Wind Spells

1555 woodcut showing a magician selling sailors a rope tied with three wind knots

With October just around the corner and the veil between worlds traditionally said to grow thin, it feels fitting to turn our thoughts to ancient folklore and the mysteries of the sea. Autumn’s restless winds stir the trees and whisper through the rigging, carrying tales of wise women and witches who were once believed to hold sway over the weather itself. These were the wind witches,

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Sailor Tattoos

sailor tattoos

Sailor Tattoos: Their History and Meanings

When I was writing about Sailing Superstitions last week, it became clear just how important tattoos were in a sailor’s life. Far from being just decoration, sailor tattoos carried meanings of protection, identity, and achievement. This article takes a look at their history and the symbolism behind some of the most well-known designs.


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Nautical Sayings and their Origins

Sailing boats and yachts moored at Chichester Marina

So many of the phrases we use every day come from the language of sailors and life at sea. Centuries of seafaring have shaped the English language in ways we often don’t realise.

From being told to pipe down to liking the cut of someone’s jib, here are some familiar nautical sayings and the stories behind them.


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