect.” Carl Sandburg

Cruising Quotes

Our favourite sailing quotes sum up what life is really like as a full-time cruiser. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always an adventure.

If you’re thinking of becoming a full-time liveaboard then we’ve got the ultimate guide for you . Go from landlubber to salty sea dog in no time!

35. “The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself.” John Rousmaniere, American Author

36. “There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew.” Larry Pardey , Sailor

37. “A sailing vessel is alive in a way that no ship with mechanical power ever be.” Aubrey de Selincourt

38. “Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port and the other was an atrocious liar.” Don Bamford, Sailor & Author

39. “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Ernest Hemingway

40. “If you are going to do something, do it now. Tomorrow is too late.” Pete Goss, British Sailor

41. “To be successful at sea, we must keep things simple.” Pete Culler, Author & Renowned Wooden Boat Builder

42. “Go small, go simple, go now.” Larry Pardey, Sailor & Writer

43. “To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.” Carleton Mitchell

44. “At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.” Robin Lee Graham, American Sailor

45. “The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.” Dom Degnon, Freelance Writer

46. “Cruising is fixing your boat in exotic locations.” Unknown

Sailing Quotes From Novels

Nothing quite matches the feeling of waking up on a sailboat or yacht in the middle of an ocean and living life at its most adventurous.

Sailing quotes from books and novels demonstrate that this kind of experience has been inspiring adventure seekers for decades, expressed by writers who want to capture the unique freedom only found while sailing.

Whether you are just getting started with your sailing journey, or have a lifetime’s worth of experiences, these classic quotes will reconnect you to what makes such an activity so special!

47. “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” Ernest Hemingway

48. “I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.” Cheryl Strayed

49. “Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

50. “Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.” Robert N. Rose 

51. “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote, To travel is to live.” Hans Christian Andersen, The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

52. “I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.” Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

53. “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild

Sailing Quotes From The Movies

A love for sailing often stirs within us when the wind picks up and we smell the salty sea. Movies have captured the allure of setting sail, taking that adventurous voyage across a vast ocean, and embracing what lies beyond.

Here is a collection of some of our favorite sailing quotes from the movies – motivating you to get out on open waters!

Whether you’re trying to motivate yourself to jump on an upcoming journey or just appreciate a beautiful day at sea, these sailing lines will undoubtedly hit close to home.

Here’s your invitation: suit up, let down your sails, drop anchor, and join us as we explore these famous words with our inspirational takeaways. Let’s set sail!

Top tip: Watch some of the best sailing YouTube channels to get inspired!

54. “Not all treasure is silver and gold.” Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

55. “They say home is where the heart is, and for most people that consists of four walls and a welcome mat. But for me, it’s the ocean, with the warmth of the sun on my skin.” Bethany Hamilton Soul Surfer

56. “Now…bring me that horizon.” Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

57. “The ocean doesn’t help you. You help yourself!” Dwayne Johnson (as Maui), Moana 

58. “It’s not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that’s what a ship needs but what a ship is…what the Black Pearl really is…is freedom.” Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

Quotes About The Ocean

With the vastness of the ocean and its many mysteries, it’s no surprise that people have been writing about this enchanting body of water for centuries.

From ancient Greek philosophers to modern-day songwriters, each quote captures something different and provides an interesting perspective on this seemingly endless expanse of blue.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration on how to appreciate the beauty of nature or simply need a reminder to savor life’s little moments, read ahead to discover some insightful quotes about the ocean.

Or if you’re looking for something more short and snappy you’ll be wanting the best ocean captions for Instagram .

59. “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Yves Cousteau, French Naval Officer

60. “When your life is moving too fast and you find yourself in chaos, introduce yourself to each color of the sunset.” Christy Ann Martine

61. “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” John F. Kennedy, 35th U.S. President

62. “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Philosopher

63. “At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” Sandy Gingras, Writer & Illustrator

64. “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” Christy Ann Martine, Canadian Poet

65. “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.” Jimmy Buffett, American Singer-Songwriter

66. “Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.” Sylvia Earle, American Marine Biologist

67. “The sea is a desert of waves, a wilderness of water.” Langston Hughes, American Poet

Quotes To Encourage You To Untie The Docklines

Have you ever had a burning desire to strike out on your own but were too afraid or held back by the safety and security of staying within the confines of what’s comfortable?

Maybe it was a job, maybe it was a relationship, or perhaps you yearned for exploration – whatever it may be, know that you’re not alone. The uncertainty and fear associated with leaving comfort zones is felt by many.

To provide some motivation on your journey, here are some inspiring quotes to encourage you to untie those docklines and let the current take hold!

68. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. Eliot

69. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.” Michael Jordan

70. “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” Lewis Carroll

71. “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.” Rachel Wolchin

72. “No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.” Helen Keller

73. “You can. You should. And if you are brave enough to start, you will.” Stephen King

74. “Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.” Roy T. Bennett

75. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” Mary Anne Radmacher

76. “It feels good to be lost in the right direction.” Anonymous

77. “And after two days in civilization we realized we could never stay for long and started to plan our next adventure.” Bob Bitchin (Letters from the Lost Soul)

78. “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin

79. “Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.” Jaime Lyn

Short Sailing Quotes For Instagram

Feel free to pair these quotes with your favorite sailing photos for a touch of inspiration and adventure on your Instagram feed! ⛵️📸✨

80. “Sail away into the horizon and let your worries drift away.” ⛵️✨

81. “Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.” ⚓️💪

82. “Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.” 🌊⛵️

83. “Every adventure requires a first step. Mine was setting sail.” 🌟⛵️

84. “Find your direction and set sail towards your dreams.” 🌅⛵️

85. “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” 🌊❤️

86. “Sail with the wind, explore the unknown, and embrace the journey.” 🌬️⛵️

87. “In the waves of change, we find our true direction.” 🌊🧭

88. “Life is better on a boat.” 🚤💙

89. “Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ⛵️✨

90. “The ocean is calling, and I must go.” 🌊⛵️

91. “Saltwater heals everything.” 🌊💙

92. “Sailors have the best stories.” ⚓️📖

93. “Life is a journey. Enjoy the sail.” ⛵️✨

94. “Let the sea set you free.” 🌊⚓️

95. “Wind in my sails, salt in my veins.” 🌬️⛵️

96. “Sail more, worry less.” ⛵️😌

97. “Sailing is the ultimate freedom.” ⛵️🌅

98. “Adventure awaits where the sea meets the sky.” 🌊🌌

99. “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, but it sure makes for a great day on the water.” 🌊⛵️

100. “Life’s a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.” 🎶⛵️

101. “Happiness comes in waves.” 🌊😊

Conclusion: The Best Sailing Quotes

The best sailing quotes can provide guidance to help any sailor out on the open sea. These quotes range from statements of encouragement to lessons of caution; they provide advice and inspiration that can be appreciated by anyone who loves sailing and exploring the open water.

Even seasoned sailors may find the motivation to push further in the waves after reading these insightful words. You never know when you may need a bit of extra courage and resolve to reach your goals.

No matter what your sailing aspirations are, keep peace within yourself, sail with passion, and hold high hopes for all your upcoming voyages!

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The 74 Best Sailing Quotes

Ever since its inception, sailing has been linked to a sense of freedom and drive for adventure out on the sea. For many centuries, sailors were considered to be bold and courageous people willing to risk their lives for fortune and honor.

Many people have tried to express the freedom and enjoyment of sailing through words and quotes.

Many great men and women have fallen in love with sailing over the years, giving birth to a practically endless series of funny, happy and inspirational quotes.

Below you will find a comprehensive list of our personal favorites.

Inspirational Sailing Quotes

Our favorite inspirational sailing quotes to get you inspired and motivated are below.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ‍ ‍-Mark Twain

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” ‍ ‍-Christopher Columbus

“Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world.” ‍ ‍-Nicholas Monsarrat

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” ‍ ‍-William Arthur Ward

“A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.” ‍ ‍-An Unknown Sailor

“Who is staring at the sea is already sailing a little” ‍ ‍-Paul Carvel

“There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.” ‍ ‍-Willa Cather

“I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky. And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” ‍ ‍-John Masefield

“To be successful at sea we must keep things simple.” ‍ ‍-Pete Culler

“The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.” ‍ ‍-Ernest Hemingway

“Nothing comes sailing by itself” ‍ ‍-Alexander Dale Oen

“The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself” ‍ ‍-John Rousmaniere

“Until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore, you will not know the terror of being forever lost at sea.” ‍ ‍-Charles Cook

“A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.” ‍ ‍-William Sheed

“To young men contemplating a voyage I would say go” ‍ ‍-Joshua Slocum

“To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.” ‍ ‍-Carleton Mitchell

“What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous.” ‍ ‍-Thomas Merton

“I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea.” ‍ ‍-Alain Gerbault

“There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea.” ‍ ‍-Joseph Conrad

“To reach a port we must set sail - Sail, not tie at anchor - Sail, not drift.” ‍ ‍-Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” ‍ ‍-Vincent Van Gogh

“If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” ‍ ‍-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” ‍ ‍-Fitzhugh Dodson

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” ‍ ‍-Syrus Publilius

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” ‍ ‍-African proverb

“Can't control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” ‍ ‍-Ricky Skaggs

“We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn topsail in high winds.” ‍ ‍-Aristotle Onassis

“He who lets the sea lull him into a sense of security is in very grave danger.” ‍ ‍-Hammond Ines

“Sailing is just the bottom line, like adding up the score in bridge. My real interest is in the tremendous game of life.” ‍ ‍-Dennis Conner

“Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.” ‍ ‍-Augustus Hare

“No literature is richer than that of the sea. No story is more enthralling, no tradition is more secure.” ‍ ‍-Felix Riesenberg

“The man who has experienced shipwreck shudders even at a calm sea.” ‍ ‍-Ovid

“There is but a plank between a sailor and eternity.” ‍ ‍-Thomas Gibbons

“At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.” ‍ ‍-Robin Graham

“The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.” ‍ ‍-Dom Degnon

“I cannot not sail” ‍ ‍-E. B. White

“The art of the sailor is to leave nothing to chance” ‍ ‍-Annie Van De Wiele

“When all seems to be against you, remember, a ship sometimes has to sail against the current, not with it.” ‍ ‍-Matshona Dhliwayo

“In a calm sea, every man is a pilot.” ‍ ‍-John Ray

Happy Sailing Quotes

Below are our favorite sailing quotes that will make you happy.

“Never in my life before have I experienced such beauty, and fear at the same time.” ‍ ‍-Ellen MacArthur

“The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.” ‍ ‍-Joshua Slocum

“Mackerel skies and mares tails, soon will be time to shorten sails” ‍ ‍-Sailors Proverb

“Sailing a boat calls for quick action, a blending of feeling with the wind and water as well as with the very heart and soul of the boat itself. Sailing teaches alertness and courage, and gives in return a joyousness and peace that but few sports afford.” ‍ ‍-George Matthew Adams

“Success soon palls. The joyous time is when the breeze first strikes your sails, and the waters rustle under your bows.” ‍ ‍-Charles Buxton

“Instead of sailing off into the sunset, he hopes to sail into the next century.” ‍ ‍-Dave Anderson

“I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth, a nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present. In this limitless nation, this nation of wind, light, and peace, there is no other ruler besides the sea.” ‍ ‍-Bernard Moitessier

“You haven't lived until you've sailed.” ‍ ‍-David Sedaris

“It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” ‍ ‍-Sir Francis Drake

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ‍ ‍-Jacques Yves Cousteau

“The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.” ‍ ‍-Edmund Gibbon

“Sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind. Live passionately, even if it kills you, because something is going to kill you anyway.” ‍ ‍-Webb Chiles

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.” ‍ ‍-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

“It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.” ‍ ‍-George William Curtis

“For the most part, a sailboat navigates through its world of wind and water not leaving a single trace of its passage. Nothing is consumed. Nothing is altered. The winds and the water are left in exactly the same condition for the next user. Sailing is forever.” ‍ ‍-Michael B. McPhee

“Wonders are many, and none is more wonderful than the power that crosses the white sea, driven by the stormy wind, making a path under surges that threaten to engulf him.” ‍ ‍-Sophocles

“The planning stage of a cruise is often just as enjoyable as the voyage itself, letting ones imagination loose on all kinds of possibilities. Yet translating dreams into reality means a lot of practical questions have to be answered.” ‍ ‍-Jimmy Cornell

“The cabin of a small yacht is truly a wonderful thing; not only will it shelter you from a tempest, but from the other troubles in life, it is a safe retreat” ‍ ‍-Francis Herreshoff

“And after two days in civilization we realized we could never stay for long and started to plan our next adventure.” ‍ ‍-Bob Bitchin

“Sail Now, Work Later” ‍ ‍-An Unknown Sailor

Funny Sailing Quotes

Below are our favorite funny sailing quotes that will make you laugh.

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Give him a fishing lesson and he'll sit in a boat drinking beer every weekend.” ‍ ‍-Alex Blackwell

“Any damn fool can navigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk.” ‍ ‍-Sir Francis Chichester

“When a man comes to like a sea life, he is not fit to live on land.” ‍ ‍-Dr. Samuel Johnson

“The cure for anything is saltwater - sweat, tears, or the sea.” ‍ ‍-Isak Dinesen

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.” ‍ ‍-Charles Davis

“Sailing – The fine art of slowly going nowhere at great expense while being cold, wet and miserable.” ‍ ‍-Irv Heller

“The only way to get a good crew is to marry one.” ‍ ‍-Eric Hiscock

“Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port and the other was an atrocious liar.” ‍ ‍-Don Bamford

“Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” ‍ ‍-Brooks Atkinson

“Thing about boats is, you can always sell them if you don't like them. Can't sell kids.” ‍ ‍-Lin Pardey

Sad Sailing Quotes

Below are our favorite sad sailing quotes that are deeply thoughtful.

“As we sail through life, don't avoid rough waters, sail on because calm waters won't make a skillful sailor.” ‍ ‍-Unknown

“The ocean has taken everything from me and yet I still love her.” ‍ ‍-Unknown

“Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.” ‍ ‍-Jean-Paul Sartre

These are our favorite sailing quotes to get you inspired, motivated and happy.

Some of these quotes are deeply thoughtful whilst others are more light- hearted and funny.

What's your favorite quote?

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21 Sailing Quotes to Help You Seas the Day

It’s time to hoist the mainsail and head for the open sea (or lake)! ⛵️

As the weather gets warmer and the days start to feel like Summer, we start itching to get out on the water. We love all kinds of water activities, but feeling the wind in our hair from a sailboat has to be one of our favorites. 

Fun fact: We own a 1978 Catalina 22 , aptly named “For Sail”

Even if you’re not a sailor, you probably know that sailing comes with its own terminology . You’ve likely heard some of the more common sailing phrases, but here are a few directional terms to use so that you can sound like a seasoned pro.

• Aft or stern : the back of the sailboat
• Bow : the front of the sailboat
• Port : the left hand side of the sailboat when you’re facing the bow. 
• Starboard : the right hand side of the sailboat when you’re facing the bow.

When you’re sailing on open waters, using the terms “left” and “right” can become confusing, so port and starboard are always defined in relation to the bow. Makes sense, right?

We love that sailing always feels like a new adventure. Every time we’re in a boat, the water is different, there is somewhere new to explore, and there is always more to learn . As we sail out onto the open water, we feel like we’re headed into the unknown. 

If you also love adventure, exploration, and being on the open water as much as we do, here are some sailing quotes that are perfect for your letter board!

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• The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself.
• Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.
• It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.
• A smooth sea never made for a skilled sailor.
• Come sail away with me.
• “A man is never lost at sea.” - Ernest Hemingway
• Sail boats will get you schooner or later.
• Freedom, open air, and adventure are found on the sea.
• Seas the day!
• “I cannot not sail.” - E.B. White
• Land was created so boats would have a place to visit.
• Sailboat: a whole in the surface of the water into which money is thrown.
• No landlubbers allowed.
• A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind.
• Home is where the anchor drops.
• Sorry for what I said when I was docking the boat.
• Sometimes I wonder if my sailboat is thinking about me too.
• Things I do in my spare time: go sailing, look at sailboats, think about sailboats, talk about sailboats, dream about sailboats.
• Wild and free just like the sea
• “We can’t direct the wind but we can adjust the sails” - Thomas S. Monson

Since we love to dream about sailing even when we’re not out on the water, we love the idea of decorating with these sailboat prints ! We also think these sailboat blueprints are perfect for someone who loves the technical ins and outs of sailing.

Paul is a little partial to our Orange Cream Letters, but we think Soft Magnetic Letters in blue tones would be perfect for displaying your favorite sailing quotes and thinking about the water! Try Dark Night , Blue Yonder , or Faded Denim !

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Best Sailing Quotes of all time

Best sailing quotes and mariners quotes.

Discover the best sailors and sailing quotes and mariners sayings. We often hear mariners quotes, sailing words, and proverbs from famous and unknown sailors, navigators, explorers about the ocean, the sea, their vessels, their sailing journeys or their adventures. The best mariners and sailors or sailing quotes you will find here are inspiring or funny but they all refer to a passion shared by boating enthusiasts all over the world. We also include maritime and sailing proverbs from different time and civilizations.

We decided to share them with our readers and sailors friends because they are inspiring and often tell in a few words sailors and boat lovers feel or experience at sea. Along with each quote we also indicate who the writer is and a a little bit of their accomplishment.

If you want to add your own preferred quote please contact Coboaters .  It is free and fun.

We hope you like these mariners and sailing or sailors quotes and other proverbs. You can also find them on our Coboaters Facebook and Instagram page. The quote of the week is also published every week on Coboaters home page! Happy reading!

We classified those quotes in different categories:

• Mariners and Sailing quotes from famous sailors
• Quotes and sayings from writers or artists
• Marine quotes from famous people (boat designers, scientists,
• Mariners and sailing quotes from anonymous individuals.

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Liveaboard Sailboats! 8 things YouTube did not tell you

1- mariners and sailing quotes from famous sailors.

“You do not ask a tame seagull why it needs to disappear from time to time toward the open sea.” Bernard Moitessier – Famous Sailor and adventurer- Circumnavigator in The Long Way (published in 1971)

“There is not better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew”. Larry Pardey, Cruiser Larry Pardey lived at sea with his wife, Lin for more than 25 years.

Sail more so you can create your own quote after your experience.

Learn the best way to sail even if you do not have a boat.

“I wanted to win not as a woman, but at equal terms with all skippers.” Kirsten Neuschafer. Famous woman sailor. The first female sailor to win a circumnavigation race, the Golden Globe 2022.

“Spinnakers are perfect in lighter airs and flatter seas for crew to handle…” Unknown writer

“If we can’t decarbonate shipping, we can’t solve the climate crisis” Chritiaan de Beukelear

“On the 8th day, God created RUM to prevent sailors from taking over the world”

2- Sailing quotes from Famous writers or artists

“Anchor as though you plan to stay for weeks, even if you plan to stay for one hour” Tommy Moran, American artist

“I want a boat that drinks six, eats four, sleeps two.” Ernest Kellog Gann (1910-1991) American Aviator, Author, Sailor, and conservationist.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop” – Confucius, Chinese Philosopher

“How inappropriate it is to call this planet earth when clearly it is sea” Arthur C. Clarke, English science fiction writer and undersea explorer.

“The lovely thing about cruising is that planning turns out to be of little use.” Dom Degnon, Yacht broker and freelance writer.

“Everybody in the 15th century Spain was wrong about where China was and as a result, Columbus discovered Caribbean vacations!” P.J. O’Rourke.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” Ernest Hemingway

“I need the sea because it teaches me” Pablo Neruba

“Free man, you will always cherish the sea!” Charles Beaudelaire, French poet of the nineteenth century

“When a man comes to like a sea life, he is not fit to live on land.” Dr Samula Johnson, 18th century writer.

3- Marine quotes from famous sailors and mariners

“Prevention is, as in other aspects of seamanship, better than cure” . Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. British sailor, the first person to perform a non-stop single-handed circumnavigation of the globe.

“The cabin of a small yacht is truly a wonderful thing; not only will it shelter you from a tempest, but from the other troubles in life, it is a safe retreat” Francis Herreshoff.

“Sailboat racing becomes a game of chance only when you are not prepared” Buddy Melges.

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

“Red Sky in the morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailors’ delight.” Ancient mariners

“ A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind” Webb Chiles, American sailor, poet, and explorer who has circumnavigated the globe five times.

“ For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; In this century he is starting to realize that, in order to survive he has to protect it.” Jacques-Yves Cousteau in the 20th Century

I wanted open air, adventures, I found it on the sea” Alain Gerbault

To young men contemplating a voyage, I would say, Go!” Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail single-handedly around the world.

“The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails” Joshua Slocum

Mariners quotes from anonymous writers

Land was created for boats to visit!

A Sailboat that sails backward can never see the sunrise

“To reach a port we must set sail – sail, not tie at anchor; sail not drift” Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Your autopilot may be your best crew but it will never be your best friend!”

“The sooner we learn how to be jointly responsible, the easier the sailing will be” Ella Maillart, Swiss adventurer, Sportwoman. Early 1900.

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison Irish Singer – Songwriter

“There are three sorts of people: those who are alive, those who are dead, and those who are at sea” Aristotle – Greek philosopher 384-322 BC

To find boat and crew for your Atlantic crossing, offshore adventure or racing, please check Coboaters .

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Join the leading crew finder network in North America . What is a crew finder or crew seekers network? The concept allows boat owners to look for crew members for their boating adventures. It is a great sailing network where boat owners meet their crew, chat, learn to know each other and spend time on the water together. There are other words to describe a crew finder network. Some people will use crew seekers platform or find a boat service or find a crew club. Thanks to our crew finder network Coboaters is proud to offer opportunities for everyone, powerboats, and sailboats. There are boating opportunities for cruising, racing, fishing, coastal or offshore navigation. You can embark on a sailing trip for a weekend, an afternoon, or a longer time, anywhere. Boat owners and crew meet on racer-cruisers, classic boats, catamarans, monohull, multihull. There are boats of any kind operated by sole owners, families or professionals. You can find crew for cross-Atlantic or cross-Pacific opportunities and very local sailing trips. Whatever your desire, you are welcome on board!

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Pearls of Wisdom: 20 Most Inspirational Sailing Quotes

We all need a little inspiration from time to time. We've prepared a selection of quotes from sailing legends and simple enthusiasts for you that we are sure will inspire you too! “Any fool can go around the whole world sober. But only a very good sailor can do it drunk! " Sir Francis Chichester “Every day since I realized [...]

We all need a little inspiration from time to time. We have prepared for you a selection of quotes from sailing legends and simple enthusiasts that we are sure will inspire you too. !

 “Any fool can go around the whole world sober. But only a very good sailor can do it while drunk! " Sir Francis Chichester  ( Sir Francis Chichester )

“Every day since I realized that I survived, I said to myself: I am lucky to be alive. So why go back? I am a hound. I love the sea and I love the competition. You don’t give up life just because you once had a chance to walk on the edge of a knife. ” Tony Bullimore  ( Tony Bullimore )

“My mom, when asked for her opinion on the trip before leaving, replied that she considered it 'completely irresponsible', and this Christmas day I began to think that she was right. After all, I walked around the world simply because I really wanted to! And I realized that I was enjoying it to the fullest. " Robin Knox-Johnston  (RobinKnox — Johnston)

"My day is passing happily wherever my boat goes." Joshua Slokum (Joshua Slocum)

"The art of a sailor is not to leave anything to chance." Annie Van De Ville  (Annie Van De Wiele)

“I really don't know why we are all so devoted to the sea, except that it seems to me that the whole point is that the sea changes and the light changes and the ships change, this is because we all came out of the sea. And this is an interesting biological fact, because we all have in our veins exactly the same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and therefore salt is in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are connected to the ocean. And when we return to the sea - sailing or just looking at it - we return to where we came from. " John F. Kennedy  (John F. Kennedy)

"There have been moments on this trip when I was convinced that the GPS was wrong." Chris Robb  ( Chris Robb )

"Calm sailing does not come from calm waters, it comes from a good navigator, a good crew and a good ship." Anthony T. Hinks  ( Anthony T .  Hincks )

Yachting in the works of famous artists: "Argenteuil Series" by Monet, Renoir and Caillebotte

“Out there in the sea, you are really yourself.” Vito Dumas  ( Vito Dumas )

“The cabin of a small yacht is truly a wonderful thing; it will not only shelter you from the storm, but also from other troubles in life, it is a safe place of solitude. " L. Francis Herreshoff  (L. FrancisHerreshoff)

"The beauty of a solo trip is not loneliness, but independence." Claude Worth  ( Claud Worth )

“When you find yourself in a strong storm, take the boat out into the wind, and the autopilot controls it, there is nothing to do but stand there and watch the water walls break down around you; it is an amazing sight. " Emma Richards  ( Emma Richards )

"With practice, you improve by learning more from what you do than from reading any ten books on the topic." Hervey Garrett Smith  ( Hervey Garrett smith )

"The only way to get a good team is to marry her." Eric Heescock  (Eric Hiscock)

“To win, you have to believe that you can do it. You must be passionate about it. You have to really "want" the result - even if that means years of work. The hardest part of any big project is getting started. " Sir Peter Blake  ( Sir Peter Blake )

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“When you spend so much time pushing, grooming, convincing and coaxing a beautiful racing car like this, you become very close. She took good care of me, and I take care of her. I was not alone at all. " Ellen MacArthur  (Ellen MacArthur)

"The odds of error are roughly equal to the number of crew members squared." Ted Turner  ( Ted Turner )

“The desire to build a house is a man’s tiresome desire to be content with one parking lot. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, not yet wanting to accept the idea of a final resting place. " Arthur Ransom  ( Arthur Ransome )

"I want a boat that drinks six, eats four, and sleeps two." Ernest K. Gunn  (Ernest K. Gann)

“A sailing ship is not a democracy; you will not put a crew together, from an excuse to find out where you are going to asking when they would like to reduce the sail. " Sterling Hayden  (Sterling Hayden)

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Interparus in touch! We have found an interesting boat for travel, which will expand the horizons of the yachtsman. Apparently, the creators of the yacht decided to present a boat that can show itself perfectly both in the hot tropics and in the harsh conditions of the north.

SailingEurope Blog - Sailing, Yacht Charter and Beyond

Sailing Quotes – Do You Speak Sailor in 2024?

You must have heard of terms like: “Land Ho!” or “Aye Aye Captain!” But did you know they were actually sailing quotes? Embarking on your first sailing adventure will surely be a whole lot easier if you already know the sailing language that speaks directly to the heart of every sailor. This article is about to show you how to sound like a true sailor in any sailing situation.

What Is the Importance of Sailing Quotes?

The sea, the sun and the wind have always been the best remedies for all diseases, broken hearts and loneliness. If you have never experienced the healing power of a day spent at sea and on a sailing ship , do it as soon as possible. You are missing out big time! Breathing in the sea air and the wind, feeling the sun’s warmth on your skin and listening to the waves crashing the rocks are truly unique experiences. And do not even get me started on sailing. Although it may sound complicated, it will be easier with our sailing guide .

So, you have decided to dedicate your life to the sea and the wind. You have mastered the art of sailing and you have started spending more and more time on board. Then you will inevitably become a sailor who lives a life according to inspiring sailing quotes ! Life on board can be tough, you can face all kinds of difficulties from bad weather or boat malfunction to boredom or feeling homesick. However, keep in mind that when you face and overcome those difficulties, this short dictionary will lift your spirit. You might also want to share them with others as your Instagram or Facebook captions.

We have gathered here a list of famous sailing quotes and sailor sayings that can help you survive the oh-so-monotone days on a sailing ship. Those still dreaming about sailing can be inspired to get out of their comfort zone and embark on their first sailing adventure. As long as you are decisive and ready to work on realizing your dreams, the rest will come. While you are still just considering it, after reading our favourite sailor sayings you will think no more!

Sailing Quotes for the Indecisive

• “A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd
• “To young men contemplating a voyage, I would say GO.” – Joshua Slocum
• “The cure for anything is saltwater – sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen
• “There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea.” – Joseph Conrad
• “You haven’t lived until you’ve sailed.” – David Sedaris, Theft by Finding: Diaries
• “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau

Sailing Quotes for the Adventurous

• “I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea.” – Alaine Gerbault
• “He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.” – Dr Thomas Fuller
• “The art of the sailor is to leave nothing to chance.” – Annie Van De Wiele
• “The sea hates a coward.” – Eugene O’Neill
• “A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind.” – Webb Chiles
• “The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.” – Edmund Gibbon

Sailing Quotes for Those Who Need a Little Bit of Inspiration

• “They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; these men see the works of the Lord; and His wonders in the deep.” – Book of Common Prayer
• “A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.” – Anonymous
• “The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.” – Joshua Slocum
• “To be successful at sea we must keep things simple.” – Pete Culler
• “To reach a port we must set sail – Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “No literature is richer than that of the sea. No story is more enthralling, no tradition is more secure.” – Felix Riesenberg

Sailing Quotes for the Courageous

In the sea of sailing quotes and sailor sayings, we can highlight the ones by Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, two of the most influential writers of all time. Get out of your comfort zone and let their sailor quotes serve as your greatest encouragement.

• “Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be Pirates.” – Mark Twain
• “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
• “A man is never lost at sea.” – Ernest Hemingway
• “The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.” – Ernest Hemingway

Which Sailor Quotes Have Found Their Use in Everyday Language?

There are many phrases that we use on a regular basis that have their origin in the nautical world. However, they have lost their original meaning, so most of the time we are not aware that we are using the same phrases that were once used by sailors. We made a list of the most popular sailor phrases used in everyday language, explaining their metaphorical and original meaning.

The first example is the term feeling under the weather that people nowadays use to describe the feeling of sadness. Sailors would use this phrase when the weather was rough to warn the passengers to retreat to the lower levels of the boat to keep them safe from the storm.

We have all, not only once, experienced the calm before the storm. For example, we know that a really bad argument is always preceded by an extremely peaceful period. Sailors, on the other side, would use this phrase in anticipation of bad weather.

People often find themselves at a loose end , meaning they do not know what to do next. When on board, something that is often loose is the rope. A loose end means that the rope is not attached properly.

Have you ever gone overboard and completely exaggerated in your actions? Similar to that, when you go overboard on a boat, it means that you literally fall out of it.

The phrase fair winds and following seas is one of the most known sailor sayings. It means that the wind direction will be probably the same as the sea direction. It indicates that the sailors will probably have a “perfect day on the sea”. Furthermore, the phrase smooth sailing has a pretty similar meaning to the phrase fair winds and following seas. Smooth sailing means that there’ll be no problems further on, everything is alright now.

The phrase Anchors Aweigh means that there are no anchors in the sea at the moment, they are all clear of the sea bottom and the boat is ready for departure.

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.”

At the end of the day, you do not have to use sailing sayings and sailor quotes to be a sailor. Carleton Mitchell once said: “To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.” Therefore, to be a successful sailor, the most important thing is to live without the fear of the unknown, to gather up the courage and start living your life to the fullest – at the sea.

10 thoughts on “Sailing Quotes – Do You Speak Sailor in 2024?”

That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed the post and appreciate your support.

We want to organise a sailing-themed event. This was very helpful! Thank you.

That’s wonderful to hear, Matt! We’re thrilled that the post could help with your event planning. Best of luck with your sailing-themed event!

how are you, dignified blog on lardy loss. like helped.

Thank you, Rueben! We’re glad you found the blog helpful.

Just an FYI: The term Aye Aye was actually a Navy term for I understand and I will comply

Thanks for the info, Kevin! We appreciate the additional context and will make sure to include it in future updates.

I am fixing up a story of a sailor this is very helpful, thank you!

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• Sailing Wisdom: Unveiling the Quotes and Terminologies of the Sea

Sailing is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a way of life, a source of inspiration, and a journey into the unknown. The language of sailors is rich with history and meaning, encapsulating the essence of the sea and the spirit of adventure. This article delves into the fascinating world of sailing quotes and terminologies, offering insights into the unique lexicon of sailors and the motivational power of their words.

The Romance of Sailing Quotes

Sailing has always been synonymous with freedom, exploration, and a deep connection to nature. This is beautifully captured in numerous quotes that have been passed down through generations.

Inspirational Sailing Quotes

Many famous individuals have shared their thoughts on sailing, emphasising the profound impact it has on the human spirit. Here are a few to ponder:

• "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
• "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Cousteau
• "A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." - John A. Shedd

Quotes About the Sea

The sea itself has been a source of inspiration for countless quotes, capturing its majesty and mystery. It represents both a vast opportunity for adventure and a reminder of nature’s sheer power and unpredictability.

• "The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats." - Ernest Hemingway
• "To reach a port, we must sail—sail, not tie at anchor—sail, not drift." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Famous Quotes by Sailors

Sailors, with their unique perspective on life and the sea, have contributed their own wisdom to the world of quotes. Their words often reflect a life of resilience, adventure, and a deep bond with the ocean.

• "There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea." - Joseph Conrad
• "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." - Isak Dinesen

Winds of Change: Sailing Winds Quotes

Wind is an essential element in sailing, dictating the journey and the challenges faced by sailors. Quotes about wind reflect its power and unpredictability, serving as metaphors for life's challenges and opportunities.

Understanding Wind Terminology

Before diving into wind quotes, it’s helpful to understand some basic wind-related terms:

• True Wind : The actual wind speed and direction.
• Apparent Wind : The wind experienced on a moving boat.
• Leeward : The direction away from the wind.
• Windward : The direction from which the wind is coming.

Motivational Wind Quotes

The wind's role in sailing often serves as a metaphor for life's challenges and opportunities, inspiring many to adapt and persevere.

• "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." - Dolly Parton
• "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward

Navigating the Language: Sailor Terms

The world of sailing comes with its own unique vocabulary, essential for effective communication on the water. Understanding these terms is crucial for any sailor, whether a novice or an experienced mariner.

Basic Sailing Terms Every Sailor Should Know

Here are some fundamental terms that every aspiring sailor should familiarise themselves with:

• Port : The left side of the boat when facing forward.
• Starboard : The right side of the boat when facing forward.
• Bow : The front end of the boat.
• Stern : The rear end of the boat.
• Aft : Toward the back of the boat.
• Forward : Toward the front of the boat.

Sailing and the Spirit of Adventure

Sailing is not just about navigating waters; it's about embracing the spirit of adventure and the unknown. The thrill of the open sea and the sense of freedom it brings are captured in numerous quotes.

Quotes About the Adventure of Sailing

Many quotes highlight the adventurous nature of sailing, capturing the thrill and excitement of exploring new horizons. Sailing represents a journey of discovery, both outward and inward.

• "Sailing is the closest I can get to nature. It's adrenaline, fear, a constant challenge, and satisfaction all rolled into one." - Anonymous
• "The joy of sailing is not in the destination, but in the journey itself." - Anonymous

The Thrill of the Open Sea

The open sea represents freedom and endless possibilities, as reflected in these quotes. It embodies the essence of exploration and the boundless opportunities that lie beyond the horizon.

• "There is no better way to experience the sea than from the deck of a sailing ship." - Anonymous

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Quotes About Sails and Sailboats

The sails and the sailboat are central to the sailing experience, embodying the essence of this timeless activity. The sight of a sailboat with its sails billowing in the wind is a powerful image that has inspired many quotes.

The Role of Sails in Sailing

Sails harness the power of the wind, propelling the boat forward and guiding its course. Here are some quotes that reflect the importance of sails:

• "The sails are the wings of the boat, capturing the wind and carrying us to new adventures." - Anonymous
• "Without sails, a boat is just an empty vessel." - Anonymous

Inspirational Sailboat Quotes

Sailboats themselves are often seen as symbols of freedom and exploration. They are vessels of dreams, taking their occupants to uncharted waters and new experiences.

• "A sailboat is a piece of poetry, powered by the breath of the sea." - Anonymous
• "Sailboats embody the spirit of adventure and the longing to explore the unknown." - Anonymous

Quotes on the Beauty of Sails

The sight of a sailboat with its sails billowing in the wind is truly a sight to behold. It evokes a sense of grace and beauty, symbolising the harmonious relationship between man and nature.

• "There is nothing more beautiful than a sailboat dancing with the wind." - Anonymous
• "The sails are like the wings of a bird, graceful and free." - Anonymous

The Wisdom of Sailors

Sailors, with their deep connection to the sea, have accumulated a wealth of wisdom over the centuries. Their experiences on the vast and unpredictable ocean have given rise to profound insights and timeless quotes.

Life Lessons from Sailors

The life of a sailor is filled with lessons that apply both on and off the water. These lessons often revolve around resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining a steady course amidst life’s challenges.

• "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "Sailors know that no matter how strong the wind, it's the set of the sails that determines the direction." - Anonymous

Quotes on the Sailor's Life

The sailor's life is one of adventure, resilience, and a deep bond with the sea. It is a life of endless horizons and constant challenges, where each journey brings new experiences and insights.

• "To be a sailor is to dance with the sea and embrace its ever-changing moods." - Anonymous
• "The sailor's life is one of endless horizons and constant challenges." - Anonymous

Sailing quotes and terms offer a glimpse into the rich culture and deep wisdom of the maritime world. They capture the essence of what it means to navigate the seas, embrace adventure, and live a life filled with wonder and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or simply someone who dreams of the open sea, these quotes and terms can inspire and guide you on your journey.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

I am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. Contact me.

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40 Sailing Phrases to Know

By: American Sailing American Sailing , Nautical Trivia , Sailing Fun , Sailing History

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified sailors with the ASA sailing curriculum. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are sailing safely and confidently.  

Sailors have a way of speaking, and the sport has its own language. Some sailing phrases are common in everyday language, while others are only really used on a sailboat. The ones common in our everyday language have a nautical origin that will make you a more enlightened sailor, as well. The ones used only on a sailboat? Well, the sailing lifestyle lends itself to a specific language to describe situations and offer comedic relief when we are at the mercy of the conditions, and those will make you smarter and more adaptable in real life as well.

With that, we want to offer 40 sailing phrases you should know, some of which you may already be acquainted with.

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 is used 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 used metaphorically for 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” is to 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 from when 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.

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90+ Boat Captions for Those Perfect Days on the Water

These boat captions for Instagram will float anyone's boat!

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

For those setting sail this season, creative boat captions are the best way to seas the attention of the many scrollers on your feed! The next time you're out on the water, snap a lot of fun photos and pair them with sailorly sayings to share your seafaring joy with your landlubber friends.

Not sure how to caption your pics? Explore the brilliant boat captions below and discover the perfect words to sum up your time on the water!

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and captions are original and written by LoveToKnow Staff.

Short Boat Captions for Instagram

Let your boating photos speak for themselves by pairing them with super-brief captions. These short and snappy boat Instagram captions pair perfectly with fun photos of you and your crew on the water.

• Hope floats
• Boating babe
• Makin' waves
• Float therapy
• Just add water.
• Fortunate floater
• Salty as I want to be
• 99 Sizzlin' Summer Captions to Make Your Instagram Posts Shine

Carefree Boat Ride Captions to Show Off Your Bliss

There's nothing quite as relaxing and awe-inspiring as a boat ride. The next time you're out on the lake or river, snap some spectacular shots and share them with your social connections.

• Floatin' the coast.
• Livin' the lake life.
• Not a pier in sight.
• Chillin' on the river.
• Cruisin' with my bffs.
• Boat hair, don't care!
• Sailin' away from ordinary.
• Ain't life grand on the water?
• I like my water just a bit choppy.
• Just soakin' up some sun and sea.
• Does this boat make me look happy?
• There's no such thing as a bad day on a boat.
• Getting (a little) lost at sea is how I find myself.
• There's nothing like sunshine and the open sea.

Funny Boat Captions to Bring Some Salty Smiles

Okay, so maybe puns inspire more groans than laughs. Either way, they're still super-cute. Your friends are sure to at least let out a chuckle (even if they also roll their eyes) when you post these punny boat captions for Instagram.

• Wake for me!
• Ship happens...
• Too hot to paddle.
• Thrown for a sloop ...
• Taking the sea-nic route.
• Float-loose and fancy-free.
• Did I leave you in my wake?
• Gettin' a boost of vitamin sea .
• In port today? Naut if I can help it!
• Will I be back soon? Naut if I can help it!
• A day at sea? Just what the dock-tor ordered!
• I love boating a yacht .
• Back that raft up.
• I was ferry impressed with today's views on the water.
• It was a boat-iful day to be on the water!
• Canoe believe it?!
• I have been harboring hopes of a boat day for a while.
• 250 Clever Family Boat Names People Will Remember

Sweet Boat Day Captions for Couples

When you and your beau go out cruising on the water, that's the best time to snap a few selfies of the two of you. Choose your favorites and share away. The sayings below will help you find just the right thing to say.

• Love on the water.
• My catch of the day.
• Boatin' with my boo.
• [He/she/they] reeled me in.
• The only crew I need.
• Just me and my buoy.
• Me and my bae, floating away.
• [He/she/they] really floats my boat.
• Just me, my old man, and the sea.
• Oh Captain, my Captain!
• He/she is my anchor!
• Isn't she boat-iful?
• On land or at sea, together is where we always want to be.
• Who's the captain and who's the first mate? That is the question!
• Just [him/her/them], me, and the open sea. There is nothing else on earth I need.

Paw-some Insta Captions for Dogs on Boats

Boats aren't just for people! Puppers love them too. There's nothing quite as smile-inducing as a photo that captures the sheer joy of a dog boating with its people. Steal Instagram with a fetching dog caption .

• Dogs love boats.
• That's one happy pupper.
• Welcome to the pup deck.
• Dogs are built for boating.
• That's a bow wow of a wave.
• It's ruff out here on the water.
• Ah, to feel the wind in one's jowls...
• Boating beats playing fetch any day.
• Woof! I'll never go back to car windows.
• There's a reason it's called the dog paddle.
• Boat days are simply paw-fection.

Yacht & Sailboat Instagram Captions to Highlight Your Adventures

Lucky enough to spend time on a yacht or sailboat? Document your boating adventure by taking all the photos your SIM card can hold and then pair each one with a suitable saying.

• Come sail away.
• Yacht too shabby!
• Sailing is in my nature.
• Livin' the yacht life.
• A sailor's life for me.
• Work hard, sail free.
• Sailing soothes my soul.
• She's a lot more than a little dingy.
• Ready to sail-ebrate in style!
• The bigger the boat, the better the vacay!
• The best yacht is one that someone else gets to maintain.
• I'm not the type to ride off into the sunset. I'd rather set sail.
• If you still think one can't buy happiness, you've probably never been on a yacht.

If you are spending the day on a boat, you will likely dock somewhere. This makes beach captions another great source of inspiration! And for those frequenting freshwater, don't forget about lake captions either!

Famous Boat Captions for the Serious and Silly Sailors

Sometimes the best way to caption a boat day is with the sage words of someone else. These silly and serious boat quotes can be a great choice for the seamen looking for some sage words to pair with their post!

• "For to reach a port, we must sail-sail, not tie at anchor-sail, not drift." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered." - William Shakespeare
• "You're gonna need a bigger boat." ~ Roy Scheider
• "I know everybody says money can't buy happiness, but it could buy me a boat. It could buy me a truck to pull it. It could buy me a Yeti 110 iced down with some silver bullets. Yeah, and I know what they say, money can't buy everything. Well, maybe so, but it could buy me a boat." - Chris Janson
• "Boats. Vessels of freedom. Harbors of heeling." - Kenny Chesney
• "Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat." - Jimmy Buffett
• "Now…bring me that horizon." - Johnny Depp
• "The motions of our sail--the play of its pulse so like our own lives, so thin and yet so full of life." - Henry David Thoreau
• Stay Safe While Setting Sail

Caption Your Love of Boating

With such a fabulous list of aquatic captions, it's easy to spread the word about your love of boating. Use these boat day captions as-is, or get inspired to come up with even more fabulous sayings about the joy of being on the water. Also, be sure to check out our 250 family boat names if you're trying to name your crew's vessel.

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> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 24-07-2020, 07:27   Boat: Cape Dory 27 - 1978 I am trying to remember another one - if anyone knows it please correct this and finish it off ; "there are three types of sailors: novices, pessimists and dead" Let's see what good quotes this community has! 24-07-2020, 16:25   Boat: Volkscruiser have been wrecked on than on rocks! 24-07-2020, 16:32   of choice to harness the winds of joy. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie 24-07-2020, 16:43   24-07-2020, 16:54   the ." - Every , at least once. 24-07-2020, 20:39   Boat: Sabre 34   24-07-2020, 20:44   Boat: Sabre 34 when I was boat last year.   24-07-2020, 20:58   Boat: Douglas 32, duh...32' 24-07-2020, 21:38   Boat: 50’ Bavaria : skippers and a***holes". 25-07-2020, 04:34   : skippers and a***holes". 25-07-2020, 07:48   stand in the g-d companionway!!! 25-07-2020, 16:33   Boat: Sayer 46' Solent rig sloop ." 25-07-2020, 16:59   Boat: a sailing boat 25-07-2020, 17:02   Boat: a sailing boat 25-07-2020, 17:03   Boat: Dean 440 13.4m catamaran , , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post Crew Wanted: Globetrotter12 Crew Archives 7 16-10-2014 12:02 ColdFusion Flotsam & Sailing Miscellany 29 29-09-2009 21:43 Whimsical Forum Tech Support & Site Help 5 09-01-2009 06:46 - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. 30 Captions For Boat Pics When You're Having Yachts Of Fun With Your Friends There's nothing quite like boating on a hot summer day. The sun beating down on you isn't as unbearable when the cool ocean breeze is blowing through your hair. You're in for a day filled with water activities and toasting rosé with your crew, so you’ll need to have some Instagram captions for boat pictures at the ready. There’s so much you could be doing on the boat like fishing, waterskiing, tubing, catching up on a juicy read, or simply basking in the sunshine and working on your tan. It’s essentially a day filled with Instagram-worthy moments, so having your captions ready and a Polaroid camera by your side will make posting such a breeze. These 30 boat-inspired captions work well for any size and type of boat you might find yourself on this summer. Perhaps your family has a small speedboat they like to take out on weekends. Between tubing and cruising through the waves, you’ll want to take a break and have a yummy picnic lunch or some snacks. Of course, you’ll snap pics of your spread and you soaking in the rays with your your spiked seltzer close by. You might make it a full day adventure and cruise into the sunset. As the sky changes colors, you can snap some seriously gorgeous magic hour selfies. The bigger the boat, the more chances for pics. So if you’ve booked a luxe cruise to the Bahamas, make sure to have tons of captions ready for your buffet foodie pics, snaps of you lounging on the top deck, and Boomerangs of you waving hello to different ports of call. Choosing which photo to post can be difficult. But now that you have all the punny captions and boat quotes you need, sharing your ferry impressive day will be smooth sailing. 1. "Feelin’ pretty peachy.” 2. "Good vibes happen on high tides.” 3. "It’s aboat time we all made it out on the water.” 4. "Partying like a lob-star.” 5. "Yeah, buoy.” 6. "Feeling salty about not being a mermaid.” 7. "Whatever floats your boat, babe.” 8. "Home is wherever the anchor drops.” 9. "Thanks for being my anchor.” 10. "Decided to let my dreams set sail.” 11. "Find your flow, and row, row, row.” 12. "Love you a yacht.” 13. "Literally sailing into the sunset.” 14. "I like big boats and I cannot lie." 15. "Having a reel good time with my besties.” 16. "Sea ya later.” 17. "I’m sorry, but this boat is knot for sail.” 18. "Water you looking at?” 19. "Happy as a clam.” 20. "Floating into the weekend with my rose close by.” 21. "Not salty about this situation.” 22. "What’s up dock?” 23. "Felt cute. Might go seas the day." 24. "It’s a bikini kind of life.” 25. "Shell yeah.” 26. "When you fish upon a star!” 27. "Summertime spritz on the sea.” 28. "Having yachts of fun with you." 29. "Weekend plans.” 30. "Sea ya later, beach.” This article was originally published on 07.06.18 The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision: 1. Sailing Experience: Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art. Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing. 2. Space and Comfort: Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities. Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience. 3. Stability: Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others. Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness. 4. Performance: Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency. Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls. Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths. Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations. Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets. Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases. 7. Mooring and Docking: Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls. Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages. 8. Intended Use: Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget. Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering. 9. Resale Value: Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers. Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value. 10. Personal Preference: Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel. In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs. The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww . 430 IMAGES 73+ Best Sailing Quotes For Ocean Lovers! 🥇 [+Images] What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you 100 Perfect Sailing Quotes for the Sailboat Life 32 Best Sailor Sayings and Sailing Quotes 73+ Best Sailing Quotes For Ocean Lovers! 🥇 [+Images] 100 Perfect Sailing Quotes for the Sailboat Life VIDEO Catamaran Sailing in the BVI’s #sailing #shorts #fyp #boatlife Olympic sailing quotes! #olympics #parisolympics2024 #olympicsailing #greatness #discipline #youtube Five Minute Install for Smart Tanks A Day in the Life Living On A Sailing Catamaran chennai port sailing schedule There's Magic when Sailing #shorts #sailing COMMENTS 75 of the Most Epic and Inspirational Sailing Quotes The most comprehensive collection of awesome sailing and yachting quotes. You don't have to be a sailor to find inspiration from these insightful quotes from veteran sailors, authors, poets, celebrities, sports heroes, businessmen, and world travelers. Includes 75 Instagrammable and Pinnable images. 75+ Best Sailing Quotes for Your Inner Sailor I found it on the sea.". — Alaine Gerbault, French Sailor. 3. "Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.". — Van Morrison, Irish Singer-Songwriter. 4. "Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.". — Amelia Earhart, American Aviation Pioneer & Author. 81 Best Sailing Quotes & Captions. Stuff Boaters Really Say 81 best sailing quotes which do speak to our salty hearts. In the sea of witty sayings, these verses truly touch us and we find them to be, ah, so true! ... Catamaran vs Monohull: Let's Solve This (we Lived on Both). The Cost of Living on a Boat for our Family of Five. 14. Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit." Sailing Quotes: 50+ Sayings About the Ocean Real love is about weathering the storms of life together.". ― Seth Adam Smith. "He stared at her hard and long, as if he were gauging a cloudbank that might be worth the trouble to sail around rather than through.". ― A.S. Peterson, Fiddler's Green. "That's what sailing is, a dance, and your partner is the sea. 12 Sailing Quotes and Their Origin! Here are 12 sailing-related quotes and common nautical phrases and their backgrounds: "To reach port, we must sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.". - President Franklin Delano Rosevelt, April 14th, 1938. "Your servant still doth have twelve warships under his command and he is still alive, that the enemy shall never be safe ... The 79 Most Inspiring Sailing Quotes 22 "Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.". Brooks Atkinson. 23. "There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea.". Joseph Conrad, Polish-British Writer. 24. "Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.". The 74 Best Sailing Quotes Discover.". "Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world.". "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.". "A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.". 21 Sailing Quotes to Help You Seas the Day Sail on. "A man is never lost at sea.". - Ernest Hemingway. Sail boats will get you schooner or later. Freedom, open air, and adventure are found on the sea. Seas the day! "I cannot not sail.". - E.B. White. Land was created so boats would have a place to visit. Sailor's anthem: Nautical quotes and sayings that set sail Quotes of the sea: Capturing the essence of sailing. "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." - Franklin D. Roosevelt. "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward. Best Sailing Quotes of all time 2- Sailing quotes from Famous writers or artists. "Anchor as though you plan to stay for weeks, even if you plan to stay for one hour" Tommy Moran, American artist. "I want a boat that drinks six, eats four, sleeps two.". Ernest Kellog Gann (1910-1991) American Aviator, Author, Sailor, and conservationist. Sailing quotes, proverbs, slogans and jokes Sailing quotes, proverbs and slogans inspirations. A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work. Worldwild Sailing Proverbs. ... We also propose catamaran trip to cross the Panamanian border and reach Colombia. More than 10 years experience in San-Blas and 20 years experience sailing. Change Currency. USD . USD ; Pearls of Wisdom: 20 Most Inspirational Sailing Quotes Chris Robb (ChrisRobb) "Calm sailing does not come from calm waters, it comes from a good navigator, a good crew and a good ship." Anthony T. Hinks (AnthonyT. Hincks) Yachting in the works of famous artists: "Argenteuil Series" by Monet, Renoir and Caillebotte. "Out there in the sea, you are really yourself.". Sailing Quotes Sailing Quotes for Those Who Need a Little Bit of Inspiration. "They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; these men see the works of the Lord; and His wonders in the deep.". - Book of Common Prayer. "A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work.". - Anonymous. Sailing Wisdom: Unveiling the Quotes and Terminologies of the Sea The Romance of Sailing Quotes. Sailing has always been synonymous with freedom, exploration, and a deep connection to nature. This is beautifully captured in numerous quotes that have been passed down through generations. Inspirational Sailing Quotes. Many famous individuals have shared their thoughts on sailing, emphasising the profound impact ... Cool Sailing Quotes The sleep brings dreams of home.". "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.". "A bad day sailing is better than a good day at work.". "Start first and increase your lead.". "Big boats get the glory, but the dingy makes the sailor.". 40 Sailing Phrases to Know 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. 100 Best Sailing Slogans ('Cause Life's Better on a Boat) Sail away with me. Watch the boom. Whatever floats your boat. Most likely to give in to pier pressure. Things are going quite swell. Where there's a wave, there's a way. Home is where the anchor drops. See Funny Sailing Quotes. Inspirational Sailing Slogans. Let your dreams set sail. Gone sailing. Home is where the anchor drops. Whatever ... 100 Inspirational Boat Quotes for that Boat Life Aesthetic Inspiring but Funny Boat Quotes. "Someone asked me, if I were stranded on a desert island what book would I bring…. 'How to Build a Boat.'". - Steven Wright. "Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.". - Jean-Paul Sartre. "Every man should pull a boat over a mountain once in his life.". - Werner Herzog. 43 Best Sailing Quotes of All Time To Give Wind To Your Sails 2.) Work Hard, Play Hard. "Work like a captain and play like a pirate.". Unknown. At sea, like on land, there's a time to get the work done and a time to relax. Try to perfect both parts. (Don't take the pirate part too literally, please). See 100 Inspirational Sailing Slogans. 3.) 90+ Boat Captions for Those Perfect Days on the Water These silly and serious boat quotes can be a great choice for the seamen looking for some sage words to pair with their post! "For to reach a port, we must sail-sail, not tie at anchor-sail, not drift." - Franklin D. Roosevelt. "Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered." - William Shakespeare. Fun Thread Re: Fun Thread - Best Sailing Quotes. "A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned." said the old fisherman from the Blasket Islands. "But we do be afraid of the sea...and we do only be drowned now and again." Irish playwright J.M.Synge. Had this taped over my chart table for years. 100 Yacht Captions That Will Float Your Boat Here are some of our favorite yacht captions. Eat. Sleep. Yacht. Repeat. What happens on the yacht stays on the yacht. Long weekends and living the yacht life. Good vibes on the high and low tides. The water may be salt, but this is the sweetest life. 30 Instagram Captions For Boat Pictures When You're Having Yachts Of Fun But now that you have all the punny captions and boat quotes you need, sharing your ferry impressive day will be smooth sailing. 1. "Feelin' pretty peachy.". 2. "Good vibes happen on high ... The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran ... Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness. gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht