Why will a sailor never go to sea on Friday 13th? Why are boats always referred to as 'she'? How do you navigate the ocean without a compass? Does the Bermuda Triangle really exist? Why do sailors wear earrings? Did Blackbeard actually exist? Did Nelson really say 'Kiss me, Hardy'? What is the correct way to bury a body at sea? Why is a rope never called a rope? This fascinating collection of maritime folklore and trivia delves into the history, science and culture of the sea, and is packed full of entertaining, surprising and insightful facts, from the delightfully obscure to the amusingly quaint, including everyday expressions that have their origins on board ship. It is a complete treasure trove for young and old alike. Topics include: sailors and superstitions; ships and shipbuilding; navigation and seamanship; pirates and smugglers; fish and fishermen; coasts and oceans; tides and weather; art and literature of the sea.

A witty compendium of nautical trivia covering everything from the origins of salty sayings to the truth behind salty superstitions. Fascinating maritime facts and folklore which inform and entertain.

About the Author
Nic Compton was deputy editor and then editor of Classic Boat magazine from 1996 to 2000. Before then he spent an idyllic childhood living on boats in the Mediterranean. Since leaving Classic Boat he has travelled the world as a freelance writer and photographer.

Reviews
This one is a gem. It is thoroughly entertaining and full of sea-inspired anecdotes, myths and unusual facts. * RNLI Magazine *


Awards
Long-listed for The Maritime Foundation Mountbatten Literary Awards 2013 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781408188057
Author Nic Compton
Format Hardback
Page Count 96
Imprint Adlard Coles Nautical
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 241g