Traditions and superstitions in maritime affairs

Traditions that have formed over the centuries-old history of yachting are in one way or another connected with everyday marine life, and, if you look at it properly, they are quite unbiasedly justified. Modern yachtsmen, like sailors of past centuries, like to fancy dressing up their "swallows", as well as to dress smartly and do not miss the opportunity to drink alcoholic drinks for themselves and for Poseidon. Established ceremonies and rituals organically complement the strict procedures that determine the relationship between the captain and the crew. All maritime traditions can be divided into two large groups: those related to internal relations between crew members, and those related to behavior towards other ships, port residents and coastal employees.

External traditions (and superstitions) encompass the entire area of life at sea and are defined in relation to each stage of travel at sea. Among them are common:

• the superstition that one cannot shout loudly when mooring is especially appreciated among experienced yachtsmen (it has a completely practical basis, because if you imagine that a yacht is moored in difficult weather conditions, the team works harmoniously and here in the dark suddenly a loud cry is heard, then he is able to "unsettle", greatly interfering with the process);
• also should not whistle unnecessarily on board, because it is believed that in this way you can provoke the supreme sea god Poseidon, for which he is able to cause a storm (but for example, in Finland they believe that you can use a charmed rope with three knots to cause manifestations of the elements from a light breeze to a hurricane);
• there is also an opinion that the ship should always be in perfect clean condition. This is especially true for rented yachts yachts for rent, otherwise you will not see clients;
• a bright holiday is organized at the first exit of the vessel with fireworks and breaking a bottle against the side, and renaming a yacht is considered unacceptable and is considered to entail various troubles;
• also the sailors are sure that the crew and the vessel go by the sea, not swim (only ducks go) and treat the water with respect, for which the water always keeps them firmly on its surface;

• when going out to sea, be sure to remove the fenders - a yacht sailing with fenders will make sailors taunt !;
• superstition about the inadmissibility of hanging the washed laundry in marinas (while no one will have any questions about the beautiful underwear hung on the rails);
• it is a tradition to welcome the oncoming yacht (a larger yacht should greet first);
• when communicating with other yachts or with the shore by radio, it is imperative to greet and say goodbye to the interlocutor;
• when talking with sailors who have returned from a campaign, one should not ask them about the campaigns as "the last", since the latter is the final without continuation, it is more appropriate to use the expression "extreme campaign";
• but you need to let the sailor go into the sea with a smile and a light heart, since only a smiling woman encourages him to a successful trip and return with gifts;
• you should also meet and see off neighboring yachts - this is dictated not so much by politeness as by safety requirements (a yacht departing from the shore may, for example, raise your anchor or damage the side);
• flags should be displayed solely by status - those who like to fly, for example, the Jolly Roger, should simply be explained that warships have the right to open fire to kill a ship with such a flag.

Internal traditions on board include:

• Obligation to change your shoes when boarding a ship - only special yacht shoes are allowed;
• The duty to protect and honor your captain - you cannot, for example, force him to cook your food or run for groceries to the supermarket on the shore. And at any opportunity, it is better to treat the captain with food in a cafe or restaurant - it will pay off three times;
• It is customary to stock up on food for a long time, because it is not known how the circumstances will develop ("You go to sea for a day - take for a week, if you go for a week - take for a month");
• You should go on watch 5 minutes before its start - do not keep yourself waiting, because this is the privilege of the captain of the ship;
• It is not customary to cook red food on board, for example, wine or cranberries, as they can leave stains on the yachtsman's clothes (and it is customary to wear white on a yacht);
• Meals on board are strictly regulated by the watch schedule, in any weather and at any time of the year;
• Before the arrival of the captain, none of those present should touch the dishes on the set table, although they can take their places;
• If someone needs to leave the table before the end of the official part, they can do so by asking permission from the captain;
• During the meal, no one, except the cook, has the right to leave the table without the permission of the captain;
• It is necessary to constantly maintain cleanliness on the ship, because cleanliness is a guarantee of health, and order becomes a guarantee that in an unforeseen situation you can quickly find what you need at the moment;
• The first priority for any yachtsman is to take care of the opposite sex - it is important to follow and look after a woman, to help if necessary. This is also important because women are less able to tolerate rolling, which can cause a bad mood for a long period.

As specialists 2yachts note, in maritime business it is important not only to comply with the rules and established traditions, but also principles of politeness and good manners - this must always be remembered, especially at sea, where you do not have to wait for help in any extreme situation from strangers.